The Political Journey Of Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox: The History Of Wilcox

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The Political Journey of Robert Wilcox

Shanda Lee
History 333
Kumu Kai
5/5/2014

Often times, the history that is being told is one of Hawaiian weakness, and defeat. The Bayonet Constitution of 1887, the Overthrow of 1893, and the Annexation of 1898, are all often used as examples of moments of powerlessness in the Hawaiian Kingdom. What about all history prior to, in between, and after, these major dates? Surely, it did not just disappear. In the last few decades, Hawaiian history has changed dramatically due to the works of many Hawaiian historians. The history that was lost has been found, and new discoveries are still being made. Hawaiʻi’s history is a story of resistance, pride, and unity. Included within this history is a man named Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox. Wilcox was a revolutionist, and a leader, but he enjoyed being a politician the most. Wilcox was the beacon of hope that helped guide the people of Hawaiʻi through darkness. Wilcox was and still is today a symbolic figure in Hawaiʻi’s political history.
Robert Wilcox was a hapa haole, meaning he was half Hawaiian from his mother’s side, and half white from his dad’s side. His father was William Wilcox, a sea captain turned successful rancher. His mother was Kalua Makoleokalani, who was related to Kaulahea, an aliʻi (chief or monarch) of Maui before the time of King Kamehameha I. Wilcox was raised on Maui, after completing school he became a teacher for a few years. Wilcox, exploring his options, accepted a job as a marriage license agent in Honuaʻula in 1879. It was this job that ignited his interest in politics. He was now in close contact w...

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Robert Wilcox is a man every Hawaiian should be proud of. He did not always have his head in the right place, but his heart was. Wilcox was the political voice for the Hawaiian people he had the courage and the smarts to navigate not only the Hawaiian legislature but the American legislature as well. Though he may have wandered, Wilcox always remained loyal to the Hawaiian monarchy when it mattered the most. He was not afraid to stand up for his people or his nation. Robert Wilcox was a prominent figure in Hawaiian politics. He was the voice for the Hawaiian people, and demanded to be heard. Wilcox was the beacon of hope that helped guide the people of Hawaiʻi through darkness. Wilcox was and still is today a symbolic figure in Hawaiʻi’s political history. Robert Wilcox left behind a legacy of strength, loyalty, and dedication. Wilcox is a man worth remembering.

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