Keoni Ana

Keoni Ana, also known by his full name John Kalaipaihala Young II, was a prominent figure in the Hawaiian Kingdom during the 19th century. Born on March 12, 1810, in Kawaihae, Hawaii, he was the only son of John Young, a British sailor who became a trusted advisor to King Kamehameha I, and Kaʻōanaʻeha, Kamehameha I's niece. This lineage placed him at the intersection of Hawaiian royalty and foreign influence, a position that would significantly shape his life and career.

His early life was spent on his father's homestead overlooking Kawaihae Bay, alongside his siblings and the children of Isaac Davis, another foreign advisor to Kamehameha I. His siblings included Jane Lahilahi, Fanny Kekelaokalani, and Grace Kamaikui, and his half-brothers James Kānehoa and Robert Young. This upbringing in a household deeply connected to the founding of the Hawaiian Kingdom provided him with a unique perspective and early exposure to the intricacies of Hawaiian politics and culture.

Keoni Ana developed a close friendship with Prince Kauikeaouli, who later ascended to the throne as King Kamehameha III. This relationship, however, faced a significant challenge in 1839 when Keoni Ana was discovered in the bedroom of Queen Kalama, Kamehameha III's wife. This transgression, occurring shortly after the birth of Prince Keaweaweulaokalani, carried a death sentence, which was only averted through the intervention of Queen Dowager Kalākua Kaheiheimālie. Despite this incident, Kamehameha III eventually forgave him, allowing Keoni Ana to continue his political career.

His political career was extensive and impactful. He served in the House of Nobles from 1841 to 1856 and on the Privy Council from 1845 to 1857. He also held positions as a Supreme Court justice, royal governor of Maui, and chamberlain of Kamehameha III's household. His ability to bridge communication between native Hawaiian and foreign elements in the community was a crucial asset during a period of significant change and increasing interaction with foreign powers.

On June 10, 1845, Keoni Ana was appointed Kuhina Nui (Premier and co-regent) by Kamehameha III. This appointment came as Victoria Kamāmalu, the designated successor to her mother Kīnaʻu, was still a minor. As Kuhina Nui, Keoni Ana succeeded Kekāuluohi. His tenure saw the Legislative Assembly pass several acts that organized the executive ministries and departments of the government, with the Kuhina Nui also serving as Minister of the Interior. A particularly far-reaching development during his time as Kuhina Nui was the creation of the Board of Commissioners to Quiet Land Titles, which led to the Great Mahele. Keoni Ana played a role in this committee, assisting the king and chiefs in defining their land rights and interests. Recognizing that the Kuhina Nui's authority could challenge the king's power, Keoni Ana supported Kamehameha III and IV in their efforts to abolish the office, demonstrating his loyalty to the monarchy.

Although his position as Kuhina Nui was not renewed by Kamehameha IV in 1855, who appointed his sister as the new Kuhina Nui, Keoni Ana continued to serve as Minister of the Interior. His commitment to the Hawaiian Kingdom remained steadfast throughout his life.

Keoni Ana married three times, each time to Hawaiian women of noble birth. His first known marriage was to Julia Alapai, elder daughter of Nahili. Although they had no children, a portrait of Julia Alapai at Hānaiakamalama suggests a deep affection. His later marriage was to High Chiefess ʻUlumaheihei, a cousin of Elizabeth Kekaaniau. All of his marriages were childless. He adopted his nephew Peter Kaeo, the son of his sister Jane. Keoni Ana purchased Hānaiakamalama at auction and willed it to his niece Emma Rooke, who later became Queen Emma and used it as her summer palace. He passed away on July 18, 1857, at the age of 47, in Honolulu, Oahu, and was buried at the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ʻAla. His primary heirs were his niece Emma and nephew Peter.

Keoni Ana's legacy is deeply intertwined with the establishment and early governance of the Hawaiian Kingdom. As the son of a key advisor to Kamehameha I and a high-ranking Ali'i himself, he played a pivotal role in the transition of Hawaii into a modern constitutional monarchy. His involvement in the Great Mahele, a land reform that profoundly impacted Hawaiian society, underscores his historical significance. He is remembered for his political acumen, his loyalty to the Kamehameha dynasty, and his efforts to navigate the complex relationship between traditional Hawaiian governance and emerging Western influences. His contributions helped shape the administrative and legal frameworks of the Hawaiian Kingdom during a critical period of its development. The Hānaiakamalama, which he willed to Queen Emma, stands as a tangible link to his generosity and his connection to the royal family.