King Lunalilo

William Charles Lunalilo, born on January 31, 1835, in Pohukaina, Honolulu, was a pivotal figure in Hawaiian history, whose brief but impactful reign as the sixth monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom marked a significant shift towards a more democratic and popularly-influenced government. His lineage was of the highest royal pedigree, being the son of High Chiefess Miriam ʻAuhea Kekāuluohi, the Kuhina Nui (Premier) and niece of Kamehameha I, and High Chief Charles Kanaʻina. This made him a grandnephew of the kingdom's founder, Kamehameha I, and a cousin to the preceding Kamehameha monarchs. His Hawaiian name, Lunalilo, translates to "so high up as to be lost to sight," a fitting descriptor for a man of his stature and eventual role. He was also named after King William IV of the United Kingdom, a testament to the close ties between the Hawaiian and British royal families.

Lunalilo's education at the Chief's Children's School, alongside other future aliʻi, was comprehensive. He demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for literature and music, becoming a skilled composer and writer. His composition, "E Ola ke Aliʻi ke Akua," became Hawaiʻi's first national anthem, a version of "God Save the King." His intellectual prowess was matched by a strong sense of justice and compassion, earning him the affectionate nickname "Lokomaikaʻi" (the benevolent one) from his people. He was also known as "Prince Bill" among his close friends. From a young age, he was known for his kindness and caring nature, which endeared him to both his peers and the common people.

His political career began with his service on the Privy Council of State and the House of Nobles. During the Constitutional Convention of 1864, Lunalilo championed the cause of the people, advocating for a more democratic government with a bicameral legislature and reduced power for the monarch. This progressive stance contrasted sharply with the policies of his predecessor, Kamehameha V, who had sought to consolidate power in the monarchy. Lunalilo's commitment to a government that was more responsive to the will of the people would become a cornerstone of his reign.

Upon the death of Kamehameha V in 1872 without a named heir, the legislature was tasked with electing a new monarch. Lunalilo, being the most popular and highest-ranking chief, was the clear favorite. In an unprecedented move, he called for a plebiscite, a popular vote, to allow the Hawaiian people to voice their choice. The result was a resounding victory for Lunalilo, who won with over 99% of the vote. The legislature, respecting the will of the people, unanimously elected him as king on January 8, 1873. His coronation took place the following day at Kawaiahaʻo Church. This historic election earned him the enduring title of "The People's King."

As king, Lunalilo immediately set about implementing his vision for a more democratic government. He proposed constitutional amendments to restore the bicameral legislature and require the king to provide written explanations for any vetoes. He also sought to address the kingdom's economic challenges, but his proposal to grant the United States the use of Pearl Harbor in exchange for a reciprocity treaty for Hawaiian sugar was met with fierce opposition and ultimately withdrawn. His reign was also marked by a mutiny in the small Hawaiian army, which he resolved by personally persuading the soldiers to lay down their arms and then disbanding the army, leaving only the royal band.

Tragically, Lunalilo's reign was cut short by his declining health. A lifelong struggle with alcoholism was compounded by a severe cold that developed into pulmonary tuberculosis. He died on February 3, 1874, at the age of 39, after a reign of just one year and twenty-five days. In his final wishes, he requested to be buried on the grounds of Kawaiahaʻo Church, among his people, rather than in the Royal Mausoleum with the other monarchs. This decision stemmed from a long-standing feud with the Kamehameha family. His burial was marked by a sudden storm and a series of twenty-one thunderclaps, which were interpreted by many as a divine "21-gun salute."

Lunalilo's most enduring legacy is the Lunalilo Home, a charitable trust he established in his will to care for the poor, destitute, and infirm people of Hawaiian descent, with a preference for the elderly (kūpuna). This act of profound generosity and foresight created the first elder care institution in Hawaiʻi and continues to serve the Hawaiian community to this day. King Lunalilo is remembered as a compassionate and progressive leader who championed the rights of his people and left an indelible mark on the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom.