History of the Royal Guard

The Hawaii Air National Guard’s Royal Guard was selected as the Nation’s top community service project for FY 1970 by the Adjutants General Association of the United States.

– 1970 Annual Report pp. 7

mike arrives

The Hawaii Air National Guard’s Royal Guard received the Minuteman Mike Award as the Guard’s Outstanding Community Service Project for 1969. The award is presented annually by the Adjutants General Association. The award-a six-inch-high bronze Minuteman statuette-was presented to State Adjutant General Benjamin J. Webster at the Association’s annual meeting.

The Royal Guard was selected because it represents HANG’s contribution to the community’s restoration of Hawaii s historic Kalakaua era. The unique organization bridges the complex identity gap between Hawaii’s Polynesian past and today’s jet-equipped organization.

– 1970 Fall The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 9

A MAN OF MANY WORLDS

By Sgt Leonard Lueras

SMSgt Ted Hussey is a veteran of the Hawaii National Guard who lives in many worlds on one island. He serves as the First Sergeant of the 154 Combat Support Squadron and also:

Is a labor law specialist with the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Is the Kapena Moku (captain in command) of the Hawaii National Guard’s unique Kalakaua-era Royal Guard.

Is the founder and president of the Hussey Cousins Society-an organization here made up of 1,740 members of the Hawaii Hussey

Is president of the Oahu Chapter of the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA).

Is the father of three, including sons Herbert, 20 and Theodore, Jr., 19; and a daughter, Alexis, 14.

“It’s all been very interesting,” Sgt Hussey said while reminiscing about his civilian and military career. “In fact, I can’t really point out any particular point of my life that was better than another.

“When the Royal Guard was formed on November 16, 1963, that was an interesting phase, but mainly because it did so much for young men in the Guard of Hawaiian ancestry.

“It gave them a particular feeling of pride that other groups don’t enjoy.”

Sgt Hussey couldn’t stay away from his favorite military subjectthe Royal Guard-too long, but he did stray away long enough to review his 32 years with the Hawaii Guard.

Fifty-six-year-old Hussey, who was born and raised in Hilo, joined the Guard in October 1938.

“When I enlisted in 1938, I enlisted as an Army private and was sworn in by the Rev. Henry Judd, who was the Hawaii Guard’s chaplain then.”

Hussey was assigned to the 298th Infantry’s Headquarters Company at the old downtown Guard armory on Hotel Street as a company clerk.

“I went from private to corporal in 1939, and. then from 1939 to 1940 I went from corporal to First Sergeant,” he recalls.

In October 1940, Hussey was inducted into the regular Army. He served for about a year with the Headquarters group at Fort Shafter, but once Hawaii was put under martial law, he was assigned to the Office of the Military Governor at Iolani Palace. Hussey described it as “a chaotic time.”

“On December 7, 1941, all the courts went into martial law. The civilian government suspended all activity and the military government took over. We then moved into the palace and set up a new State government under martial law.

“I had the rank of master sergeant on duty as a chief clerk assigned to the Provost Court.”

Throughout the war, Hussey served under three separate military governors, and finally was discharged from the active Army in February 1945.

He then re-enlisted in the Hawaii Army Guard and in 1950, after five more years as an Army Guardsman, he transferred into the Air Guard’s headquarters section and, ultimately, into the original 199th Fighter Squadron.

Since then, he has served the Air Guard with distinction and has received numerous commendations for his contributions to the HANG. He said, “I’ve found the entire period of my enlistment enjoyable. I find it challenging, and being among the men, I find it a diversion from the everyday, monotonous life. You meet a lot of people-all different kinds-and you learn every day.”

He admitted, however, that the high point of his Guard career was the formation on November 16, 1963 of the colorful Royal Guard. Since the Royal Guard was formed, Kapena Moku Hussey has presented his 35-plus Guardsmen at President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inauguration in 1966, before Queen Mother Elizabeth of England, and before several heads of state. And every November 16, he leads the Royal Guard in a formal Guard mount and changing of the guard at Iolani Palace’s Kalakaua Day ceremonies.

– 1970 Winter The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 14-15

Hapai-Pu (Carry Arms)

Hawaii’s Royal Guard

The Islands of Hawaii are geographically and historically disconnected from the New England-Colonial past with which most residents of continental America identify. The “kamaaina,” or local resident, links his background to the statue of the Polynesian warrior that stands before the Judiciary Building, not to that of the Minuteman in a New England town square. Many Hawaiian families plot their geneologies back to missionary forebears who arrived in Hawaii on the “Thaddeus,” not in Massachusetts on the “Mayflower.” When discussion turns to military exploits, the Hawaiian recounts the battle of Nuuanu Pali, not Gettysburg, and he speaks of Kamehameha and Kahekili with the same fervor that others reserve for Grant and Lee.

The Royal Guard is a unit which was re-created to highlight Hawaii’s own military heritage. The Royal Guardsman of Hawaii, like the Minuteman of the Continent, is the symbol with which our people identify and from which they draw strength.

The unit was re-created as the Hawaii Air National Guard’s (HANG) contribution to the community’s restoration of Hawaii’s historic Kalakaua era. The Royal Guard also represents a very successful means by which HANG identifies itself with the unique heritage of our IslandState.

The original Royal Guard was formed during the reign of King Kalakaua in the late 1800’s. It was an elite group of 50 men from which the King’s body guards were drawn, with a heritage which extended far back into Hawaii’s history. The organization was quartered in Iolani Barracks, next door to the royal palace

The re-created Royal Guard is the product of countless hours of research and the subsequent time required to re-create or recondition its authentic period equipment. The unit is structured in the same way as the original organization. The governing body, or “No Koa Hoomalu Kini O Ka Moi” (King’s Body Guards) is composed of five men elected by the general membership. The five men, in turn, select the “Kapena Moku” (Commander of Troops). In addition, they establish policies, approve plans and review operations. The unit includes:

1. Three Officers:
   • Kapena Moku (Captain)
   • Luna Koa (1st Lieutenant)
   • Lutanela (2nd Lieutenant)
2. Six Sergeants:
   • He Kakiana (First Sergeant)
   • Kakiana Ekahi (Sergeant – 1st Squad)
   • Kakiana Elua (Sergeant – 2nd Squad)
   • Kakiana Ekolu (Sergeant – 3rd Squad)
   • Kakiana Eha (Sergeant – 4th Squad)
   • Kaiana Pu (Ordnance Sergeant)
3. Five Corporals:
   • Kopala Ekahi (Corporal – 1st Squad)
   • Kopala Elua (Corporal – 2nd Squad)
   • Kopala Ekolu (Corporal – 3rd Squad)
   • Kopala Eha (Corporal – 4th Squad)
   • Kopala Hae (Color Guard Corporal)
4. One Drummer (Hookani Pahu)
5. Twenty-seven Soldiers (Koa)

All Royal Guardsmen are members of HANG. They are of Hawaiian descent (to add to the unit’s authenticity) and participate on a purely voluntary basis.

The project was begun in 1962 by Colonel Walter F. Judd, Executive Officer of HANG, whose forebears served as cabinet members during the reign of the Hawaiian Kings, Kamehameha III, Liholiho, and Kalakaua.

Colonel Judd began the project with a search of the State Archives. Pictures of the original Guard and a part of an old tunic were used to begin the re-creation of the uniforms. Authentic buttons and a buckle were found, and replicas were made by open-faced casting. Most items were donated or made, or in some cases, acquired by shrewd trading. When equipment or apparel had to be purchased, Colonel Judd and his group raised the money with an assortment of projects, including a benefit luau. On November 16, 1963, the first 14 members of the re-created Royal Guard were presented to the public. They emerged from the doors of Iolani Barracks, heralded by the trumpeting of the traditional Hawaiian conch shell. In the words of a reporter, “They peered around curiously as if seeing the light of day for the first time in 70 years.”

– 1971 Fall The Hawaii Guardsman pp. 9-10

Royal Guard preserves tradition

by Dennis Y. Fujii
Associate Editor

Journey through nostalgia with the Hawaii Air National Guard’s (HANG) elite ceremonial marching unit, the Royal Guard.

Re-created to highlight Hawaii’s military heritage, the Royal Guard is comprised of HANG members of Hawaiian descent.

Each year on Nov. 16 (King Kalakaua’s birthday), the Royal Guard participates in the mounting of the Guard in front of lolani Palace. The Royal Guardsmen hold an inspection formation , and the governor and adjutant general perform the inspection. Following the inspection, the Royal Guardsmen march to predesignated locations to guard the Palace throughout the day.

The original Royal Guard, formed during the reign of King Kalakaua, was an elite group of 50 men from which the King’s bodyguards were drawn.

The re-created Royal Guard is the product of countless hours of research and time required to duplicate the authentic equipment. The ceremonial Royal Guard was re-established in 1962. Walter F. Judd, retired HANG colonel, whose forebears served as Cabinet members during the reign of Kamehameha VI, Liholiho and Kalakaua, began researching through the State archives. Pictures of the original Guard and a part of an old tunic were found. Authentic buttons and a buckle were also duplicated by making replicas through open-faced casting. Most items were either donated, fabricated or acquired by trading.

When equipment or apparel had to be purchased, Judd and his group raised the money. with an assortment of projects, including a benefit luau.

On Nov. 16, 1963, the initial 15 members of the re-created Royal Guard made their first public appearance. They emerged from lolani Barracks, heralded by the trumpeting of the traditional Hawaiian conch shell. In 1967, the unit increased to include 42 men after $5,000 was appropriated by the State legislature to purchase new rifles and uniforms.

Today the ceremonial Royal Guard serves at the call of the governor for official State functions. It has also made many appearances at civil ceremonies commemorating Hawaii’s past.

Highlighting this year’s activities, four members of the Royal Guard marched in President Carter’s inaugural parade.

The preservation of the traditions of the Hawaiian militia during the monarchy days has been achieved through the Royal Guard. It has further led to a greater awareness of Hawaiian culture for many of our local residents.

– 1977 December Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Royal Guard depicted in mural

by Sp4 Francine Tobalado
117th Pub. Affairs Det.

Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard (HANG) ceremonial Royal Guard participated Feb. 11 in a dedication ceremony and unveiling of a series of full-scale, historical murals, depicting Hawaii as it might have appeared in 1876.

The guardsmen participated by providing an honor guard and an escort for Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi. the governor’s wife, who unveiled the murals.

Participating members of the Royal Guard were MSgt. Ronald Cozo. TSgt. Lennox Cockett and SSgt. James Pahukula.

Included in the series of historic murals is a sentry of the Royal Household Guard. The uniform and the Civil War Period Springfield rifle were borrowed from the Royal Guard of the HANG during the artist’s initial research.

Research for the Royal Guard uniform was done by Col. Walter F. Judd, former executive officer of the HANG prior to the re-creation of the Royal Guard in 1963.

Many scenes and landmark buildings of the old downtown Honolulu are depicted along with over 100 people of those times.

Among the historical personages, many portrayed life-size, are King Kalakaua (soon to depart on a visit to President Ulysses S. Grant) chatting with his bandmaster, Capt. Henry Berger; a reform school boy who became a band musician; a Royal Household Guard sentry; and a stalwart Honolulu policeman.

In another panel, Charles and Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop (returning from their grand tour of Europe) with builder Robert Lishman and clerk Samuel M. Damon Ill, are shown inspecting plans at the site of the soon-to-be erected Bank of Bishop & Co. building on Kaahumanu Street.

Also depicted are Gov. John Dominis with his wife, Princess Lydia Liliuokalani, Princess Ruth Keelikolani in her carriage accompanied by Crown Prince William Pitt Leleiohuku II and Col. Sam Parker, and Dowager Queen Emma talking with Honolulu’s first fire chief, Alexander Joy Cartwright, Jr.

– 1978 March Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Royal Guard post at lolani Palace; 1979 marks 16th anniversary

Days of Hawaii’s past came alive recently when members of the ceremonial Royal Guard marched from the historic lolani Barracks to the steps of Iolani Palace.

The captain of the guard, also known as the Kapena Moku, presented the Royal Guard to Gov. George R. Ariyoshi and declared the guard ready for inspection.

The Governor and State Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Valentine Siefermann, inspected the troops. The Kapena Moku was then granted permission by Ariyoshi to “mount the guard over the palace”.

The Nov. 16 ceremony is an annual event commemorating Kalakaua’s birthday. This year marks the 143rd anniversary.

Every year since 1963, the ceremonial Royal Guard which is made up of Hawaii Air National Guardsmen of Hawaiian ancestry don their blue jackets, white helmets and carry their Springfield rifles to pay tribute to King Kalakaua. This year’s ceremony also marked the 16th anniversary of the Royal Guard’s re-activation.

– 1979 December Pūpūkahi pp. 2