Keaukaha Homestead Celebrates 90 Years

Posted on Nov 18, 2014 in Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Media Releases

KEAUKAHA, HAWAI’I – Hawaiian homes would not exist if not for the determination of the first Keaukaha homesteaders who moved here in the early 1920s, and last night Keaukaha ‘ohana gathered outside Kawanankoa Hall to celebrate the homestead’s 90th anniversary.

Keaukaha homesteaders were joined by Hawaiian Homes Commissioners, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands staff, dignitaries and the community at large, to celebrate this milestone.

Descendants of the original Keaukaha homesteaders present at the event were recognized for their kupuna’s role in the history of the Hawaiian homes program.

KEAUKAHA PIONEERING HOMESTEADERS

Established in the 1924, Keaukaha was the second Hawaiian homestead project in the state after Kalama’ula on Moloka’i. Originally named the Kuhio Settlement, Keaukaha homestead is considered one of the pioneers of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.

Upon passage of the Act by the U.S. Congress in 1921, the Hawaiian homes program was initially implemented on Moloka’i and Hawai’i as a pilot project.

Over 60 native Hawaiian families became Kuhio Settlement lessees on December 16, 1924, and were determined to turn the barren land they were given into a bountiful community. Their success in building their homes and harvesting food from their plot of land was instrumental in proving to Congress that beneficiaries were up to the challenge.

The descendants were also recognized in a proclamation by Representative Clift Tsuji and Hawai’i County Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi.

As part of the celebration, the Department unveiled new plans and a renewed commitment to building a community project at Puhi Bay on the former site of the Hawaiian Village.

Monday night’s event kicks off a year-long celebration of the homestead community’s 90th year anniversary.

Earlier that day the Hawaiian Homes Commission unanimously approved a motion to recognize the descendants of the first homesteaders in Keaukaha.

ORIGINAL KEAUKAHA HOMESTEADERS

  • Moses K. Kahue
  • Samuel Kawehionapua Kipi
  • Mrs. Martha Akana
  • Mrs. Mary Kuikahi
  • Robert K. Kahakua
  • Solomon Kahaawi
  • Violet McKeague Kaluakupa
  • Mrs. Poli Kalau
  • Mrs. David Brown
  • C.H. Akina Aiona
  • Sarah Maliikapu
  • Mrs. Eliza Sam Pookalani
  • Mrs. Stella Kaiminaauao
  • Mrs. Mary Fujii
  • Isaac K. Kamoku
  • Mrs. Ohia Nahau
  • Peter K. Pua
  • James Ainahau Puuohau
  • Samuela A. Mika
  • James E. Kepoo, Jr.
  • Mrs. Sam Kalua, Jr.
  • Mrs. H.S. Liftee, Jr.
  • Mrs. Hattie Keahi
  • Samuel Kalua
  • Jos. N. Koomoa
  • Mrs. Leihulu Riedel
  • Mrs. Marcea Paahao Cortes
  • Haikealoha Kekuewa
  • Mrs. Haleola Pea
  • Kahaku Kalawaiawaaole
  • David Eleneke
  • James K. Nahuina
  • Nakapuahi Kahoilua
  • Mrs. Kahana Kuipe
  • Mrs. Kamalu Kaai
  • John Ho-a
  • Mrs. Sarah K. Higa
  • Joseph Kumali
  • Solomon B. Lainaholo
  • James Kealoha
  • Maleana J. Kaeha
  • Joseph K. Kaoioi
  • Mrs. Wm. K. Makaea
  • Meheula Makaea
  • John K. Hiapo, Sr.
  • Martha Lepen
  • William K. Kahuena
  • Keahi Kaluai
  • Samuel Kauaa Kenoi
  • Mrs. Jennie Winchester
  • Akina Akai
  • Miss Lucy Pokini
  • W. Wadell
  • Fred Kaiakaloa Namahoe
  • Mrs. Annie Namahoe
  • Charles Kauanoano Kealoha
  • Joseph Lono Kapea
  • Mrs. Sarah K. Kamaka
  • Mrs. Dinah G. Pokini
  • Mrs. Louisa Kealoha
  • Mrs. Lily Nobriga

All photos by Blaine Fergerstrom