Rosalie Blaisdell
Cover Image: Masthead of Ka Na’i Aupuni published on January 4, 1907.
Aloha Nūhou Monday!
Dear Reader,
Rosalie Blaisdell appears frequently in nūpepa ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. She was born in Waiehu, Maui to Edward David Kaninaualii and Julia Keliipupuka Hamukoki Kaninaualii. She marries William Freeman in 1895 and divorces him in 1904. She subsequently marries Charles M. Blaisdell and they are divorced in 1917.
Rosalie Blaisdell wrote in to the Hawaiian newspapers over several decades, from the 1900s on, on topics from mele to community announcements. She appeared under several names: Mrs. Rosalie Freeman, Lokalia Freeman, Lokalia Kaninaualii Blaisdell, Mrs. Blaisdell, Ms. Blaisdell, Mrs. Rosalie Blaisdell, Lokalia Blaisdell, Mrs. Rosalie Kaninaualii Blaisdell, Mrs. Rosalie Puea Blaisdell, and other variations of these.
She gave speeches across Hawaiʻi about a variety of topics, mainly on the treatment of Hansen’s disease patients, some of which were published in the newspapers. Rosalie was also a composer and a playwright.
In the article featured this week, Rosalie announces in Ka Na’i Aupuni that her Waiehu fishing grounds are off limits.
Image: Hukilau fishing, Kanahā, Maui, Hawaiʻi. Bishop Museum Archives, SP 44248
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Image: “Hookapu Kai Lawaia!” Ka Na’i Aupuni, January 4, 1907, p. 3.
Prohibited Fishing Grounds
All of my fishing grounds are prohibited. They are known by the names—Maluhia, Waioeo, ʻAʻawa, Koholā Iki, and Koholā Nui, the fishing grounds of the ahupuaʻa of Waiehu, on the island and in the county of Maui. The fishing grounds of Maluhia was leased by H. N. Birch; and G. P. Kihamahana is my supervisor over the remaining four. The two of them have been authorized to carry out the laws of the land.
Lokalia Kaninaualii Blaisdell
Honolulu, Dec. 14, 1906. 3ts 50*
Image: “He Mele Inoa No Kalanianaole—Hoakakaililani,” Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, March 29, 1923, p. 2.
Rosalie was also a composer of mele. She wrote the lyrics to this song in honor of Kalanianaʻole, “Hoakakaililani.” The tune was written by Mary Kalopi Keahi.
This post is part of He Aupuni Palapala: Preserving and Digitizing the Hawaiian Language Newspapers, a partnership between Bishop Museum and Awaiaulu with assistance from Kamehameha Schools. Mahalo nui loa to Hawaii Tourism Authority for their support. Learn more about this project here.
