He Ho‘oilina Ali‘i – A Royal Legacy

King Kamehameha III.

David Kalākaua was a member of the Honolulu Fire Department before becoming king.

The call to serve does not indiscriminately reach just any heart. I totally believe that the “the chosen” will hear a call that only they can hear and only they can answer.

I have a deep, abiding respect for the ones who rise up in answer, putting their lives on the line to protect and to save. Therefore it was an honor to be approached by the Honolulu Fire Department about painting a piece that would reflect not only its unique inception but also to depict in spirit a line of firefighters from yesteryear — calling to mind the many generations of service and sacrifice.

When I was informed that this fire department was founded by King Kamehameha III in 1851, I knew I needed to answer a different call — a call to my own heart as an artist to do my best to visually portray the unique history of our fire department — its distinction being that it is the only fire department in the nation that can lay claim to being founded by royalty.

Prince Jonah Kūhiō and his brother, Prince David Kawānanakoa, were volunteer members of the Honolulu Fire Department.

Horse-drawn fire truck in a 1920 Honolulu parade.

In my work, I try to paint what you cannot see when you look at other people. You cannot see those who have influenced them in becoming who they are. You cannot know their unique cultural history because you cannot see their predecessors, their teachers, their mentors. You cannot see in whose footprints they have stepped, now in turn to make their own mark— and in turn to influence and to lead.

– Leohone Magno 2024

He Ho‘oilina Ali‘i – A Royal Legacy is only available in giclées. (No Open Edition prints). Inquire about giclées with Leohone by calling (808) 295-9513.