Linda D, I don't know about the Hawaiian ones, but the ones in California were started as life insurance companies. In case anything happened to the man, there would be money to take care of his widow and orphaned children. Today, they are more like cultural centers.
I know that doesn't answer your question but only gives background info. If no one here knows, someone may know over on the IslandRoutes list (Portuguese-Hawaiian) run by Melody Lassalle. Cheri Mello Listowner, Azores-Gen Researching: Vila Franca, Ponta Garca, Ribeira Quente, Ribeira das Tainhas, Achada -- To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive. For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
