Jonah Kumalae

Jonah Kumalae (October 13, 1874 – May 6, 1940) was an American politician, businessman, publisher, ukulele manufacturer, and musician of ethnic Hawaiian origin.

[2] In his younger years, Kumalae worked as a school teacher and agricultural farmer, and poi manufacturer.

[6] Historians believe that it was Kumalae ukuleles that were given to passengers on island-bound cruise ships in the 1920s, as well as distributed at local hotels.

Famous musician and entertainer Tiny Tim Khaury (most noted for his rendition of the song 'Tip Toe through the Tulips') owned a Kumalae ukulele, which was put up for auction by his daughter in 2004, for a reported $2900.

He also served as Food Commissioner, director of the Hawaii Land Company, candidate for Mayor of Honolulu in 1923, and was on the Board of Supervisors from 1919–1923.

[12] This claim is supported by the fact that he would later sponsor a bill requiring all government vehicles to bear the phrase, "For Official Use Only," a law that still stands today.

Headstock seal placed by Jonah Kumalae on his ukuleles, showcasing the 'Gold Award' won at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition