By Photographer, Star-Bulletin
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Family history shows
Kamehameha ties

Burl Burlingame
Star-Bulletin

Kamehameha I united the islands, introduced Hawaiians to Western ways and died without leaving a direct heir. This is well-known. What's not so well-known is that Kamehameha had an older brother, Kalokuokamaile, who indeed had heirs, and descendants of Kamehameha's brother continue to flourish in the islands.

This bit of family history is what drove David Allen Wolters Castro to publish his own book. "High Chief Kalokuokamaile -- The Older Brother of Kamehameha 1st" is something Castro takes personally as a descendant of Kalokuokamaile.

"I was inspired by my grandmother, Princess Virginia Kahelekaapuni Miller Castro, who kept talking about the family and kept many records," sad Castro. "She was like a mother to me and raised me a lot."

The book is essentially hand-made. Castro wrote a family history for each of his ancestors and relatives, and then photo-copied and bound the book himself. It's just out, and Castro will have a book signing at noon Sunday at the Borders Books and Music Waikele store. The book retails for $9.75.

While clearly a homegrown product, it may inspire others to create family histories. "I've always been a family man, I believe in family life and will do everything I can to keep my family strong," said Castro.

"We all meet once a month to discuss family business. And the whole family is upset about our lands being taken away. We're still trying to reclaim what is ours."

Information: 1-800-890-0532.

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