Lanihau did not hold the post for long. Island governors traditionally had the power to appoint police officers, manage governmental lands, supervise tax collectors and collect revenues for the Crown. However, by the time of her tenure, the titular positions were mainly given to royal favorites and high ranking persons. The position had been source of corruption and was regarded as a waste of governmental money; her predecessor Paul P. Kanoa simply drew from his gubernatorial salary and made a few appointment recommendations. After the Bayonet Constitution of 1887, the legislature debated abolishing the titles. Because of her gender, Lanihau was viewed as unqualified to appoint the police forces for the island, and in 1887 this duty was transferred to the island sheriffs appointed by the Marshal of the Kingdom. Her authority to appoint chief magistrates were also taken away. In 1888, the royal island governorships were officially abolished by the Hawaiian legislature. Lanihau along with her contemporary Ululani Lewai Baker (Governess of Hawaii Island) became the last female governors of the Hawaiian monarchy. During the funeral of Kalākaua in 1893, Lanihau was in attendance. Prior to Kalākaua's death, the legislature passed another act restoring the island governorships. However, section 5 of the act stated: "No female shall be eligible to the office of Governor". Under this act, Queen Liliuokalani, the sister and successor of Kalākaua, briefly restored the position during the twilight of the monarchy but only appointed males governors, who were all removed shortly after the overthrow in 1893.