James Kopo Ako

James Kopo Ako, Supervisor of County of Hawaii, Kailua, Hawaii.  Born at Kailua, North Kona, Hawaii, August 11, 1882.  He was the son of Chew Chong and Lehela Kailiuaua Pahee.  He died 12 August 1939 and was buried at St Michaels Catholic Cemetery, Kailua Kona

James was educated in the public schools and the Royal School in Honolulu.  He began working as a clerk in John Kawlemakule's store and sub-agent of public lands in the  3rd land district, Kailua, North Kona.  He was appointed Deputy Tax Assessor and Collector, North Kona District from 1905-1915.  He was assistant postmaster of Kailua from 1905-1910.  James was Clerk of Third Circuit Court, Territory of Hawaii from 1910-1912.  He was elected Supervisor from the second representative district, County of Hawaii.  He was re-elected 1917-1919.  He was a member of the Seaside Club, Kamehameha Lodge and Forresters.

 

He married Margaret K Ahana, 22 Dec 1901, North Kona, Hawaii (born 5 July 1879, died 2 July 1962, buried at St Michaels Catholic Cemetery, Kailua Kona).   James had children from his first marriage: James Jr, (born 24 Sept 1902, North Kona; died 7 June 1915, Queens Hospital, ), Philip A (born 25 September 1904, North Kona),  Josephine K. (born 8 March 1908, North Kona).

James was also married to Lily Kanohalani (who was born 3 Sept 1897, Kailua, Hawaii and died 25 June 1961, Kailua).   Lily is shown in the 1920 census as a lodger.  Lily was a weaving teacher.  From James' second marriage he had:  Herbert (born ca 1918), Elmer (born ca 1919), Eleanor (born ca 1921), Rachel (born ca 1923), Lily Jane (born ca 1924), Valentine (born ca 1926), Raynold (born ca 1927), Emma Louisa (born ca 1929).

 

Sources:  "Men of Hawaii", Edited by John William Siddall, published by Honolulu Star Bulletin, 1917.  1920 census, North Kona, page 5A.  WWI draft card where Margaret

is shown as James' nearest relative. 1930 census. 1940 census. Births from familysearch.org.