About Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole

About Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole

Prince Kuhio was born in on March 26, 1871 on the island of Kaua’i. He was schooled in both the Royal School, a private institution on Honolulu, and In San Mateo, California. He received the title of Prince after his cousin, Queen Liliuokalani, appointed him next to the throne. After graduating from business school in England, he was imprisoned and charged with treason for joining the Royalists against the new republic in 1895. He served a year in prison.

After the United States annexed Hawaii, he returned from travels in Europe with his wife to become involved in democracy. He joined the Home Rule Party of Hawaii, which represented the native people’s interests and was closely associated with the Democratic party while the Republican party was made up of mostly corporate interests.

However, in 1901 Kuhio joined the Republicans, hoping to join a group that could actually make ground. Kuhio was then elected to the U.S. Congress as a Republican. He served ten terms, staying involved in politics until his death. Some of his career highlights include local community work, establishing a county system, appointed native Hawaiians into government positions, and promoted the Hawaii Statehood Act. His work improved the native Hawaiian’s integration into government. He is remembered with many streets, beaches, and schools in his name