Ka'iulani Project Presentations & Events

Event Archive:

Saturday, October 16th, 2010 - LAHAINA ROYAL HO'IKE - FROM the KEIKI to KA'IULANI and THE CROWN - Sacred Grounds of Waiola Church, Lahaina, Maui.

Celebrating Crown Princess Ka'iulani's 135th Birthday in this year of the Hawaiian Kingdom Bicentennial, 1810 - 2010. A labor of love, produced without funding, but with the kokua of those who care for the Hawaiian culture that surrounds us. This event has gone to the heart of many.

Lahaina Royal Ho'ike was exciting day for the entire family with The Royal Hawaiian Guard on parade, Hawaii Royal Order of Guards, The Royal Order of Kamehameha, hula presentations, cultural demonstrations, information on Hawaii's alii, history of Waiola Church and Moku'ula, tours of the sacred grounds, cultural and craft vendors, family activities, ethnic foods, musical performers, special guest appearances, silent auction and more.

Entertainers included Grammy winner Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i, The Kahaiali’i Ohana, Na Kamali'i O Ke Akua, Hiki No, The Krueger Ohana, Tava Nui Drummers, Kahi Kolu from the Big Island, Celtic Hart, Scottish bagpiper Hamish Burgess, Hawaii's Scot of the Year (honoring Princess Ka’iulani’s dual Hawaiian/Scottish heritage). There were also cultural and historical specialists including Dubhan Clark, of the University of Glasgow (who specializes on the life of Robert Crichton Wyllie, who served under three Kamehameha's), Neil Dukas (Hawaii Military historian), Maui Historical Society, Bailey House Museum, guided tours of Sacred grounds of Moku'ula, where Maui College archeologists are uncovering the spring-fed waters of Loko o Mokuhinia. Also a chance to see some never-before-seen photographs relating to the life of Princess Ka'iulani Cleghorn, from The Ka’iulani Project, which has been working with archivists, museums and descendants of Princess Ka'iulani family members, for the past several years. Archivists at Bishop Museum, have very recently uncovered important historical letters. One of these moving letters was read within the Ka'iulani Project, Lu'au O Ka'iulani.

History was in the making at The Ka'iulani Project's, LU'AU O KA'IULANI - First, Grammy winning Richard Ho'opii entertained during a feast of authentic Hawaiian cuisine prepared by the Royal Order of Kamehameha. Then, all were witness to cultural protocols honoring Hawaii's Royalty, performed by The Royal Hawaiian Guard, Hawaii Royal Order of Guards, Royal Order of Kamehameha, Kahu of Waiola Church, several major Kupuna, Sam Ka'ai, Richard Ho'opi'i, and many more including a delegation from Lahainaluna and representative from the Caledonian Society of Hawaii. Some of these protocols were performed for the first time in over 100 years. For the first time in history the official portrait of Queen Keopuolani sat at her tomb. Earlier in the day, the portrait was carried by Royal Guard from Honolulu to Kahului and met by Royal Hawaiian Guard salute at Kahului ariport. Ho'okupu offerings to Queen Keopuolani were presented at her tomb and ho'okupu offerings to Princess Ka'iulani were presented to descendants of the Princess's family and accepted personally by the Grand-niece of Hawaii's Crown Princess.

The audience then traveled 135 years back in time to see the gripping story of Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn, the daughter of a double race. Her story was told through letters, interviews music, hula, and performance of selected scenes from the original upcoming production “Ka’iulani - The Island Rose”. Performers included actors, Camille Romero (Ka'iulani), Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaiali'i (King Kalakaua), Brian Connelly (Archibald Cleghorn), Steve Hatcher (Robert Louis Stevenson), Jennifer Fahrni (Gertrude Gardinier), Hamish Burgess (Scottish bagpiper), and Halau ‘O Keaunui ‘O Maui. Also included, were some never before seen photographs, and recently uncovered information from Bishop Museum archivists. See video of Waiola Church and The Royal Hawaiian Guard. Photo left and above: Actors, Camille Romero, Brian Connelly, Steve Hatcher and Jennifer Fahrni onstage to a full house at Lahaina Royal Ho'ike.

Photo right: Hawaii Royal Order of Guards with official portrait of Queen Keopuolani, on loan from Kamehameha School in Oahu, at her tomb at Waiola Church, and life-size portrait of Princess Ka'iulani by Maui artist Matt Holton.

Visitors experienced Lahaina's Royal Past and the rich culture of Hawai'i at the House of Keopuolani, the wife and mother of Kings. Keopuolani, who was born in Maui, was of the highest mana. Even the esteemed Kamehameha was her inferior in terms of mana, and had to bow when in her presence. By marrying her, Kamehameha's children would be ensured of the highest ali'i rank. Two of their twelve children together, were Kamehameha II and Kamehameha III. Keopuolani chose to be buried at the sacred Waiola Church in Lahaina, where Christianity began here on the island of Maui. Other alii buried at Waiola include Princess Nahi'ena'ena and King Kaumuali'i of Kauai, who peacefully capitulated to Kamehameha the Great, which was significant in the forming of the Hawaiian Kingdom 200 years ago.

Photo left: Members of the Royal Hawaiian Guard at the tomb of Keopuolani and Princess Nahienaena on the grounds of Waiola Church, Lahaina. The Royal Hawaiian Guard is a new Maui organization which understands the value of our youth. They have set out to preserve Hawaii's history while also inspiring future community leaders. The culture of The Guard is built on five human truths while incorporating the Aloha & Warrior spirits. The Guard’s several programs include “The Queen’s Own”, which emulates the 1885 Queen's Own that served during the reign of His Majesty King Kalakaua. Their Unit Patron is Sacred High Chiefess Keopuolani, the wife and mother of Kings. The Queen's Own is the first Honor Unit to stand sentry over a Royal Tomb since the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy.

Waiola Church, which was established in the early 1800's during the reign of King Kamehameha the Great is the site for the Lahaina Royal Ho'ike. It was dedicated in 1823 as 'Waine'e Church' and was instrumental in the introduction and growth of the Christian religion on the island of Maui. After Lahaina became the Capital of Hawai'i and the rulers spent time on Maui, Waiola Church was established and remains the perfect spot to celebrate Lahaina's Royal Past.

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010 - 21st Annual Princess Ka'iulani Tribute and Memorial - Royal Mausoleum, Chapel at Mauna 'Ala, Honolulu. Mahalo to William John Kaihe‘ekai Mai‘oho, Kahu of Mauna 'Ala.

For more than twenty years, the Caledonian Society of Hawaii has honored the Kalakaua's musical dynasty and Princess Ka'iulani's dual cultural heritage. Princess Ka'iulani was half Hawaiian (her mother being Princess, Miriam Likelike) and half Scottish (her father was Scotsman, Archibald Cleghorn, last Royal Governor of O'ahu). The sunset Tribute to Princess Victoria Kawekiu i Lunalilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Ka'iulani Cleghorn is held at Mauna ‘Ala, the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii, in Nuuanu Valley, Honolulu. Mahalo to William (Bill) John Kaihe‘ekai Mai‘oho, curator and kahu of Mauna 'Ala for hosting the gatherings. Kamehameha the Great chose Bill's family to care for the iwi of the royal family. The Royal Mausoleum which was originated by Kamehameha IV and his wife, Queen Emma, is the most sacred burial ground on the island of Oahu.

Fine Scottish weather of light rain combined with Hawaiian sunset made for a rainbow over the chapel while Hardy Spoehr, of the Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai`i, piped the gathering into the small church. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii performed a dance composed by Caledonian Society Chieftain, Bruce McEwan, 'The Pikake Lei', in the chapel entrance hall. Then young Highland dancers, from The Margaret Rose School of Dance of Helensborough, Scotland, performed the Seann Triubhas (pronounced shawn-troos), Gaelic for "unwanted trousers". The dance depicts the 'throwing off of the trousers', and celebrates the repeal of the Proscription Act, the law which forbade the Scots from wearing their traditional kilts, speaking their native language and from playing their bagpipes. The act was mirrored in Hawaii when it was forbidden for the Hawaiians to perform the hula. The dance honored King Kalakaua, who was responsible for bringing back the hula to Hawaii.

Bruce McEwan hosted the evening, which, this year, was combined with National Tartan Day. After the chief's welcome, Mrs. Bruce recited Robert Louis Stevenson's famous poem, then featured speaker, Jennifer Fahrni of the Princess Ka'iulani Project spoke passionately about the Princess' life and achievements.The evening closed with a presentation of a lei at the crypt where the Hawaiian-Scottish crown princess and her family lie at rest.

An excerpt from Jennifer Fahrni's talk - "Just at the time Ka'iulani came into her own, she was faced with the challenge of her life. In her nation's darkest hour, Ka'iulani found the strength to speak for her people. Ka'iulani had become empowered by fully embracing her Scottish and Hawaiian ancestries, and found comfort in understanding her dual heritage. Ka'iulani discovered that our similarities are far greater than our differences and became one of the first to start 'building the bridges'."

More photos at Maui Celtic and Ka'iulani Project page.

The Ka’iulani Project is gaining interest in other parts of the world, with press articles in the US, Canada and Scotland. Also recently, Hamish Burgess took the princess’s story personally, to Scotland, her father’s birthplace, and BBC Scotland. Over the last six years we are pleased to see awareness of the princess increasing. However, this story is one that is not found in all history books. Up to now, Ka'iulani's name has brought up feelings of sadness and tragedy. In fact, very few know the compelling facts of Ka'iulani's heroism – that’s the point. The Ka'iulani Project has become a gathering place for Ka'iulani researchers, those with previously produced works about the princess, and also like minded folks who simply see Ka'iulani as an inspiration for young people today.

Since beginning the project, we have met many others who have also been honoring the princess, including other plays about her, from the well-known, "Ka'iulani: A Cantata for the Theatre", by Victoria Kneubuhl, to “Ka'iulani”, a play written over 25 years ago by then Hilo schoolteacher Clarence Waipa and his students on the Island of Hawaii. Mikahala Roy, of the Ahu'ena Heiau on the Island of Hawaii, contacted Fahrni about Waipa's play, which she had seen over 25 years ago and asked if she would be interested in speaking with him.

Many generous individuals have joined the Ka'iulani Project in presentations, from veteran Hawaiian actor and host of Hawaii's Merrie Monarch Festival Kimo Kaho'ano in Oahu, to Scotland's Musical Ambassador and World's top Scottish fiddler, Alasdair Fraser with Natalie Haas in Maui. On Kauai, Cindy Combs (photo above right) played throughout the presentation creating the musical score for the story of Ka'iulani's life. Hamish spoke about 'Scots in Hawaii' and played the Scottish smallpipes. The presentations include a history of Princess Ka'iulani Cleghorn's untold heroism, and short scenes from the original script "Ka'iulani - The Island Rose", written by Fahrni and Carol Harvie-Yamaguchi. A projected presentation of photographs from the princess's life accompanied the actor's scenes.Ka‘iulani's story of determination and courage is a story for our time. Through her struggle to embrace her dual heritage, she found the inner strength to speak for her nation in its darkest hour.

The play challenges us to examine the prejudices and misunderstandings that tear us apart, and her story compels us to embrace diversity as the foundation upon which we build our greatness. "It's appropriate to be helping a member of our Hawaiian community with The Ka'iulani Project, especially an organization like storybook who does such great work for children. Ka'iulani herself dedicated much energy to the welfare of young people.

"For the past five years, Mark and Storybook Theatre have honored Princess Ka'ulani by portraying in their Kauai Keiki Story Festival. Last year's Ka'iulani (photo left, in white, Kaleiu'i Hosaka) rode into the event on horseback, and led a children's parade through town. The purpose of The Storybook Theatre of Hawaii is to enable Hawaii's school children to experience and participate in the performing and media arts, SBTH also perpetuates the cultural values and heritage of the peoples of Hawaii and the Pacific.

Kawena'ulaonalani Tyger Warren, from Kauai (left in green), read the part of Ka'iulani in selected sections of the original script, "Ka'iulani, The Island Rose" with Ka'iulani Project originator, Jennifer Fahrni, Mark Jeffers and Hamish Burgess. To help Storybook Theatre of Hawaii continue educating and inspiring young people of Hawaii, you may send donations to 3814 Hanapepe Rd. Hanapepe, Kauai, or please call them at (808) .

 

July, 2009 - The Ka'iulani Project takes Princess's Story to Scotland - Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland.

Hamish Douglas Burgess, Scottish Ambassador for The Ka'iulani Project, attended the first Clan Convention in recorded history, at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, and took the story of Hawaii’s most beloved Hawaii/Scot, Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn back to her father’s (Archibald Scot Cleghorn) homeland. Hamish was asked to speak about the Princess and the Hawaii/Scotland connection Liz Clark’s show “Travels with your Auntie Liz” on Celtic Music Radio Scotland. Hamish represented Hawaii Scots at The Gathering in Edinburgh, Scotland in August - the centrepiece of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations, and marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns.

Hamish was also a featured guest on Archie Fisher’s “Travelling Folk” show on BBC Radio Scotland, both in Glasgow. Special note: As a true ambassador for the Scottish/Hawaiian connection, Hamish introduced one of our favorite pieces, Hapa's "Aloha Namahana" to Scotland's broadcasting icon Archie Fisher whose BBC producer then used the song to introduce Hamish's interview. Hamish's also has his Maui Celtic radio show on Manao Radio from Maui . Photo upper left by Hamish Burgess: Bagpipe bands march up the Royal Mile during the Clan Parade in Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo upper right, Hamish in front of BBC Scotland, Glasgow. Photo left: Archie Fisher of BBC Scotland. Additional details, photos and videos of The Gathering by Hamish Burgess.

 

Saturday & Sunday April 4th - 5th, 2009 - 28th Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games - Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival welcomed The Ka'iulani Project on the large stage at Queen Kapi'olani Park in Waikiki, just steps from where young Princess Ka'iulani was brought up at 'Ainahau. Veteran Hawaiian actor and host of Hawaii's beloved Merrie Monarch Festival, Kimo Kaho'ano as King Kalakaua, Leilani Kupahu-Marino as Ka'iulani, and actor Brian Dinsmore as her father, Archibald Cleghorn joined Jennifer Fahrni for The Ka'iulani Project presentation. After a performance by The Lindsay Hula Halau, The Ka'iulani Project began with Kimo leading a moving exchange between Hawaiian chant and Scottish bagpipes from, Scottish piper, Hamish Burgess from Maui and Hawaiian piper, Jacob Kaio from Oahu. It was a stirring tribute to Ka'iulani's dual heritage. The presentation then included a history of Princess Ka'iulani Cleghorn's untold heroism, and short scenes from the original script "Ka'iulani - The Island Rose", written by Fahrni and Carol Harvie-Yamaguchi. Ka‘iulani's story of determination and courage is a story for our time.

Fahrni narrated and read the part of Mrs. Davies, Ka'iulani's guardian in England. Through her struggle to embrace her dual heritage, she found the inner strength to speak for her nation in its darkest hour. The play challenges us to examine the prejudices and misunderstandings that tear us apart, and her story compels us to embrace diversity as the foundation upon which we build our greatness. The Ka'iulani Project Presentation led into the Opening Parade of the Color Guard, Pipe Bands and Scottish Clans.

Presenting the project at the 28th Annual Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games in Queen Kapi'olani Park was very appropriate as Ka'iulani's father Archibald Cleghorn was lead landscaper for the park, and as O'ahu County Parks Commissioner under Joseph Fern, became known as Hawaii's 'Father of Parks'. Mahalo to the Hawaiian Scottish Association and to Princess Kaiulani Fashions for sponsoring the presentation and donating the Princess Kaiulani dress for the occasion.
After the presentation, several audience members talked about never before hearing this episode of Ka'iuani's life, while others mentioned being unaware of the Scots historical support of the Hawaiian culture and a few were unaware of the Crown Princess's dual heritage. The upcoming play stresses the importance of knowing one's cultural history. Living in an environment of may cultures we need to examine the prejudices and misunderstandings that tear us apart. Ka'iuani's story compels us to embrace diversity as the foundation upon which we build our greatness. The large-scale stage production will premiere Hawaii (although the recent economic climate has incurred funding issues for the project). Producers are already seeking kumu hula and scouting actors to fill the roles of the great musical Kalakaua family. Photo left: Scottish piper, Hamish Burgess, Kimo Kaho'ano, Kumu hula Leilani Kupahu-Marino, actor Brian Dinsmore, playwright/producer Jennifer Fahrni and Hawaiian piper, Jacob Kaio.

Music at the Hawaiian Scottish Festival included great Scottish singer Ed Miller, traditional Celtic music with singer Judith Wiekle and friends and Switchback from Chicago. Local Celtic music by Celtic Waves, fiddler Lisa Gomes, and harpist Katie McClellen, with more music from the Saloon Pilots, Michael Tannenbaum, and the Royal Hawaiian Band. Bagpiping featured The Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii, Dogwatch, solo Hawaiian piper Jacob Kaio, and Scottish dancers David & Innes MacDonald Asher (father & 7 year old son). The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society of Hawaii, The Celtic Keiki, and Jig This - School of Irish Dance were amoung some of the dance groups. As well as a real Scottish wedding, there was the yearly Highland Games athletics (including tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, putting the stone, throwing the weight, and running the kilted mile), and swordplay displays from the Society for Creative Anachronism. Sunday included a Celtic Mass, and the "Kirkin' o’ the Tartans". Photo above right: Hawaiian piper, Jake Kaio and Scottish Maui bagpiper, Hamish Burgess. Hamish is the Scottish Ambasador for The Ka'iulani Project. For additional photos and information on the Festival go to Maui Celtic News Archive and Ka'iulani Connections.

 

Thursday April 2nd, 2009 - Memorial for Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn. Royal Mausoleum, Nuuanu Valley, Oahu.

Annual event organized by The Caledonian Society of Hawaii. Hawaiian bagpiper, Jake Kaio piped the gathering into the Chapel at Mauna 'Ala at The Royal Mausoleum where Bruce McEwan, Chieftain of the Caledonian Society greeted the audience and introduced playwright and speaker Jennifer Fahrni of The Ka'iulani Project. Fahrni spoke about the life and times of Ka'iulani, and in the Princess's own words, recounted memories from Ka'iulani's childhood. All were welcome to attend this ceremony, which also included bagpiping, a Scottish Country dance performance written by Bruce McEwan for Ka'iulani, Highland Dancing from a group who had travelled all the way from Scotland, and presentation of a lei at the crypt of the Hawaiian-Scottish Crown Princess. Photo right: Hawaiian bagpiper, Jacob Kaio plays the pipes as dancers from Scotland pay tribute to Princess Ka'iulani at the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu.

The Royal Mausoleum was originated by Kamehameha IV and his wife, Queen Emma. This is the most sacred burial ground on the island of Oahu. As well as for Ka'iulani and her immediate family, the site serves as the resting place for King Kamehameha II through V, King Kalakaua, and Queen Liliuokalani. Princess Ka'iulani was heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawaii at the time of the illegal overthrow of the monarchy. Princess Ka'iulani (October 16, 1875 – March 6, 1899) was half Hawaiian (her mother being Princess, Miriam Likelike) and half Scottish (her father was entrepreneur, Archibald Cleghorn, last Royal Governor of Oahu). Champion Hawaiian bagpiper Jacob Kaio plays the pipes for the Ka'iulani Memorial every year. Maui bagpiper, Hamish Burgess of Maui Celtic was also in attendance from Maui. Photo above right: Scottish country dancers in a performance written for Ka'iulani by Chieftain Bruce MacEwan. For a biography of Princess Ka'iulani see About Ka'iulani. To comment on the event go to Ka'iulani Connections.

 

Friday, March 20th - 'A Celtic Celebration' w/ Ka'iulani Project Presentation - Kaunoa Senior Center, Sprecklesville, Hawaii.

Hamish Burgess of Maui Celtic, and Jennifer Fahrni of The Ka'iulani Project, entertained 85 folks with a bagpiping concert on the Great Highland Bagpipes and the Scottish Smallpipes. He was joined by Jennifer Fahrni, who continued the talk on famous Scots by focusing on Hawaii's most treasured Hawaiian/Scot, Hawaiian Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn. Throughout Hamish's concert he lectured on Scottish culture and history, covering the history of some of his tunes, bagpiping and the tartan kilt, Scottish and Irish links, and the Scots in Hawaii. The backdrop was a presentation of Hamish's photos of Scotland and Ireland. While hearing the story of Ka'iulani's untold heroism, the audience viewed a presentation of photos from the life of the princess. After the hour and a half show with the pipes again, there was an enthusiastic question and answer session which continued on through a catered lunch.

 

Friday, February 20th 2009 - Scotland's Musical Ambassador Alasdair Fraser, Natalie Haas & Wilmont Kahaialii - Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului, Hawaii

Hamish of Maui Celtic and Jennifer of The Ka'iulani Project, produced this event at The Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Special Guest, Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaialii of The Ka'iulani Project joined Alasdair and Natalie for a moving Hawaiian/Scottish Tribute to Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn. Alasdair Fraser, a musician of unsurpassed eloquence, passion and energy, and credited with some of the most memorable music solos in cinema today including "The Last of The Mohicans" and "Titanic", was honored to pay tribute to one of Hawaii's most beloved heroines. Presenting the rich Scottish fiddle tradition, Alasdair Fraser has been featured on over 100 television and radio shows worldwide, including The Kennedy Center Honors. In collaboration with the sizzlingly talented cellist, Natalie Haas, Alasdair and Wilmont performed a moving tribute to Ka'iulani's family. After a salute by the bagpipes, soulful Hawaiian musician and cultural speaker, Wilmont Kahaialii, opened the show with a Hawaiian Chant or Oli. As an accomplished singer/guitarist with true Aloha Spirit, Wilmont Kahaialii is the quintessential Hawaiian Musician. .

Together, Wilmont, Alasdair and Natalie performed a Hawaiian/Scottish tribute dedicated to Hawaii's last Crown Princess, who's mother was the vivacious musician and composer, Hawaiian Princess Miriam Likelike, and father was Scotsman, Archibald Scott Cleghorn, Governor of Oahu and Hawaii's Father of Parks. Ka'iulani, as the 'daughter of a double race' was the best of both worlds. Wilmont sang a composition by Ka'iulani's mother, Likelike. Likelike and her siblings King David Kalakaua (The Merry Monarch), Queen Lydia Lili'uokalani, and William Pitt Leleiohoku were 'Na Lani Eha', the 'Four Sacred Ones' and members of the great musical Kalakaua family.

This legendary musical evening, produced by Maui Celtic and The Ka'iulani Project, wrapped up with a raucous after party and music session at Maui Wowee Kava Bar.

 

Monday, December 29th 2008 - Office of Hawaiian Affairs radio show, Na ‘Oiwi ‘Olino hosts The Ka'iulani Project

Brickwood Galuteria and Kimo Kaho'ano, hosted Jennifer Fahrni of The Ka'iulani Project, on their call-in show, Na ‘Oiwi ‘Olino from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The three of them discussed the life of Princess Ka'iulani, the Ka'iulani Project, and the upcoming production, "Ka'iulani - The Island Rose". During the show Brick and Kimo also talked about being descendants of A. S. Cleghorn, Ka'iulani's father who, is a lead character in the play. AM 940 KKNE in Honolulu, AM 900 KNUI on Maui, AM 850 KHLO in Hilo and AM 790 KKON in Kona. The drive-time morning show airs weekdays from 6:30 to 9, and streams live worldwide at www.am940hawaii.com. On the continent, the highlights show airs 8-9 a.m. Saturdays in Las Vegas on KLAV AM 1230. All shows are archived at http://am940hawaii.com/ads/naoiwiolino.html

 

Monday December 1st - The Ka'iulani Project Celebrates the Life of Princess Ka'iulani Cleghorn - Kahului Rotary Club, Dunes at Maui Lani, Kahului.

Hamish Burgess fired up the bagpipes, accompanied by Peter Della Croce on the drums, both wearing Hawaii tartan kilts and Maui Celtic shirts. The lads played some great sets of Scottish tunes on the smallpipes and bodhran. Jennifer Fahrni, researcher and playwright, then recounted Ka'iulani's untold heroism and read sections from the script “Ka'iulani - The Island Rose", with Kathy Collins, actress and Mana’o Radio founder, bringing Princess Ka'iulani to life. Wilmont Kahaialii, read the role of King David Kalakaua, with Hamish as the Princess' father. The luncheon was catered by Cafe O'Lei.

 

Sunday November 16th - The Ka'iulani Project - A Celebration of Life - St. John's Episcopal Church, Keokea

The Ka'iulani Project and Maui Celtic presented a Celebration of the life of Princess Ka'iulani. Princess Victoria Kawekui Luanlilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Ka`iulani CleghornPrincess Victoria Kawekui Luanlilo Kalaninuiahilapalapa Ka`iulani Cleghorn was born in 1875 to Hawaiian Princess Miriam Likelike, and Scottish entrepreneur Archibald Scott Cleghorn, and was heir-apparent to the Hawaiian Throne during the reign of Queen Lili`uokalani. It was a great afternoon of music, theater and history with a special photo presentation and scenes from the new play "Ka'iulani - The Island Rose", a new play written and researched over the past six years by Jennifer Fahrni and Carol Harvie-Yamaguchi. It celebrates the life of a brave young girl who overcame great sorrow to become Hawaii's 'Hope of the Nation'.

The Highland Bagpipes of Hamish Burgess & Roger McKinley kicked it all off outside first, then moving in for a performance accompanied by Peter Della Croce on the bodhran (frame drum). Fiddler Mark John was then joined by Peter - this time on guitar. Ka'iulani advocate and playwright, Jennifer Fahrni, recounted the Princess' untold story and read from her script “Ka'iulani - The Island Rose. Actress, Camille Romero brought Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn to life, supported by Debra Lynne in several characters, and Roger McKinley reading the role of Ka'iulani's father, Archibald Scott Cleghorn. Questions were welcome afterwards, while others went for afternoon tea and shortbread. This all leads to the large scale production that will premier on Maui.

 

Saturday November 15th - Julie's Hope Fundraiser - The Ka'iulani Project - A Celebration of Life - Lahaina United Methodist Church - Lahaina Town.

Raising $2000 for Maui Police Department's Senior Criminalist, who is battling cancer, the Evening of Scottish and Hawaiian Music, History and Theater with a special photo presentation and scenes from the new play "Ka'iulani - The Island Rose", celebrated the life of Princess Ka'iulani, the Hawaiian/Scottish Princess. That evening, The Ka'iulani Project with the help of Pastor Paul Tangonan and Maui Celtic raised over $2000 for Maui Police Department's Senior Criminalist.

The event was a fundraiser for Julie Wood - Maui Police Department's Senior Criminalist, who is battling cancer - Julie already has defied the odds, surviving past the two-year mark since she was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Jennifer Fahrni said "It's very appropriate to be helping a member of our Maui community with The Ka'iulani Project. I hope to see any event that bears her name do the same, as Ka'iulani herself was committed to raising funds for those in need." To read Julie's story, or to donate.

Saturday, April 12th, 2008 - First Performance Reading of KA'IULANI, THE ISLAND ROSE - Steppingstone Playhouse, Maui.

After five years of research, writing and planning, the script was performed as a public reading in Kahului, Maui. Narrated by Jennifer Fahrni and directed by David Johnston, the executive and artistic director of the Maui Academy of Performing arts (MAPA). All members of the community were invited to attend this free event, and encouraged to give feedback at this developmental stage. With a cast of 17, including some members of the Isle of Maui Pipe Band, the piece was well received with a standing ovation from the audience.
NOTE : This work is in no way connected with the recent film under Hawaiian protest while shooting on Oahu.

A new play written and researched over the past six years by Jennifer Fahrni and Carol Harvie-Yamaguchi. It celebrates the life of a brave young girl who overcame great sorrow to become Hawaii's 'Hope of the Nation.'

The script is a period piece (years 1) surrounding the life of Princess Victoria Ka'iulani Cleghorn The play covers a controversial period in Hawaiian history where several members of the musical Kalakaua Royal Family are depicted, as well as other well-known politicians and ladies of the day. It is not widely known that Princess Ka'iulani was a child of dual heritage, her mother being the willful and tempestuous Hawaiian Princess, Miriam Likelike, and her father, the Scottish entrepreneur, Archibald Cleghorn. This remarkable child of two races was educated in Hawai'i and the British Isles and was heir to theHawaiian throne at the time of annexation.
This public reading will ultimately lead to a large stage production (with music) for Hawaii, which will first be performed here in Maui. To be considered for casting: email and submit resume and headshot if available.

 

 

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