Hulihee Palace’s kahili, aged and worn by the sea air, will be brought back to their former glory following a recent $11,000 donation in memory of Uncle George Naope, a long-time palace supporter.
Hulihee Palace’s kahili, aged and worn by the sea air, will be brought back to their former glory following a recent $11,000 donation in memory of Uncle George Naope, a long-time palace supporter.
The money will be used to refurbish six full-size kahili, or royal feather standards, that can be found throughout the 19th century two-story palace, said Fanny Au Hoy, a former palace administrator who took part in the acceptance of the donation. If enough money remains following the project, the palace will likely refurbish its smaller kahili, too.
The large kahili, some of which Au Hoy said Naope helped create and maintain, are in need of care. She explained that the feathers, much of which are salvageable, must be cleaned and metal used in their creation needs to be replaced.
“With the location of the palace (on the ocean), the salt air has deteriorated the kahili to a point that the metal used is corroding badly,” Au Hoy said late Friday. “They badly need repair and we hope to restore them to their former glory.”
The donation comes in honor of Naope, whom Au Hoy said was a long-time palace supporter, via A.J. McDanold of Waikoloa. Kumu hula Naope died Oct. 28, 2009, at the age of 82. He was a Merrie Monarch Festival and Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival co-founder, and state-recognized “Living Golden Treasure,” according to West Hawaii Today archives.
“The kahili will be taken care of beyond (his time),” Au Hoy said. “It will continue his legacy.”
Currently, Au Hoy said information is being gathered on how best to refurbish the kahili. She encouraged anyone with knowledge to contact the palace’s business office 329-9555 and leave a name and phone number.
Eventually, Au Hoy anticipates volunteers will be needed for the effort. Anyone interested in taking part can also call the office and leave a name and phone number. Au Hoy said volunteers will be contacted when the project gets close to commencing.