Hawaiian-Language Documents Project

The Dolores Furtado Martin Foundation provided generous support for the translation of selected Hawaiian-language documents from the Hoʻōla Lāhui Society record book. This followed upon the Foundation’s previous sponsorship of conservation treatment on the book.

Report addressed to Queen Kapiʻolani from the Lāʻie Wai, Oʻahu,, branch of the Hoʻōla Lāhui Society,  August 27, 1877.

The provincial archives contracted Awaiaulu: Hawaiian Literature Project, an organization that brings historic Hawaiian literature resources to light while mentoring the next generation of Hawaiian-language translators. Executive Director Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier oversaw translation of forty-five pages of the Society’s board minutes, committee reports, and correspondence.

Queen Kapiʻolani, President of the Hoʻōla Lāhui Society. Hawaiʻi State Archives Photo.

These documents are significant in demonstrating native Hawaiian civic engagement and philanthropy. They show the empowerment of women, with the names of women listed in positions of leadership. In an era when many native Hawaiians looked upon Western medicine and health practices with suspicion, the Ho`ola Lāhui reports convey an acceptance of new ideas about sanitation, hygiene, and patient care. As an educational resource, these documents also provide primary source material for the current study and revival of the Hawaiian language.