Artist Sean Browne ’71 proudly reveals “Ka ‘Ikena Ho‘oulu a Pauahi.”
Pauahi Statue Unveiled
Statue is located in The Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center
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n December 19, Kamehameha Schools marked the birth date of its founder by revealing a bronze statue of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in the shade of The Royal Grove’s newly planted kumu niu, or coconut trees, at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikïkï. “It’s fitting that the statue is nestled in the Grove’s ethnobotanical gardens at Helumoa,” said Dee Jay Mailer, Kamehameha Schools CEO.
“This is where Pauahi spent her last days and wrote the final codicil to her will that provided for the establishment of Kamehameha Schools.” Created by artist Sean Browne ’71, the statue is named “Ka ‘Ikena Ho‘oulu a Pauahi,” or the inspired vision of Pauahi. The statue depicts Pauahi seated on a bench holding a book with a little girl beside her. The statue is the only ali‘i statue where the honoree is seated, which
Kamehameha trustees Nainoa Thompson, Douglas Ing and CEO Dee Jay Mailer offer ho‘okupu at the unveiling of a bronze statue of Princess Pauahi.
denotes Pauahi’s humble demeanor, patience and aloha. The statue is situated on a circular platform of pöhaku and ‘ili‘ili stones gathered from North
Kona, an area significant to Kamehameha I. The Royal Grove, a lush green berm that fronts Kaläkaua Avenue, opened in November, signaling the awakening of a new cultural gathering space for entertainment, cultural learning and overall enjoyment. The Royal Hawaiian Center, owned by Kamehameha Schools, is undergoing a major multi-million dollar renovation slated for completion in 2008. Located on six acres of prime Waikïkï real estate, all revenues generated by the center enable Kamehameha Schools to provide quality education to children of Hawaiian ancestry, on its campuses and in communities across the state. “Pauahi’s presence here in The Royal Grove will serve as a constant reminder of her love for her people, especially our keiki o ka ‘äina, and her commitment to education,” Mailer said.
Hula and mele commemorate the November 16 opening of The Royal Grove at the Royal Hawaiian Center.
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