It’s one of the most recognizable structures in Honolulu.
You’ve likely driven by it numerous times.
But do you know what is actually in it, and who it honors?
They gathered to honor the legacy of a leader of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
"Let’s be a part of these grounds. Let’s make this our hale also, to come and honor our King, to honor our culture," said Kahu Curt Kekuna of Kawaiahao Church.
Honoring King William Charles Lunalilo.
What you see is the refinished Mausoleum that took years to achieve.
"The total cost was $600,000 after we found out from the architect what really needed to be fixed in the mausoleum, but everyone stepped up to the plate to help Lunalilo and his father’s final resting place here at Kawaiahao Church," said Kamani Kauluaa of the King Lunalilo Trust.
The original structure was built back in 1875 and had fallen in disrepair over the years.
"There is something that is not right, it’s not pono, and it doesn’t feel good. But now you walk in there, and the sense of reverence, of understanding is what we have here are the earthly remains of King Lunalilo," said Kahu Kekuna.
The fixes came on the outside and on the inside.
"It just feels very good to know that birds aren’t sneaking in there anymore, and the Kahili are repaired, and that the structure will last for many, many years, to come," said Kaululaau.
Lunalilo’s final resting place is on the Kawaiahao Church grounds, not the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu because of the King’s wish to be among his people.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
