‘Last Hawaiian princess’ Abigail Kawānanakoa’s $100M wealth to go to Native Hawaiian causes
January 12, 2024
After the death of Abigail Kawānanakoa at the age of 96, the finalization of her estate reveal that over $100 million will be dedicated to supporting Native Hawaiian causes.
Kawānanakoa’s wealth: Kawānanakoa, considered by some as the “last princess” of Hawaii‘s royal family, inherited immense wealth from her great-grandfather James Campbell, who was a sugar baron. Despite lacking a formal title, Kawānanakoa served as a living reminder of the island state’s monarchy and a symbol of Hawaiian national identity.
Legal battles: The legal battles over Kawānanakoa’s trust, valued to be at least $250 million, began in 2017 after she suffered a stroke. She later died of complications of a stroke on Dec. 11, 2022, at her home in Nuʻuanu. More than a year after her death, court documents reveal that after distributing tens of millions to various individuals, including housekeepers, employees and her wife, over $100 million remains to support Native Hawaiian causes.
Kawānanakoa’s foundation: Despite disputes over her royal status, she was known for supporting Native Hawaiian culture, scholarships and protests against developments on sacred lands. The foundation she established in 2001, managed by trustee Jim Wright, will continue to fund cultural preservation efforts and educational initiatives. The funds will be received by the foundation after IRS clearance to further these initiatives. Kawānanakoa’s legacy will continue to contribute to Hawaiian culture, language and traditions, addressing needs in education, social welfare, housing and health for the Indigenous population.
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