Kamehameha V

Kamehameha V, born Lot Kapuāiwa Kalanimakua Aliʻiōlani Kalanikupuapaʻīkalaninui on December 11, 1830, in Honolulu, Oahu, was the fifth and last monarch of the Kamehameha dynasty. His full Hawaiian name, Lot Kapuāiwa, translates to 'mysterious kapu' or 'sacred one protected by supernatural powers,' reflecting his inherent chiefly status. His parents were High Chiefess Elizabeth Kīnaʻu, daughter of Kamehameha I, and High Chief Mataio Kekūanaōʻa, who served as Governor of Oahu. He was the grandson of Kamehameha I. His siblings included David Kamehameha, Moses Kekūāiwa, Alexander Liholiho (who later became Kamehameha IV), and Victoria Kamāmalu.

In accordance with the ancient Hawaiian tradition of hānai, Lot was adopted by Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena, his aunt, but she passed away in 1836. He was subsequently adopted by his grandmother, Queen Kalākua Kaheiheimālie, and step-grandfather, High Chief Ulumāheihei Hoapili. This hānai experience was challenging for him, as he felt estranged from his adoptive parents and believed it deprived him of his birth mother's affection. This personal experience fostered a lifelong aversion to the hānai tradition, evident in his later disapproval of his half-sister Ruth Keelikolani's decision to give her son to Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

Recognized as eligible for the throne by King Kamehameha III, Lot received his education at the Royal School, alongside his royal cousins and siblings. He was initially betrothed to Bernice Pauahi, but she ultimately chose to marry Charles Reed Bishop. After completing his education, he embarked on an extensive tour abroad with his brother Alexander Liholiho in 1849, visiting San Francisco, Panama, Jamaica, New York City, Washington, D.C., and various European countries. During this journey, they met prominent heads of state, including French president Louis Napoleon, British prince consort Albert, and U.S. president Zachary Taylor.

Lot Kapuāiwa's career in public service began in 1852, serving on the Privy Council of State until 1855 and in the House of Nobles from 1852 to 1862. He held significant ministerial positions, including Minister of the Interior from 1857 to 1863 and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1857 to 1858. In 1862, an amendment to the 1852 Constitution officially placed him in the line of succession, following his brother Kamehameha IV and his heirs, and then his sister Princess Victoria and her heirs. This change occurred shortly before the death of Prince Albert Kamehameha, Kamehameha IV's only son, solidifying Lot's path to the throne.

Kamehameha V ascended to the throne on November 30, 1863, following the death of his brother. He immediately demonstrated a strong resolve to strengthen the monarchy, refusing to uphold the 1852 Constitution, which he believed granted too much power to the legislature and limited the monarch's authority. He particularly objected to the universal male suffrage provision for the House of Representatives. In May 1864, he convened a constitutional convention, and on July 7, 1864, he proposed an entirely new constitution. After intense deliberations, particularly concerning the 62nd article which introduced literacy, property, and income qualifications for voters, he signed the 1864 Constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii on August 20, 1864. This new constitution significantly increased the monarch's power and established a more centralized government.

Despite appointing Charles de Varigny, a French national, as Minister of Finance, Kamehameha V's foreign policy remained consistent, focusing on maintaining Hawaiian sovereignty amidst growing foreign influence. He was a staunch advocate for the revival of traditional Hawaiian practices. Under his reign, laws against "kahunaism" were repealed, and a Hawaiian Board of Medicine, including kahuna members, was established, allowing for the resurgence of laʻau lapaʻau (Hawaiian medicine). He actively sought to document traditional remedies by bringing kahuna practitioners to Honolulu.

A notable instance of his commitment to his people occurred in 1865 when he refused to assent to a bill that would allow foreign merchants to sell liquor directly to Native Hawaiians. He famously declared, "I will never sign the death warrant of my people," recognizing the devastating impact of alcoholism on the already declining native Hawaiian population. His reign also saw an increase in travel to Hawaii, including a visit from Mark Twain in 1866, who described the king as a "wise sovereign" who "tried hard to do well by his people, & succeeded." Queen Victoria also sent her son, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, on a state visit in 1869. Kamehameha V further enriched Hawaiian culture by appealing to Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany, who sent Henri Berger to organize the Royal Hawaiian Band, a lasting gift of music to his people.

Kamehameha V died on December 11, 1872, his 42nd birthday, without naming a successor. His sister, Crown Princess Victoria Kamāmalu, who was his only named heir apparent, had died childless in 1866. On his deathbed, he offered the throne to his cousin Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who declined. He passed away an hour later, leaving the succession to be decided by election, as stipulated by the constitution in the absence of a named heir. His final words on the matter were, "The throne belongs to Lunalilo; I will not appoint him, because I consider him unworthy of the position. The constitution, in case I make no nomination, provides for the election of the next King; let it be so." He was buried in the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii at Mauna ʻAla.

Kamehameha V's legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to strengthening the Hawaiian monarchy and preserving Hawaiian culture. He founded the Royal Order of Kamehameha I society on April 11, 1865, to honor his grandfather and defend the sovereignty of the Kingdom. The Prince Lot Hula Festival, held annually at his former home, Moanalua Gardens, is named in his honor, celebrating traditional Hawaiian dance and culture. He is remembered as a strong, traditional chief who fought to protect his people and their heritage during a period of significant change and foreign influence.