Linda Kawai'ono Delaney, 56, Hawaiian advocate

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

Linda Kawai'ono Delaney, former president of the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club and advocate of Hawaiian issues, including the reinterment of kupuna at Mokapu, died Wednesday. She was 56.

Delaney, born Feb. 2, 1947, served the O'ahu Council as parliamentarian, first vice president, and self-determination and sovereignty committee chair. She was also a former Office of Hawaiian Affairs administrator.

Delaney honed her leadership skills as a student at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa in the late 1960s. In keeping with anti-war fervor across campuses nationwide, UH had its share of anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, one of which was led by then-student body president Delaney.

In May 1968, about 150 students and faculty members occupied Bachman Hall to protest the denial of tenure to assistant professor Oliver Lee, who had served as adviser to an anti-war group. The protest was non-violent.

Delaney is survived by her companion, Kina'u Boyd Kamali'i, and brother, Alexander Delaney.

Visitation from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Borthwick Mortuary; service 7 p.m.