No Ka Pono ʻOle O Ka Lehulehu : The 1874 Election of Hawaiʻi's Moʻi And The Kanaka Maoli Response

Abstract

On February 12, 1874, Ke Aliʻi David Kalakaua was elected Moʻi amid much protest by Kanaka Maoli who were in support of Kalakaua's opponent, Moʻiwahine Emma Kaleleonalani. Following the announcement of the new Moʻi, Kanaka Maoli reacted by rioting against the Legislature and the Hawaiian Representatives. This thesis examines the events surrounding Kalakaua's election and why the ʻOiwi's desire to see Emma wear the Crown went unheeded. In researching this topic, it became apparent that Kalakaua's election was secured through manipulation on the part of the sugar plantation owners and businessmen in Hawaiʻi who were aiming to control the Aupuni. Likewise, because it was significant that a Kamehameha continue to wear the Crown, the Kalakaua advocates disputed Emma's claim that she was of Kamehameha descent creating a rift between the two Aliʻi families that never fully healed.