The princess who
wanted Hawaii kept
for Hawaiians
A formidable presence in 19th-century Hawaii, Princess Ruth Ke'elikolani refused to speak English, practice Christianity, or leave the islands. She was a popular and strong force who resisted the kingdom's drift toward annexation.
"Biography Hawai'i: Ruth Ke'elikolani": English version airs at 8 p.m. today, followed by Hawaiian version at 8:30 p.m.; repeats 8 and 8:30 p.m. respectively on Saturday
The princess inherited and managed vast land holdings throughout the islands, which were bequeathed to Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Today, they form a substantial portion of the properties administered by Kamehameha Schools. Yet today, few know the story of Princess Ruth.
The latest installment of "Biography Hawai'i" attempts to make amends by exploring the life and the legacy of the princess whose sense of her personal responsibilities and of her culture guided her through some of the most transforming political and cultural events of the 19th century in Hawaii.
"Biography Hawai'i: Ruth Ke'elikolani" is a production of PBS Hawaii, in affiliation with the Center for Biographical Research, University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Executive producers are Joy Chong-Stannard (director /editor), Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl (writer) and Craig Howes (series scholar). Ka'upena Wong is the English language version narrator, and Ku'uipo Kumukahi is the Hawaiian language version narrator.
The "Biography Hawai'i" series tells the stories of noted figures of the past, and evaluates their significance in influencing the life of Hawaii today.
For a feature story on the documentary, visit starbulletin.com/2004/05/30/features/index1.html
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