IOLANI PALACE RECEIVES $15,000 FROM PRINCESS ABIGAIL KAWANANAKOA

Funds to help defray electricity expenses, Princess asks others to support royal residence

HONOLULU (July 16, 2020) – Iolani Palace has received a $15,000 gift from Princess Abigail Kawananakoa to support the nation’s only official royal residence as it reopens after an extended closure. The funds will help pay for the Palace’s monthly electricity bill, which averages nearly $15,000.

“The Princess has been our largest benefactor over the years and we can’t mahalo her enough for her continued generosity, especially during these challenging times,” said Paula Akana, executive director for The Friends of Iolani Palace. “Our electric bill is one of our largest expenses each month, since the Palace’s HVAC systems need to run 24/7 in order to preserve and protect the precious pieces of history housed within her.”

As the eldest granddaughter of Prince David Kawananakoa, supporting Iolani Palace has been a life mission for Princess Abigail.

She stated, “I kindly ask others to match my donation or give what they can to help support Iolani Palace through its present financial crisis.”

About Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace is the only official residence of royalty in the United States. King Kalakaua was the first reigning monarch to travel around the world and built Iolani Palace in 1882 to enhance the prestige of Hawaii overseas and to mark Hawaii’s status as a modern nation. For more information, please call Iolani Palace at (808) 522-0822 or visit www.iolanipalace.org.