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March 26th is the day Hawaii celebrates the life and memory of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole. We celebrate and honor the birthday of Hawaii’s second delegate to Congress, affectionately known as “Prince Cupid” because of his cherubic façade. Prince Kuhio was born in Koloa, Kauai in 1871. He was the youngest of three sons of Kauai High Chief David Kahalepouli Piikoi and Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike, younger sister of Queen Kapiolani. He served as the Territory of Hawaii’s delegate to Congress from 1903 to 1921. In 1918, he established the first Hawaiian Civic Club to stimulate civic efforts and education within the Hawaiian community and to promote Hawaiian culture. Today there are over 60 Hawaiian Civic Clubs nationwide.
Because King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani had no children of their own, Jonah Kuhio, Edward Keliiahonui, and David Kawananakoa were legally adopted and given the rank of Prince. Thus, he was in line to the throne before the monarchy was overthrown in 1893.
In addition to the Hawaiian Civic Club movement, he resurrected the Royal Order of Kamehameha I after the noble organization went underground after the overthrow, and reinvigorated King Kamehameha Day festivities.
A few of his major accomplishments include a $27 million federal appropriation for the dredging and construction of Pearl Harbor and the establishing of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
A graduate of Oahu College (now called Punahou School), Kuhio is best remembered for his success in Congress passing the 1920 Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, providing homesteads for Native Hawaiians. He believed strongly in his Uncle David’s philosophy, “Hooulu Lahui – Increase the Nation.” He planned to return Hawaiians to the land, encouraging them to be self-sufficient farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders on leased parcels of reserved land, just as their ancestors had done. The act was officially signed into law by President Harding on July 9, 1921 – this year marking its 100th anniversary.
Kuhio was also known as Ke Alii Makaainana or “The Citizen Prince,” because of his love for his people. He died of heart disease on January 7, 1922, at the age of 50, and is laid to rest today at Maunaala, the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu Valley on Oahu.
Let’s remember that Kuhio is more than a highway on Kauai, an avenue running through Waikiki, or a mall in Hilo. He was a leader, a thinker, a doer, a Prince, a man with great foresight, and a proud son of Hawaii!
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MVCB recently launched a new Molokai Travel Pono video with cultural practitioner Kanoelani Davis through its social media channels. Kanoelani invites the viewers to experience a deeper connection when visiting her island home by coming with humility, an open mind and readiness to embrace the aloha spirit. 
In addition, Maui’s social media coverage included the announcement of a
Mahalo to our members who participated in our COVID-19 Vaccine Overview – Efficacy and Advocacy Webinar with Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, Dr. Deb Friesen and David Tumilowicz of Kaiser Permanente and Roseann Freitas of the Better Business Bureau. In case you missed it, 
The Coconut Waikiki Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Nagata as their new General Manager, effective December 28, 2020. He joins Coconut Waikiki Hotel from Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club where he served as Director of Room Operations.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina announces the appointment of Michael Mestraud as General Manager and Vice President Residential Operations – Americas for the luxury resort. A 22-year Four Seasons veteran, Mestraud brings a wealth of international experience, specifically in resort destinations and residential operations.
The iconic Hau Tree at Kaimana Beach Hotel has re-opened under new ownership, seeking enthusiastic, hospitality-driven professionals who can provide authentic connections and deliver curated handcrafted experiences with passion.
Southwest Airlines announced it has donated 7,500 roundtrip tickets to help remove the financial burden for those who need to travel for life-changing or specialized medical care. More than 75 nonprofit hospitals and medical transportation organizations across the United States received the tickets through Southwest’s® Medical Transportation Grant Program, allowing them to bring patients and caregivers closer to much-needed medical care. 
