Heiress Considered Last Hawaiian Princess Leaves $100M for Native Hawaiian Causes

Abigail Kawānanakoa walked in two worlds: considered by some to be the last scion of the Hawaiian royal family, and by others as someone awash in Western wealth. For Kawānanakoa's part, she had a passion for the Native Hawaiian culture she hailed from, and following a contentious fight for her estate, that passion will support preserving the culture and language she loved.

Kawānanakoa, a descended of the final independent ruler of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau; granddaughter of Prince David Kawānanakoa, the hānai adopted son of King Kalākaua; and great-granddaughter of a sugar baron, died last year at the age of 96. Her last will and testament leaves much of that wealth - $100 million, left after paying millions to former employees and her wife - to Native Hawaiian causes.

The money has been left in royal trusts specifically aimed at preserving language and culture. The infusion of such a large sum will help them meet goals that often seemed out of reach, said Dr. Naleen Naupaka Andrade, executive vice president of Native Hawaiian Health for The Queen's Health System, speaking to The Associated Press.

https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/heiress-considered-last-hawaiian-princess-leaves-100m-for-native-hawaiian-causes