James Kealoha
Encyclopedia
James Kealoha, formally James Kimo Kealoha, and also known as Jimmy Kealoha (April 29, 1908–August 24, 1983), of Hilo, Hawaii was the first Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii
in the administration
of Governor of Hawaii
William F. Quinn
. Prior to his election as Lieutenant Governor, Kealoha served a number of years as a legislator on Hawaii island, distinguishing himself as a respected leader.
immigrant who had come to Hawaii as a plantation laborer. While growing up James was raised by his grandparents, whose name he assumed. Later he decided to add Kimo as his middle name. In the Chinese
community in Hawaii, he was commonly known as Lee Yat Wo.
He graduated from Hilo High School
in 1926 and started working as a clerk for Kwong See Wo, a grocery store in Hilo. In 1929 he married Muilan Young, and together they had two daughters, Leihulu Emma and Leiohu Lillie. In the next year he opened his own grocery, which he operated until 1948.
, expressing his unhappiness with the in-fighting amongst island Democrats
. People often referred to Kealoha as the “Wonder Boy of Hawaiian politics” because he won elections by sizable margins
In 1940 Kealoha was elected to the Hawaii County Board of Supervisors, where he won re-election for three successive terms. In 1946, he suffered his first-ever defeat in his political career, losing in a bid for Hawaii County Chairman. In 1948, he ran again, winning the first of six consecutive terms as Hawaii County Chairman.
, the party’s candidate for governor. The pairing worked well, as Quinn and Kealoha successfully defeated their Democratic opponents John Burns
and Mitsuyuki Kido. Kealoha was the first Chinese American
and Native Hawaiian to be elected lieutenant governor in the United States
.
Kealoha’s term as lieutenant governor was described as “unpleasant” for him (Kim). Governor Quinn was not confident in allowing a Native Hawaiian, even a friend like Kealoha to make important decisions on his behalf. Kealoha found himself relegated to presiding at ceremonial functions. He also had disagreements with Governor Quinn about the issue of political patronage (Kim).
A highlight of his term as lieutenant governor came in 1960 when Kealoha gained national attention after ordering an audit of ballots cast in the close presidential election
between John F. Kennedy
and Richard Nixon
. The election nationwide was so close, Hawaii effectively had the power to decide the winner. Kealoha certified the vote total in favor of fellow Republican
Nixon resulting in the call of national Democrats
for a recount. The recounts were tied up in the Hawaii State Judiciary
. Confusion led to crisis as the Democrats submitted their three electoral votes for Kennedy while at the same time Republicans submitted their three electoral votes for Nixon. The result was finally resolved on the floor of the United States Senate
during the electoral college
certification process.
.
Later in the general election of that year, Quinn was soundly defeated by his Democratic opponent, John Burns
. Some analysts have said that the decision by Kealoha to challenge Governor Quinn in the primary cost the Republicans the election (Kim). For many voters the primary was another triumph of the Haole over the Hawaiian, a recurring theme with the Republican Party, causing voters to defect to the Democrats or refused to vote
.
and was defeated. Of note in that campaign was Kealoha’s vocal opposition to the war in Vietnam which shocked fellow Republicans and enthused Democrats in their election efforts (Harada). In 1968 he unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Hawaii
island, losing to Shunichi Kimura.
in connection with his involvement in a restaurant and show concession at the Montreal Expo in Canada
(Cavaliero and Sherman). In 1977, he and his wife were victimized in a hotel and condominium scam that also resulted in bankruptcy. In his later years Kealoha grew papayas in Hawaii and owned a farm in Salem, Oregon
. He died on August 24, 1983, in Honolulu with interment at Homelani Cemetery in Hilo.
Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii
The Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, concurrently the Secretary of State of Hawaii, is the assistant chief executive of that U.S. state and its various agencies and departments, as provided in the Hawaii State Constitution Article V, Sections 2 though 6. He or she is elected by popular suffrage of...
in the administration
Public administration
Public Administration houses the implementation of government policy and an academic discipline that studies this implementation and that prepares civil servants for this work. As a "field of inquiry with a diverse scope" its "fundamental goal.....
of Governor of Hawaii
Governor of Hawaii
The Governor of Hawaii is the chief executive of the state of Hawaii and its various agencies and departments, as provided in the Hawaii State Constitution Article V, Sections 1 through 6. It is a directly elected position, votes being cast by popular suffrage of residents of the state...
William F. Quinn
William F. Quinn
William Francis Quinn was the Governor of the Territory of Hawai'i from 1957 to 1959 and the Governor of the State of Hawai'i from 1959 to 1962. Originally appointed to the office by President Dwight D...
. Prior to his election as Lieutenant Governor, Kealoha served a number of years as a legislator on Hawaii island, distinguishing himself as a respected leader.
Early years
James Kealoha was born on April 29, 1908, in Pahoa on Hawaii island to Lee Chau and Alice Makanui Kealoha. His father was a CantoneseCantonese people
The Cantonese people are Han people whose ancestral homes are in Guangdong, China. The term "Cantonese people" would then be synonymous with the Bun Dei sub-ethnic group, and is sometimes known as Gwong Fu Jan for this narrower definition...
immigrant who had come to Hawaii as a plantation laborer. While growing up James was raised by his grandparents, whose name he assumed. Later he decided to add Kimo as his middle name. In the Chinese
Chinese people
The term Chinese people may refer to any of the following:*People with Han Chinese ethnicity ....
community in Hawaii, he was commonly known as Lee Yat Wo.
He graduated from Hilo High School
Hilo High School
Hilo High School is a public, co-educational high school of the Hawaii State Department of Education, and serves grades nine through twelve. Established in 1906, its first class graduated in 1909. Hilo High School is near the Wailuku River in Hawaii County on the Big Island of Hawaii. The campus...
in 1926 and started working as a clerk for Kwong See Wo, a grocery store in Hilo. In 1929 he married Muilan Young, and together they had two daughters, Leihulu Emma and Leiohu Lillie. In the next year he opened his own grocery, which he operated until 1948.
Legislative career
In 1934, Kealoha was elected to the Territorial House of Representatives, serving as speaker pro tem. He was elected for a second term two years later. In 1938, he successfully ran for a seat in the Territorial Senate, where he served as president pro tem. That same year, he switched to the Republican PartyRepublican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
, expressing his unhappiness with the in-fighting amongst island Democrats
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
. People often referred to Kealoha as the “Wonder Boy of Hawaiian politics” because he won elections by sizable margins
In 1940 Kealoha was elected to the Hawaii County Board of Supervisors, where he won re-election for three successive terms. In 1946, he suffered his first-ever defeat in his political career, losing in a bid for Hawaii County Chairman. In 1948, he ran again, winning the first of six consecutive terms as Hawaii County Chairman.
Lieutenant governor
Kealoha served for years as Hawaii County Chairman, because of his popularity and leadership, was selected in 1959 by the Republican Party as its candidate for lieutenant governor in the state of Hawaii’s first gubernatorial election, running alongside William F. QuinnWilliam F. Quinn
William Francis Quinn was the Governor of the Territory of Hawai'i from 1957 to 1959 and the Governor of the State of Hawai'i from 1959 to 1962. Originally appointed to the office by President Dwight D...
, the party’s candidate for governor. The pairing worked well, as Quinn and Kealoha successfully defeated their Democratic opponents John Burns
John Burns
John Elliot Burns was an English trade unionist and politician of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly associated with London politics. He was a socialist and then a Liberal Member of Parliament and Minister. He was anti-alcohol and a keen sportsman...
and Mitsuyuki Kido. Kealoha was the first Chinese American
Chinese American
Chinese Americans represent Americans of Chinese descent. Chinese Americans constitute one group of overseas Chinese and also a subgroup of East Asian Americans, which is further a subgroup of Asian Americans...
and Native Hawaiian to be elected lieutenant governor in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Kealoha’s term as lieutenant governor was described as “unpleasant” for him (Kim). Governor Quinn was not confident in allowing a Native Hawaiian, even a friend like Kealoha to make important decisions on his behalf. Kealoha found himself relegated to presiding at ceremonial functions. He also had disagreements with Governor Quinn about the issue of political patronage (Kim).
A highlight of his term as lieutenant governor came in 1960 when Kealoha gained national attention after ordering an audit of ballots cast in the close presidential election
United States presidential election, 1960
The United States presidential election of 1960 was the 44th American presidential election, held on November 8, 1960, for the term beginning January 20, 1961, and ending January 20, 1965. The incumbent president, Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower, was not eligible to run again. The Republican Party...
between John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
and Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. The only president to resign the office, Nixon had previously served as a US representative and senator from California and as the 36th Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961 under...
. The election nationwide was so close, Hawaii effectively had the power to decide the winner. Kealoha certified the vote total in favor of fellow Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Nixon resulting in the call of national Democrats
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
for a recount. The recounts were tied up in the Hawaii State Judiciary
Hawaii State Judiciary
The Hawaii State Judiciary is the official name of the judicial system of Hawaii in the United States. Based in Honolulu, the Hawaii State Judiciary is a unified state court system that functions under the Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court who is its...
. Confusion led to crisis as the Democrats submitted their three electoral votes for Kennedy while at the same time Republicans submitted their three electoral votes for Nixon. The result was finally resolved on the floor of the United States Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
during the electoral college
Electoral college
An electoral college is a set of electors who are selected to elect a candidate to a particular office. Often these represent different organizations or entities, with each organization or entity represented by a particular number of electors or with votes weighted in a particular way...
certification process.
1962 election for Governor
After growing tensions between Kealoha and Quinn, especially on role of the Lieutenant governor. Kealoha challenged Quinn in the Republican gubernatorial primary in 1962, characterizing himself as a “native son” and a “local boy” in what was described as “a bitter contest” (Kim). Quinn prevailed, garnering 44,095 votes to 33,277 for Kealoha (Boylan). Quinn, in a quest for reconciliation, appointed Kealoha as the executive officer for the Hawaii exhibit at the New York World’s Fair1964 New York World's Fair
The 1964/1965 New York World's Fair was the third major world's fair to be held in New York City. Hailing itself as a "universal and international" exposition, the fair's theme was "Peace Through Understanding," dedicated to "Man's Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe";...
.
Later in the general election of that year, Quinn was soundly defeated by his Democratic opponent, John Burns
John Burns
John Elliot Burns was an English trade unionist and politician of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly associated with London politics. He was a socialist and then a Liberal Member of Parliament and Minister. He was anti-alcohol and a keen sportsman...
. Some analysts have said that the decision by Kealoha to challenge Governor Quinn in the primary cost the Republicans the election (Kim). For many voters the primary was another triumph of the Haole over the Hawaiian, a recurring theme with the Republican Party, causing voters to defect to the Democrats or refused to vote
Election boycott
An election boycott is the boycotting of an election by a group of voters, each of whom abstains from voting.Boycotting may be used as a form of political protest where voters feel that electoral fraud is likely, or that the electoral system is biased against its candidates, or that the polity...
.
Comeback Attempts
After losing in 1962, Kealoha still had political aspirations but failed to win an election again. In 1966 he ran for a seat in the U. S. House of Representatives against incumbent Democrat Spark MatsunagaSpark Matsunaga
Spark Masayuki Matsunaga was a United States Senator from Hawaii. He was an American Democrat whose legislation in the United States Senate led to the creation of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians.-Career:Matsunaga became a United States Army Reservist in 1941,...
and was defeated. Of note in that campaign was Kealoha’s vocal opposition to the war in Vietnam which shocked fellow Republicans and enthused Democrats in their election efforts (Harada). In 1968 he unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Hawaii
Mayor of Hawaii
The Mayor of Hawaii is the chief executive officer of the County of Hawaii in the state of Hawaii. He or she has municipal jurisdiction over the Big Island of Hawaii. The current mayor is Billy Kenoi...
island, losing to Shunichi Kimura.
Business difficulties and later years
In addition to his defeats at the polls, Kealoha endured two business setbacks. In 1967, he filed bankruptcyBankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal status of an insolvent person or an organisation, that is, one that cannot repay the debts owed to creditors. In most jurisdictions bankruptcy is imposed by a court order, often initiated by the debtor....
in connection with his involvement in a restaurant and show concession at the Montreal Expo in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
(Cavaliero and Sherman). In 1977, he and his wife were victimized in a hotel and condominium scam that also resulted in bankruptcy. In his later years Kealoha grew papayas in Hawaii and owned a farm in Salem, Oregon
Salem, Oregon
Salem is the capital of the U.S. state of Oregon, and the county seat of Marion County. It is located in the center of the Willamette Valley alongside the Willamette River, which runs north through the city. The river forms the boundary between Marion and Polk counties, and the city neighborhood...
. He died on August 24, 1983, in Honolulu with interment at Homelani Cemetery in Hilo.
James Kealoha Park
In 1963, James Kealoha Beach Park on Hawaii Island was named in his honor. Also known to residents as “4-Miles,” the park is located four miles from the Hilo Post Office, which has been historically considered the starting point for all mileage markers originating from Hilo (Clark 25). James Kealoha Beach Park is featured in a song on the 1979 album Na Pana Kaulana o Keaukaha by Edith Kanakaole.Resources
- Black, Forrest. “Kealoha Campaigns for Governor as ‘Native Son.’” Honolulu Star-BulletinHonolulu Star-BulletinThe Honolulu Star-Bulletin was a daily newspaper based in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. At the time publication ceased on June 6, 2010, it was the second largest daily newspaper in the state of Hawaii...
, August 31, 1962. - Borg, Jim. “James Kealoha Dead at 75.” Honolulu AdvertiserHonolulu AdvertiserThe Honolulu Advertiser was a daily newspaper published in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time publication ceased on June 6, 2010, it was the largest daily newspaper in the American state of Hawaii. It published daily with special Sunday and Internet editions...
, July 25, 1983. - Boylan, Dan and T. Michael Holmes. John A. BurnsJohn A. BurnsJohn Anthony Burns served as the second Governor of Hawaii from 1962 to 1974. Born in Fort Assinniboine, Montana, Burns was a resident of Hawaii from 1913....
: The Man and His Times. University of Hawaii PressUniversity of Hawaii PressThe University of Hawaii Press is a university press that is part of the University of Hawaii.The University of Hawaii Press was founded in 1947, with the mission of advancing and disseminating scholarship by publishing current research in all disciplines of the humanities and natural and social...
, 2000. - Casey, Brian. “Mr. Kealoha’s ‘Sunny Jim.’” Honolulu AdvertiserHonolulu AdvertiserThe Honolulu Advertiser was a daily newspaper published in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time publication ceased on June 6, 2010, it was the largest daily newspaper in the American state of Hawaii. It published daily with special Sunday and Internet editions...
, December 13, 1959. - Cavaliero, Eric, and Eddie Sherman. “Kealoha Files Bankruptcy for Exhibition.” Honolulu AdvertiserHonolulu AdvertiserThe Honolulu Advertiser was a daily newspaper published in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time publication ceased on June 6, 2010, it was the largest daily newspaper in the American state of Hawaii. It published daily with special Sunday and Internet editions...
, September 11, 1967. - Clark, John R.K. Beaches of the Big Island. University of Hawaii PressUniversity of Hawaii PressThe University of Hawaii Press is a university press that is part of the University of Hawaii.The University of Hawaii Press was founded in 1947, with the mission of advancing and disseminating scholarship by publishing current research in all disciplines of the humanities and natural and social...
, 1985. - Goodfader, Al. “Quinn for Governor; Suggests Kealoha for ‘No. 2’ Post.” Honolulu AdvertiserHonolulu AdvertiserThe Honolulu Advertiser was a daily newspaper published in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time publication ceased on June 6, 2010, it was the largest daily newspaper in the American state of Hawaii. It published daily with special Sunday and Internet editions...
, April 5, 1959. - Harada, Wayne. “Kealoha Stand Surprises Spark.” Honolulu AdvertiserHonolulu AdvertiserThe Honolulu Advertiser was a daily newspaper published in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time publication ceased on June 6, 2010, it was the largest daily newspaper in the American state of Hawaii. It published daily with special Sunday and Internet editions...
, October 8, 1966. - Kim, Hyung-Chan S.(Editor). Distinguished Asian Americans : A Biographical Dictionary. Westport, CT, USA: Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated, 1999. p 173
- McManus, Larry. “Kealoha’s Speech Cheers Democrats.” Honolulu AdvertiserHonolulu AdvertiserThe Honolulu Advertiser was a daily newspaper published in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time publication ceased on June 6, 2010, it was the largest daily newspaper in the American state of Hawaii. It published daily with special Sunday and Internet editions...
, October 8, 1966.