Lydia Kamaka‘eha Lili‘uokalani, queen of Hawaii, passed away on Nov. 11, 1917. ADVERTISING Lydia Kamaka‘eha Lili‘uokalani, queen of Hawaii, passed away on Nov. 11, 1917. She was compassionate toward Japanese immigrant subjects of the kingdom. After attending a Hongwanji service
Lydia Kamaka‘eha Lili‘uokalani, queen of Hawaii, passed away on Nov. 11, 1917.
She was compassionate toward Japanese immigrant subjects of the kingdom. After attending a Hongwanji service in May 1901, she maintained a connection to Hilo throughout her life.
Since Buddhist practice observes the 100th year a year earlier than Western practice, a 100th memorial service took place Oct. 30 at Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin on Kilauea Avenue, marking 100 years since the queen’s death and the start of construction on the gardens in Hilo named in her honor.
Ten months in planning, the memorial service was given by Rimban Jeffrey Soga. Emcee and planning committee chairwoman was Barbara Fujimoto, who is active in the Buddhist Women’s Association.
Ho‘okani ka pu, the opening conch shell and chant by kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe, blended with kansho, the Buddhist temple bell ringing, as 293 participants inside the temple rose in honor of the entrance of family descendants Keawe and Kaimi Keohokalole with the Royal Order of Kamehameha the First, Mamalahoa Chapter.
Special guests for the gathering included former first lady of Hawaii Jean Ariyoshi, who spearheaded a movement to restore Washington Place, the queen’s home that served as the governor’s residence to several Hawaii leaders.
Bishop Eric Matsumoto of Honolulu offered a dharma message about the queen’s life and dedication to peace, compassion and wisdom.
There was a “surprise” visit to the memorial service by Lili‘uokalani herself, in the person of Jackie Pualani Johnson of the University of Hawaii at Hilo theater department, who brought the queen’s recollections of the early 1900s to life.
The memorial service was followed by refreshments in Sangha Hall, based on the menu of the 1901 service the queen attended, and displays from the Lili‘uokalani Trust, Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, Nelson Makua and Na Makua Designs, and Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens.
The Buddhist memorial service also marked the beginning of a year of centennial events for Hilo’s treasured cultural landscape, Lili‘uokalani Gardens, the 24-acre public garden on Banyan Drive.
For more information or to support the gardens, contact Friends of Lili‘uokalani Gardens at 895-8130 or kteger@hawaii.rr.com.
