The Hawaiʻi County Mayor’s Office in East Hawaiʻi is currently hosting a bronze sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole in reverent tribute to his leadership and his profound impact on the Hawaiian people.

The sculpture, crafted by Allen Ipo Auwae, son of the late Henry Auwae, a respected Hawaiian Kahuna Lāʻau Lapaʻau, stands as a tribute to Prince Kūhiō’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Native Hawaiians. Prince Kūhiō’s legacy includes his work in enacting the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act while serving as the second Native Hawaiian elected as a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. This Act has since granted thousands of Native Hawaiians homesteads and continues to be a pivotal part of Hawaiian land policy today.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, “We are honored to have this beautiful sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole in our office. Prince Kūhiō’s leadership and advocacy for the Hawaiian people continues to inspire us today, and we are proud to pay tribute to his legacy.”

The sculpture will be held in the Mayor’s Office until the Auwae ʻOhana decides on a final resting place.

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth