THE FIFTIES

Health & Welfare Projects 

The Fifties saw an increase in projects and fundraisers.

In the area of health and welfare, funding provided additional travel group work for the Palama Settlement, a therapeutic and recreational swimming pool for the Rehabilitation Center of Hawaii, and a patient’s recreational pavilion at the Territorial (now State) Hospital.

Funds in the 1950s came from weekly fashion shows at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with League members as models. The decade’s signature event was the Holiday Ball, launched in 1953 and held annually through 1965. This elegant gala with dinner, dancing, and a League-produced show became a beloved Honolulu holiday tradition.

Arts & Education 

Children’s Theater continued as The League expanded its arts support by helping establish the Honolulu Theater for Youth and launching Keiki Concerts. In education, it funded the Bishop Museum’s new Planetarium-Observatory and assisted with developing its volunteer program.

AJLI Involvement 

The Fifties found The League with strengthened ties to The Association of Junior Leagues of America, Inc. (that later became AJLI). In 1958, Honolulu hosted a Regional Meeting for the Association’s Region XII with great success.

THE SIXTIES

In 1965, The League turned its attention to historic preservation, leading restoration planning for ʻIolani Palace with architect Charles E. Peterson.

It conducted research, published a register for the State, and produced the documentary ʻIolani Palace: Hawaii’s Past Today. The League also collaborated on exhibits, films, and the TV documentary Kulaiwi, and funded the booklet Oahu’s Historic Buildings for the 10th anniversary of statehood, research still used today.

Health & Welfare 

The League supported the establishment of the Association for the Juvenile Detention Home and provided equipment for the Waimano Training School and Home. It also partnered with the Honolulu Police Department to show safety films to schoolchildren.

Education 

Efforts included supplying equipment and volunteers to Pohukaina School, launching Library Story Hours for preschoolers, and donating a large collection of children’s books. Toward the end of the decade, The League introduced the Zoo Education Program and co-sponsored a conference on air and water pollution with local organizations.

Arts & Culture 

Children’s Theater and Keiki Concerts continued, while The League funded new studios at the Honolulu Academy of Arts and co-sponsored a creative arts program for gifted children with the Department of Education.

THE SEVENTIES

In 1979, the League launched a project to provide leadership workshops for nonprofit organizations.

Leadership development expanded through workshops with the YWCA and Volunteer Service Bureau, conferences on practical leadership, and community training programs.

Health, Welfare, & Advocacy 

The League focused on health and welfare by helping establish Hale Kipa, a runaway shelter, supporting the Kailua Drug Clinic, and creating Kula Kokua, a therapeutic preschool for emotionally disturbed children in partnership with the Salvation Army. It also funded a Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind.

Advocacy became a priority in 1976, leading to the Conference on the Family in Hawaii in 1978, which earned The League a role as State Coordinator for the White House Conference on Families. Members trained as facilitators for parents of children with learning disabilities and testified on issues such as child abuse prevention and family life education.

Community Programs 

The League developed an in-school marine science program for the Honolulu Aquarium, supported the Hawaii Bound Program, and introduced the Artmobile for art enrichment in schools. By the late 1970s, it partnered with the Historic Hawaii Foundation to survey buildings for restoration and federal funding.

Fundraising 

The 1970s brought new fundraising ideas: the Golden Anniversary Ball in 1973, Treasure and Trivia sales, and the first televised Auction in 1977, which raised $40,000. The 1979 Auction netted $42,000. Social events included themed parties, and The League began planning a cookbook as an ongoing fundraiser.

AJLI & Headquarters 

League members held key AJLI leadership roles throughout the decade, and in 1973, headquarters moved from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel to the Salvation Army’s Manoa Cottages.

THE EIGHTIES

The League received the First Lady’s Award in 1985 as Hawaii’s Outstanding Volunteer Organization and introduced the Laura Dowsett Sustainer Award in 1982. It celebrated its 65th anniversary in 1989, honored by AJLI, state leaders, and local government.

Family & Community Projects 

The 1980s emphasized family-focused initiatives and partnerships. The League completed the Family Health Learning Center for Kapiolani Children’s Medical Center, launched the H.U.G. in-hospital education program (later turned over to Queen’s Medical Center), and supported the Hawaii Nature Center and Hawaii Children’s Museum (now the Children’s Discovery Center). In 1987, seven new projects were introduced, including Action Line, Hale Kipa Independent Living, Prevent Elder Abuse, and Teen Intervention. The League also developed an AIDS Education Comic Book and received state recognition for its Turnaround project.

Training & Leadership 

Volunteer training expanded through the Volunteer Leadership Development Program, incorporating career development and management skills. Leadership workshops and community training continued, and by 1987, the League reaffirmed its commitment to projects with record participation.

Membership & Fundraising 

Membership grew, with Provisional classes reaching 68 in 1987. The League adopted open admissions, restructured leadership roles, and moved its office to the AAUW building in 1985. It entered the computer age in 1986, improving operations and record-keeping. The publication of A Taste of Aloha in 1983 provided year-round income, with sales reaching nearly $100,000 annually and national recognition in Better Homes and Gardens. Other highlights included A Royal Occasion fashion show in 1987 and record-breaking auctions, with Stargazing surpassing $100,000 in 1989.