Mamo Ali‘i and Ali‘i‘aimoku.
From 1907 to 1983 Māmalahoa’s chief executive officer was called Mamo Ali‘i. Since 1983, to the present time, this office is called Ali‘i‘aimoku.
| Mamo Aliʻi and Aliʻiʻaimoku of Māmalahoa | Term in Office: |
|---|---|
| Ali‘i‘aimoku, Herbert “Pua” Puali‘ialoha Ishibashi Jr. | 2009 – Present |
| Ali‘i‘aimoku, Paul Kevin Kea Neves | 1996 – 2009 |
| Ali‘i‘aimoku, Ernest Akoni | 1991 – 1996 |
| Ali‘i‘aimoku, Stephen Kaili | 1987 – 1991 |
| Ali‘i‘aimoku, George Leilani Ah Tou Sr. | 1983 – 1987 |
| Kaukaualiʻi, Earnest Akana Leong | circa 1952 |
| Mamo Aliʻi, John K. Kai | circa 1942 |
| Mamo Aliʻi, Charles B. Makanui | circa 1938 |
| Mamo Aliʻi, Richmond Ellis | circa 1930 |
| Mamo Aliʻi, William H. Beers | circa 1923 |
Available Biographies
Note: Please kokua, if you have any photos or information on any of our past chiefs please share it with us so it can be added here. Information may be sent to Kuauhau@MamalaHoa.org
Ali‘i‘aimoku Pua Ishibashi, 2009 – Present
HERBERT “PUA” PUALI‘IALOHA ISHIBASHI JR., is proud, yet humbled to call Moku o Keawe, his ancestral home. His father’s kupuna flows from Waipi‘o Valley while his mother’s kupuna rises up from Ka‘ū Mākaha. Born in Hilo and raised in Waiohihu, Keaukaha, and ‘Āinakō, he was raised by his mother and grandmother to malama the ‘ohana, perpetuate the culture, and aloha ke Akua. Married to Gloria Alohiwailani Duvauchelle of Kaua‘i, he is the proud father of five beautiful daughters (‘Alohiwailani, Kailani, Kaua‘i, Kanoenani, Kiana), and one son (Kāhili). He received his law degree (J.D.) from Gonzaga University School of Law, Washington, an undergraduate degree (B.A.) with minors in Business and Economics from the University of Hawai‘i, and an associate’s degree (A.S.) in Electricity from Hawai‘i Community College.
Pua is currently a natural resource manager with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs with kuleana over Waokeleopuna, a 25,855 acre tropical rainforest in Puna, Hawai’i. He is a director of Kūkulu Business Resources, a Native Hawaiian corporation that provides culturally competent business assessment and consultation services. He is also a director of Kumuhonua, a culturally based mental health provider.
At the invitation of George Kalehua (Kaka‘olelo), Pua was inducted into the Royal Order of Kamehameha I on 12/12/1994. After serving in various capacities and offices (Kaukau Ali‘i, La‘au Ali‘i, Kaka‘olelo, and Mamo Ali‘i), he was appointed to Ali‘i ‘Ai Moku (CEO/High Chief) of Māmalahoa://mamalahoa.org/ by Ali‘i Nui Herman Kana‘e on 10/24/2009 in Kailua-Kona, Moku o Keawe. He was reconfirmed Ali‘i ‘Ai Moku of Māmalahoa by Ali‘i Nui William Roback on 12/04/2010 in Honolulu, Oahu. Subsequently, he was honored to be knighted Ali‘i Sir Herbert “Pua” Puali‘ialoha Ishibashi, Jr., K.G.C.K. by Ali‘i Nui William Roback on 01/22/2011 in Hilo, Moku O Keawe.
Pua believes education is the key to enhance the social, economic, and health status of Kanaka ‘Ōiwi as a people. That to excel in today’s society, Kanaka ‘Ōiwi must never forget, but must move past the 1893 overthrow of the kingdom and people of Hawai‘i. In addition Pua understands that Kanaka ‘Ōiwi are a strong and resilient people blessed with Aloha and that Aloha is their strength not their weakness. Lastly, Pua feels that Kanaka ‘Ōiwi must take responsibility for their futures as individuals, a people, and a Nation; and that they must understand that they alone, are the captains of their destiny.
Ali‘i‘aimoku Paul Neves, 1996 – 2009
Born in San Francisco (09/27/1953), PAUL KEVIN KEA NEVES, resides in Keaukaha-Hilo, Hawai’i on Hawaiian Homelands with his wife Wanda Mokihana, and his son Kinohi. Their daughter Akalā is a student at the University of Portland. A student of Kumu Hula Wayne Kaho’onei Panoke, who was ‘uniki in 1968, from the late Kumu Hula Winona Kapuailohiamanonookalani Desha-Beamer. Kumu Paul was ‘uniki in 1999 .
Kumu Paul opened Hālau Ha’a Kea o Akalā in 1998. This hālau is now under the direction of his daughter, Kumu Hula Akalā Nāhikulani Neves. In 2004 he opened Hālau Ha’a Kea o Kinohi. This hālau, named for his son Kinohi, is now based jointly in Hilo and San Francisco under Kumu Paul’s direction. In 2006, Kumu Paul opened Hālau Ha’a Kea o Mokihana in Washington DC in honor of his wife. He has judged and participated in hula competitions in Hawai’i and Japan.
Paul has been involved in the spiritual, cultural, and political challenges facing Kanaka ‘Ōiwi since 1984 and is an advocate for Kanaka ‘Ōiwi justice and rights. He was a founding member of Ka Lāhui Hawai‘i, a sovereignty initiative, and served as its first elected LT Governor. He served the Catholic community of the Malia Puka o Kalani Catholic Community in Keaukaha, Hawai‘i. He was invited into the Order of Kamehameha by Ernest Akoni (Ali‘i‘aimoku) in 1989. After serving in various offices including Kahuna Pule and Kaka‘olelo, he was appointed and served as Ali‘i‘aimoku from 1996 to 2009. In 2009 he was elevated to Kālaimoku, a position second only to the Ali’i Nui of the Order, and on his retirement from this position in 2011 was elevated to Ali‘i No‘eau Loa, an office of high honor that he will hold for life.
He has given workshops on spiritual, cultural and political analyses of the Native Hawaiian people in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, across the United States, Puerto Rico, Europe and at the United Nations in New York, the World Council of Churches and the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland. He has participated as an official observer for the Royal Order of Kamehaha I with regards to the Hawaiian Kingdom at The Hague, Netherlands at the World Court. Paul is a cultural practitioner of the traditional ways of the native Hawaiian people and advocates aloha, ‘ohana (family) and alaka’i (leadership/ discipline) as the core of our communal expression.
Ali‘i‘aimoku Ernest Akoni, 1991 – 1996
Born: 02/25/1918, Died: 01/03/2009
Photo needed
Born on February 25th, 1918 in Hilo, Hawaii, ERNEST AKONI was raised to be hard-working, honest, and care for his ‘ohana. At the end of his 8th grade year, he left school to support his family due to the untimely death of his father, Eddie Akoni. Enlisting in the United States Armed Forces (Army), he served as a Tech Sgt. during World War II and served in far off lands such as Guadacanal, a 2,510 square-mile tropical island in the South Western Pacific that played a pivotal military role in WWII. After honorably serving in the US Army, he returned home to Hilo and worked as a boilermaker for the Honoka‘a, Hamakua, and Ka‘u sugar plantations. Upon his retirement as a boilermaker (Union Local 204) he dedicated much of his time and energy to serve his community. Active in the Boy Scouts of America organization, he helped the young men of Keaukaha learn discipline and develop leadership skills. He was an active member of Malia Puka o Kalani Catholic Church in Keaukaha and often conducted his own prayer services at home with his ‘Ohana. He was also active in the Keaukaha Community Association.
Ernest was invited to join the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, by John Manuia and soon rose to positions of authority: conducting and planning meetings, attending conferences, and renovating Kamehameha Hall. A dedicated and proven leader, Ernest Akoni was appointed Ali‘i‘aimoku of Mamalahoa in 1981 and served in this capacity till 1996. Having lived a long and fruitful life, Ernest Akoni passed away on Jan. 3rd, 2009 (90 years old) in Hilo. He was survived by his wife, Judy Akoni (Hilo) sons, Dwight Akoni (Mainland), Stafford Akoni (Kona), Ernest Edward Akoni (Keaukaha), Peter K. Akoni (Keaukaha) and Gregory K. Akoni (HPP) and daughters Julianne P. Akoni (HPP) and Michelle Nahale-A (HPP). He was also survived by twelve grandchildren including: Lindsay Akoni (Washington), Melissa Akoni (Ainaloa), Leah Akoni (Arizona/Keaukaha), Piliwailana Nahale-A (HPP) and, Noah K. Akoni (Keaukaha).
Ernest left a legacy of honesty, integrity, respect, ‘Ohana, and Aloha.
Ali‘i‘aimoku, Stephen Kaili, 1987 – 1991
Born: unknown, Died: 02/20/1993
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Stephen Kaili was initiated into this Most Noble Order of Kamehameha I, on December 11, 1950 as a Mamo Hawaiʻi. On January 4, 1961 he was elevated to the rank of Aliʻi , 5th degree. In the 1960, Ali’i Stephen Kaili was appointed to the office of Mālama Mo‘olelo .
Mo’olelo.
Aliʻi Stephen Kaili was recommended for elevation to Knights Companion, 6th Degree of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, with the right and privilege to use the initials “C.K.” after his name. Aliʻi Sir Stephen Kaili was next elevated as Aliʻi Okana in 1984 as co-senior councilor to the Aliʻi ʻAi Moku George L. Ah Tou, Sr., and second ranking high chief at the subordinate chapter level and senior line chief under the Ali‘i‘aimoku. He was the fourth ranking high chief of the Order and the Aliʻi chapter and was also a member of the ʻAha Kuka.
In 1987 he was appointed to the position of Aliʻi ʻAi Moku by Aliʻi Nui, & Grand Master Clifford Anderson after the demise of Aliʻi ʻAi Moku George L. Ah Tou, Sr. In 1990, he was again elevated to Knights Commander, 7th degree, the second highest degree of this Noble Order, with the right and privilege to use initials “C.K.C.” after his name.
He retired as Aliʻi ʻAi Moku on August 25, 1991 at the 61st Papa Aliʻi convention held at Kapaʻa Kaua’i. It was at the 62nd Papa Aliʻi convention Held at Kahului, Maui, where he was again elevated to Knights Grand Cross (9th degree). This is the highest degree (at that time) of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, and with rights and privilege to use the initials “K.G.C.K.” after his name. Recommendation for elevation to this degree can only be made by the Aliʻi Nui, The ʻAha Kuka, and the Grand Council or the Subordinate Chapter of which he is a member.
On Febuary 20, 1993, at approximately 5:00 P.M., our beloved and illustrious Brother and hoananau, Sir Aliʻi Stephen Kaili’s life came to a close. Stephen we all love and will miss you. May the Lord be with you always.
(Note the above was discovered in the records of Māmalahoa and may have been the eulogy shared by the Heiau at Sir Aliʻi Stephen Kaili’s funeral).
Ali‘i‘aimoku, George Leilani Ah Tou Sr., 1983 – 1987
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GEORGE LEILANI AH TOU, 76, of Honolulu, died Feb. 6, 2003. Born in Hilo, Hawai’i. Retired Ellerbe Architectural Engineers architect, and former member, Royal Order of Kamehameha. Survived by wife, Francisca; sons, Michael, Kevin and Christopher; daughters, Kimberly Glidden and Patricia Blair; brother, Roger; sisters, Annie Lee, Pearl Ignacio and Emily Hoopii; five grandchildren.
Note: More info. needed, the above may actually be George Ah Tou Jr.
Kaukau Aliʻi, Earnest Akana Leong, c. 1952
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Mamo Aliʻi, John K. Kai, c. 1942
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Mamo Aliʻi, Charles B. Makanui, c. 1938
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Richmond Ellis, c. 1930
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Mamo Aliʻi, William H. Beers, c. 1923 – 1946
Born: 11/02/1877, Died: 03/14/1946
WILLIAM HENRY BEERS, lawyer, Hilo, Hawaii; born in Honolulu, Nov. 2, 1877; son of Henry A. and Caroline (Kamakauahoa) Beers; married Maude Olive Hansen at Olaa, Hawaii, Dec. 19, 1902; children; William H., Jr., Lorrin H., Fred Douglas, and Naomi Hansen. Graduated Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu, 1895; normal department same, 1896; University of Michigan, law department, LL.B., 1908. Taught Honokaa public school, 1896-97; Hilo Boarding School, 1898-1902; clerk and interpreter, House of Representatives, Hawaii, session 1909; appointed county attorney, County of Hawaii, October, 1909, and elected to said office, 1910-12-15-19; former member board of prison inspectors, 4th Judicial Circuit; held office of second district magistrate, S. Hilo, 1906; lieutenant N.G.H.; charter member Hermitage Club (now Hermitage Order) University of Michigan; member Kamehameha, Owl and forester lodges.
Note: The above bio was taken from page thirty-five of Men of Hawaii by John Siddall (1927). Internet electronic book at:
http://www.archive.org/stream/menofhawaiibeing01sidd#page/n7/mode/2up
Historical Note Added 09/28/2010: William H. Beers was a LT Commander in the Navy, and was the last person appointed to Annapolis Naval Academy by Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole.
Historical Note Added 09/03/2012: Officers of Ahahui Kamehameha 1923 listed in Ka Nupepa Kuokoa 02/15/1923 found at: http://nupepa-hawaii.com/tag/ahahui-hawaii/
Hope Aliʻi ʻAi Moku, Noa Webster Aluli, c. 1922 – 1934
Born: 12/01/1880, Died:?
NOA WEBSTER ALULI, lawyer, Honolulu; born at Wailuku, Maui Co., Hawaii, Dec. 1, 1880; son of John Thomas and Sarai (Kepoikai) Aluli. Educated at Wailuku government school, St. Lous College (Honolulu), University of Michigan, LL.B., 1901; Yale University, LL.M., 1905; married Emma Akamu in Hilo, Hawaii, Dec. 23, 1910; four children; Alai, Kaouiokalani, Aima, Neaulani, Auwae Leong and Noa Tong. Practised law in Maui County; deputy county attorney, County of Hawaii, 1905-10; practiced law in Honolulu since 1911. Member Union League Club of New Haven, Conn.; San Salvador Council, No. 1, Knights of Columbus, New Haven, Conn., and Order of Kamehameha, Mamalahoa Chapter, No. 2, Hilo Hawaii.
Note: Bio. on Aluli available on page eighteen of Men of Hawaii by John Siddall (1927). Internet electronic book at:
http://www.archive.org/stream/menofhawaiibeing01sidd#page/n7/mode/2up
Mamo Aliʻi, Chas. H. Siemsen, 1907 – c. 1922
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