Community leaders honor Kawananakoa: ‘She has left a legacy dedicated to her people’

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Following her death Sunday, Hawaiian royal heiress Abigail Kawananakoa is being remembered for her dedication to the sustainability of the lahui and her support of Native Hawaiian causes.

In a joint statement, co-chairs of the Legislative Native Hawaiian Caucus Sen. Jarret Keohokalole and Rep. Daniel Holt said, “On behalf of the Legislative Native Hawaiian Caucus, we extend our condolences and aloha to the Kawānanakoa ʻohana on the passing of Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa.”

“As a longtime benefactor for the Friends of ʻIolani Palace and many other Native Hawaiian causes, Princess Abigail’s generosity and contributions have greatly benefited our lāhui. Our hearts and prayers are with her ʻohana and loved ones during this time,” the statement said.

Gov. Josh Green, who issued a flag order in honor of her passing, issued a statement of his own, saying he and the First Lady Jaime were “deeply saddened” by her death.

“Abigail bore the weight of her position with dignity and humility, enriched the lives of everyone she touched, and like so many Aliʻi who came before her, she has left a legacy dedicated to her people in perpetuity,” Green said. “Hawaiʻi mourns this great loss, and our aloha and heartfelt condolences go out to her entire ʻohana and all who had the privilege of knowing Princess Abigail Kawānanakoa.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also honored Kawananakoa’s life by saying in a statement, “I was saddened to learn this morning of the passing of Princess Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawānanakoa. She epitomized Hawaiian royalty, and spent a lifetime dedicated to supporting the Native Hawaiian culture and its causes. She did it with wisdom, dignity, grace and humility.”

Blangiardi, on behalf of the City and County, extended heartfelt condolences to her family during their time of mourning.

This story will be updated.

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