Interview with Kalena Silva, Professor of Hawaiian Language & Hawaiian Studies & former Director of Ka Haka 'Ula O Keʻelikōlani/College of Hawaiian Language, recorded on November 22, 2003 for Biography Hawai'i: Ruth Ke'elikolani. Topics include the Hawaiian genealogical concept of "po'olua" & how it relates to Princess Ke'elikolani; Queen Ka'ahumanu & her influence on the young princess; how Princess Ruth was different from the other ali'i of her time & why she refused to speak English; whether or not she was conscious of herself as a cultural traditionalist; the relationship between Ruth, Princess Pauahi & other more "progressive" ali'i; why Ruth gets little notice and/or negative coverage in the haole press of her time; why Lot Kamehameha refused to consider her as an heir to his throne; why it was personally important for Ruth to retain her land holdings; the meaning to the Hawaiian community of Ruth's perceived stoppage of the flow of Mauna Loa in 1880; how she was viewed by "everyday" Hawaiians; the historical significance of her death & Silva's conjecture regarding Ke'ilikolani's possible use of her lands & her impact on the formation of Kamehameha Schools had she lived.
