Quentin Kawananakoa, formally Quentin Kuhio Kawananakoa (September 28, 1961- ), is the current head of the House of Kawananakoa and holds the title of prince and heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. His claim to the throne has been confirmed by historians and elders of the native Hawaiian community, a descendant of the House of Kamehameha and House of Kalakaua. He is also an avid poltician of the State of Hawai'i having been elected to and chosen by his peers as minority leader in the Hawai'i State Legislature. Kawananakoa is also a respected organizer of the Republican Party of Hawai'i and oversees the vast landholdings of the James Campbell Estate, of which he is an heir.
Early Years
Kawananakoa was born in 1961 in San Francisco, California, the third son of Prince Edward A. Kawananakoa and his second wife Carolyn Willison Kawananakoa. He was raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i where he attended Punahou School. Upon graduating from high school, Kawananakoa went on to study at the University of Southern California. He returned to O'ahu and graduated from the William S. Richardson School of Law. Upon obtaining his law degree, he served in private practice at the law firm Case, Bigelow & Lombardi until 2000.
Political Life
In 1994, Kawananakoa followed in his ancestors' footsteps and got involved in elected politics. Unlike his great uncle Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, Kawananakoa joined the Republican Party of Hawai'i for its pro-business stances. He ran and won an election to become a member of the Hawai'i State House of Representatives, an office he served through 1998. During his legislative tenure, he rose through the ranks of party leadership becoming minority floor leader. During an attempt to mount a challenge for the Congressional seat held by Neil Abercrombie, Kawananakoa abruptly retired from active political life after being hospitalized.
Family
In September 1995, Kawananakoa married Barbados native Elizabeth Broun. They had their first child in June 1996, Kincaid Kawananakoa . In December 1999, the royal couple had another child, Riley Kawananakoa . Both became recognized with the title of prince.
