Our Hawaiian Monarchy has exemplified its royal connection to the British Monarchy. Our flag, our dress and style, regalia, names, music, the fashioning of our palaces and grounds, and our Queen Kapiʻolani and Queen Liliʻuokalani attending Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in England.
The kaumaha, the heaviness of losing someone so dear to you, we all share in life. The transition to eternal life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II brings celebration of a lifetime of service, devotion to duty and steadfast commitment for the common good.
It is a moment joy and pride when one is able to make a connection.
My grandparents, my dearest Pa U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka and my ever memorable grandmother Millie Akaka met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Seeing my grandmother wearing a lei pua kenikeni, the Queen smiled, reached out with her hand and said you’re from Hawaiʻi. In later years, they met the Queen’s consort, her husband, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island.
I was honored to meet His Majesty King Charles III – at the time as His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Prince of Wales – in Ngaruawahia, Aotearoa. We memorably shared a laugh and continued with the royal ceremonies of the day.
Through the decades, Her Majesty the Queen’s broadcasts brought words of hope. In a speech, the Queen shared her thoughts on the meaning of life through an Aboriginal proverb, “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love…and then we return home.”
His Majesty the King’s words now uplift in this time of transition with dedication to serve with loyalty, respect and love.
As the world continues to evolve, may we be further inspired through the spirit of aloha to work towards unity and grace together in service to one another for the good of all.
