Celebrating Women’s History Month with CSG Members
In celebration of Women’s History Month, CSG asked its female members to submit some of their most influential women in history who have inspired them in their careers and personal lives.
Submitted by Rep. Della Au Belatti, House Majority Leader, Hawaii
Queen Lili’uokalani, last monarch of Hawaii
“Never cease to act because you fear you may fail.” – Queen Lili’uokalani
Born in 1838 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lydia Kamaka’eha was born into a high-ranking Hawaiian family. Queen Lili’uokalani ascended to the throne in 1891 after the untimely death of her brother, King David Kalakaua. During his time as monarch of Hawaii, tensions had already begun to rise with the United States. Queen Lili’uokalani’s mission was to mend those differences while restoring the power of the Hawaiian monarchy. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be as a group called the Committee of Safety later to be known as the Annexation Club formed. This group plotted to overthrow the monarchy and seize control of Hawai’i. During all of this, Queen Lili’uokalani remained resilient to the cause of maintaining peace for her people. She was later placed under house arrest inside of ‘Iolani Palace. Queen Liliuokalani continued her life’s work even after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Despite the tremendous loss, betrayal, and suffering experienced by her people, she laid the foundations for the continuation of the Hawaiian people, culture, and nation that continues to remain a dream not fully realized but still in the making.