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Ianuali (January) 2021 | Vol. 38, No. 01
New year
New leadership
New direction PAGES 14-16
side
A new year brings new possibilities. At OHA, new leadership is in place
to take the organization in a new direction for the betterment of
e i n Native Hawaiians. Like the ‘ae fern growing out of the rugged terrain
Se OHA'S FY20
ANNUAL REPORT
of a recent lava flow, we emerge anew, resilient and optimistic of
he au hou (a new era) in 2021. - Photo: © jryanc10 / Adobe Stock
Supporting our keiki at every step
of their educational journey
From our littlest learners to growing ‘ōiwi leaders, we’re here to nurture the dreams of our keiki.
Kamehameha Schools provides a variety of educational programs and scholarship opportunities
for Native Hawaiian learners of all ages.
Now accepting applications for:
PRESCHOOL EARLY COLLEGE CREDIT COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
A future of possibilities begins in the minds SCHOLARSHIP From the classroom and beyond we nurture
of our littlest learners. Early education the dreams of Native Hawaiian learners to
Preparing keiki so they continue to grow
allows keiki to learn through culture and grow as ‘ōiwi leaders. Explore opportunities
gain the confidence to dream of how they’ll and succeed as ‘ōiwi leaders. By taking
college courses in high school, haumāna to reach new heights with Kamehameha
create a brighter tomorrow. Schools College Scholarships.
get a head start on their college careers
KAMEHAMEHA PRESCHOOLS and prepare themselves for a future filled
with possibilities. KS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
29 sites statewide offering Hawaiian
Apply by Jan. 15, 2021 Scholarships for undergraduate or
culture-based education for 3- and
4-year-old keiki. graduate students
Apply by Jan. 31, 2021 Apply by Jan. 15, 2021
PAUAHI FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Over 100 funds for undergraduate and
graduate students in a variety of fields
Apply by Jan. 29, 2021
Kamehameha Schools policy on admissions is to give preference
to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
Learn more at ksbe.edu/apply or call 808-842-8800
Kamehameha Schools
Preschool Recruitment 2021-2022 ad-Combo
Pub: Ka Wai Ola (OHA)
Follow us: /kawaiolanews | /kawaiolanews | /kawaiolanews
‘ŌLELO A KA POUHANA ianuali2021 3
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
A NEW YEAR’S PULE
Hou (vs. New, fresh, recent.)
Aloha mai kākou,
G
rowing up, I loved New Year’s Eve – I thought it was the best thing ever new legislative package for the 2021 Legislative Session is presented, and our two
because New Year’s Eve was always spent at my grandfather’s house. new trustees are introduced.
My cousins and I would get firecrackers every Christmas instead of And, to share the accomplishments of the previous fiscal year, OHA’s 2020 Annual
socks or underwear, which thrilled us. On Hawai‘i Island at that time Report is included as a special insert.
there were no rules about popping firecrackers, so this was a big deal and As difficult as 2020 was, it brought out the best in so many of our people. There were
something all us kids looked forward to with anticipation. endless examples of aloha, mälama, and lokomaika‘i (generosity) as ‘öiwi gave their
The week between the two holidays was a time of preparation for the annual pä‘ina time, talent and resources to käko‘o those who needed kökua. I
at my grandfather’s house – we’d make poi and kalua the pig. My grandfather was pure am so proud of our people and so optimistic about our future
Hawaiian and he would always invite my Japanese side of the family and they, and all as a lähui.
the families in our Niuli‘i community in Kohala, would come together to celebrate. I am reminded of my grandfather’s New Year’s pule and
At midnight, my grandfather would gather everyone together, and have us put aside the lesson to our ‘ohana that even in times of hardship,
our noisy festivities for a few moments of quiet. And in that silence, as we transitioned we can find things for which to be grateful, and remain
together from the old to the new, my grandfather would pule. He offered a simple, hopeful for good things in the time to come.
heartfelt prayer, giving thanks for the blessings of the previous year, and asking for As we reflect on 2020, while planning for 2021
Ke Akua’s blessing in the new. This ‘ohana tradition of New Year’s pule that my and beyond, Känaka Maoli must continue to laulima
grandfather established all those years ago has continued in my family. and remain focused on our aloha for our lähui and a
This practice of pule is not only for ‘ohana, but for all areas of our lives, including our vision of a Hawai‘i where our ‘ohana, our ‘äina, and our
work. Here at OHA we take this time to mahalo Ke Akua for all we have been able to mo‘omeheu are healthy, vibrant and thriving.
accomplish despite the daunting challenges of 2020, as well as to pule for OHA’s new
leadership, new strategic plan, and the new ways that we will move forward together
as an organization in 2021.
In Ka Wai Ola’s first issue of 2021, we focus on new leadership, new vision and
new purpose at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Our new chair of the Board of Trustees, Sylvia M. Hussey, Ed.D.
Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey, shares her vision and mana‘o for the work ahead, OHA’s Ka Pouhana/Chief Executive Officer
MEA O LOKO TABLE OF CONTENTS Ianuali | January 2021 | Vol. 38, No. 01
Sylvia M. Hussey, Ed.D.
Ka Pouhana
Chief Executive Officer MO‘OLELO NUI | COVER FEATURE HO‘ONA‘AUAO | EDUCATION
DIGITAL AND PRINT MEDIA
Alice Malepeai Silbanuz
Board Chair Carmen "Hulu" Lindsey From a Correctional Center to a Pu‘uhonua
Digital and Print Media Manager
Puanani Fernandez-Akamine
Shares Her Vision PAGES 14-15 PAGE 12
Editor-in-Chief/
Communications Specialist
BY ED KALAMA BY KAMAILE MALDONADO
Ed Kalama The newly elected chair of OHA’s Board of Trustees wants to help The newly rebranded Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center is setting a new
Communications Specialist bring our lāhui together toward a common purpose. standard for juvenile justice and rehabilitation in Hawai‘i.
Kaleena Patcho
Communications Specialist
Jason Lees HO‘OMAIKA‘I | CONGRATULATIONS HO‘OKAHUA WAIWAI | ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
OHA Welcomes Two New Trustees An Economic Vision Grounded in ‘Ike Kūpuna
Digital Media Specialist
Jhewel-Georlyn Felipe
Digital Media Specialist
Joshua Koh
Digital Media Specialist
PAGE 16 PAGE 18-19
Ku‘ualohapau‘ole Lau BY ED KALAMA BY PUANANI FERNANDEZ-AKAMINE
Student Intern
Meet new OHA trustees Luana Alapa (Moloka‘i/Lāna‘i) and Keola ‘Āina Aloha Economic Futures, a framework for post-pandemic economic recovery
EMAIL/WEBSITES Lindsey (Hawai‘i Island) and find out what drives them to serve. developed by Native Hawaiians and based on our cultural values, is gaining support.
kwo@OHA.org
https://KaWaiOla.news
@kawaiolanews
Published monthly by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 200, Honolulu, HI 96817. Telephone: 594-1888 or 1-800-468-4644 ext. 41888. Fax: 594-1865. Email: kwo@OHA.
@kawaiolanews
org. World Wide Web location: kawaiola.news. Circulation: 70,000 copies, 59,000 of which are distributed by mail, and 10,000 through island offices, state and county offices, private and
/kawaiolanews
community agencies and target groups and individuals. Ka Wai Ola News is printed by O‘ahu Publications. Hawaiian fonts are provided by Coconut Info. Advertising in Ka Wai Ola News
does not constitute an endorsement of products or individuals by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Ka Wai Ola News is published by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to help inform its Hawaiian
beneficiaries and other interested parties about Hawaiian issues and activities and OHA programs and efforts. ©2021 Office of Hawaiian Affairs. All rights reserved.
4 ianuali2021 KA LEO O NĀ ‘ŌPIO HE LEO HOU
VOICE OF THE YOUTH A NEW VOICE
Be the Person Who Takes COVID-19 Changed the
the Next Step! Way We Think
across Hawai‘i are becoming politically For my hoahänau and hoa aloha, we
active. They are able to discover their per- could play and be friendly but now must
sonal views and stances, which is crucial.” wear masks and practice social distanc-
“As youth of Hawai‘i Nei, it is our ing.
responsibility to be the future of our com-
munities, pae‘äina, and the world. In order COVID-19 has changed us all.
for things to change, we need to work
inclusively with each other,” said junior When COVID-19 caused the kula
Moani Atay. to stop face-to-face teaching, our po‘o
KS Maui Senior Class President Lauren and kumu reacted quickly to make sure
Kalama and student journalist Max we could still have the opportunity to
Bielawski both share a common idea By Teron Kailimana Pacheco, Grade 6 be educated. These school leaders con-
around the importance of engagement and tinued our learning opportunity that
M
advocacy. finished off last year by providing core
“In times like these, I find it so important y story of the experiences learning packets weekly with timely cor-
to let ‘öpio be heard because we can bring in my life that changed rections for our submitted work.
something fresh to the table,” Kalama said. my thinking about
In addition to recognizing the voice of ‘ohana, kula and aloha We were missing our connection to
our youth, Bielawski said, “It is equally ‘äina since the COVID- the physical kula and ‘ölelo Kanaka. So
important that we respect the mana‘o from 19 pandemic started last March seems they figured out how to safely open our
our küpuna and accept constructive criti- simple. school for face-to-face learning by help-
By Kawai Kapuni and Max Bielawski cism to sharpen the spears of knowledge ing us to be aware of COVID-19, making
H
that we ‘öpio possess.” The impacts on my ‘ohana have sure that we follow safety rules, and
ui Kälai‘äina is a student club Senior club member, Sierra Kalua, said ranged from little to none, all the way having daily temperature checks with
at the Kamehameha Schools she believes that our ancestors are the foun- to major and life changing. The changes questions that help us decide if we have
Maui Campus. dation to kickstarting a sustainable future for my education, made by our po‘o been exposed to COVID-19. All of these
Led by senior Kawai Kapuni for Hawai‘i. “They faced trial after trial to and kumu, ensure that the kula provides checks have allowed us to form “‘ohana
and longtime teacher and advo- provide for our generation, and it’s impor- educational opportunities in English and bubbles” and a somewhat normal return
cate Kapulani Antonio, the club is a means tant that we embrace this so that we may ‘ölelo Kanaka. Aloha ‘Äina has turned to school.
of giving young people the opportunity to cultivate the future they envisioned.” from a few who know, into an idea that
become civically engaged. Members Sofia Stupplebeen and Mähie many seek to define. I was so surprised when the staff at
The club’s mission is based on aloha Dean both said that they believed that the school stopped by with fruits and
‘äina, mälama, and kuleana, which all unite their voices are tools which they can wield COVID-19 is changing the way we vegetables every week from May to
to fight for one common cause: cultivat- with the intent of advancing themselves as think about our ‘ohana, no‘eau and ‘äina. September. I got to help with the distri-
ing communities across Hawai‘i in order Känaka and changing the world. bution of the food (a form of aloha ‘äina)
to motivate and inspire young individu- The voices of ‘öpio have always been a My ‘ohana is a big thing that includes when we came back to school. It was
als to become leaders. Specifically, Hui valuable part of any movement, and for us küpuna, mäkua, hoahänau and hoa aloha. hard work even when we got to help the
Kälai‘äina recognizes the many unique to truly “move” we must be able to hear, For our küpuna, life was filled with free- po‘o and nä kumu with the food. These
challenges Hawai‘i faces that require recognize, and consider the opinions and dom to travel, visit, tell mo‘olelo, and gifts were aloha ‘äina of many on Kaua‘i
unique solutions. ideas of young people. It starts with one share no‘eau while helping to strengthen who helped many of us get through the
Group members find their voice in Hui step and, at times, we will need to over- our ‘ohana, but now is filled with isola- rough times. I know if the COVID-19
Kälai‘äina, share and exchange fresh per- come multiple obstacles. tion, difficulty with securing food and pandemic continues, that Kaua‘i will
spectives, and gain valuable experience. On behalf of Hui Kälai‘äina, remember sometimes fear, as COVID-19 can hurt help all of us through aloha ‘äina.
Kawai Kapuni, president of Hui to be the person who takes the next step, them the most.
Kälai‘äina, speaks on behalf of the club because we’re going to need a whole lot As for my ‘ohana, we are closer. As
saying, “Our Hawaiian heritage, as well of them. For our mäkua, the island economy for my kula, they provide me with edu-
as our determination to lead, inspire, and has changed the number and types of cation full of aloha. As for our ‘äina, we
advocate, will break the continuous cycle Kawai Kapuni is a senior at Kame- jobs. My mom, working for a car rental need to protect, nurture and use it with
of negative impact that the people of hameha Schools Maui and president of Hui company, became unemployed; my dad, aloha that feeds us as a people. Until
Hawai‘i have faced. Our club is a pillar of Kälai‘äina. Co-author, Max Bielawski, is a who had a good paying job, is now serv- COVID-19 passes, be safe.
change, but we are definitely not alone in senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui and ing the National Guard protecting us all
this movement.” an editor for Kamehameha Maui’s Nä Koa from COVID-19 by enforcing the new Teron Kailimana Pacheco is a sixth-grade
Logan English, Hui Kälai‘äina vice-pres- magazine. rules. student at Kula Aupuni Ni‘ihau A Kahele-
ident adds, “More and more young people lani Aloha PCS on Kaua‘i.
THE VOICE OF NATIVE ‘O KA NŪHOU ‘ĀINA ianuali2021 5
HAWAIIAN BUSINESS HO‘OPULAPULA
Leadership Lessons from DHHL Expands Hawai‘i
Mailikukahi Island Options
systems that promote equity, safety, and
prosperity, and new leadership from exist- The first 60 homes, a portion of the
ing leaders to huli their thinking. Like greater 118-unit La‘i ‘Öpua Village 4 –
Mailikukahi, we need leadership with ‘Äkau, are anticipated to be offered to
good sense, humility, and a willingness to beneficiaries in mid-2021. An additional
make small but worthy improvements that 103 Rent-With-Option-To-Purchase
may not show immediate success. We need units will be built subsequently to com-
new leadership and new vision that creates plete La‘i ‘Öpua Village 4 – ‘Äkau and
a system of equitably distributed prosperity the current La‘i ‘Öpua Village 5.
for Hawaiians that will last for centuries.
By Cedric Duarte Producing a Rent-With-Option-To-
A
By Summer Keliipio
The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Com- Purchase program requires public and
M
merce is committed to supporting Native new year will mean new private partnerships to successfully
ailikukahi was born around Hawaiian-owned businesses that can envi- opportunities for waiting list deploy financing tools and tax credits.
the fifteenth century at sion and act, not only to create prosperity applicants on Hawai‘i Island. La‘i ‘Öpua will use, in part, federal
Kükaniloko on the island today, but prosperity for generations to and state low-income housing tax
of O‘ahu to Kukahiaililani come. The chamber has adopted a new mis- The Department of Hawai- credit equity secured by Hunt Capital
and Kokalola. Mailiku- sion statement, updated its infrastructure, ian Home Lands recently broke ground Partners, in collaboration with Ikaika
kahi was an ali‘i nui (high chief) and his and focused on increasing member benefits on the construction of 60 homes within ‘Ohana and Urban Housing Communi-
leadership was known for innovations and to better support känaka-led enterprises. the Villages of La‘i ‘Öpua in Kealakehe, ties. Coastal Construction Co. is acting
change that made O‘ahu prosperous and Hawai‘i Island, for its second Rent- as the project’s general contractor with
well-governed. As business owners and leaders, we rely With-Option-To-Purchase project. architectural firm Design Partner, Inc.
on a chamber of commerce that is grounded ThirtyOne50 Management will function
Turbulence characterized life and gover- in Hawaiian values and dedicated to a path In 2001, DHHL partnered with as the rental property manager.
nance on O‘ahu prior to Mailikukahi. forward rooted in Hawaiian wisdom. Our Mark Development to develop and
chamber of commerce brings us together manage DHHL’s first Rent-With- The project will provide affordable
As such, Mailikukahi instituted many as ‘ohana who live the same values, share Option-To-Purchase project in Kapolei, single-family rental homes for DHHL
reforms that would calm the turmoil and similar stories, and devote ourselves to O‘ahu. The Ho‘olimalima Rent-With- undivided interest lessees and waiting
establish much needed order. He thor- our lähui and its potential to create good- Option-To-Purchase pilot project was list applicants who may convert their
oughly surveyed the entire island and ness – both here and beyond our shores. groundbreaking for its unique use of rental into a 99-year homestead lease
created the moku, ahupua‘a, ‘ili küpono, With these tools and inspiration from all federal and state low income housing tax after 15 years.
‘ili ‘äina, and mo‘o ‘äina we still know our ali‘i, including Mailikukahi who pulled credits. The initiative allowed 70 benefi-
today. Each new land division had a stew- O‘ahu from an age of disorder into an age ciaries to pay an affordable monthly rent In addition to kicking off the new year
ard who was responsible for the resources of sustained prosperity, we, as känaka, can for a single-family home, then assume a with the Rent-With-Option-To-Purchase
on that land, thereby creating clear roles, huli our modern systems to create greater 99-year homestead lease at the end of the product, DHHL will soon be breaking
or kuleana, for both ali‘i and commoners abundance for all. required 15-year rental period. ground on Hawai‘i Island for its new
that prevented the disputes common before subsistence agricultural pilot projects in
Mailikukahi’s time. As new and renewed känaka leaders DHHL’s Rent-With-Option-To- Honomü and Pana‘ewa.
who lived through a devastating health, Purchase product targets qualifying
Mailikukahi also took all firstborn males economic, and social crisis, we not only families who earn up to 30 percent, Cedric R. Duarte is the Information &
into his care to be educated and shown the can create a better tomorrow, we must. 40 percent, and 60 percent of the area Community Relations Officer for the
ways of this new land management system, median income. This program differs Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. He
helping the system to succeed well beyond Summer Keliipio is a kanaka leader and new from a rent-to-own product, where rent has worked in communications and mar-
his tenure. Under Mailikukahi, O‘ahu member of the Native Hawaiian Chamber of will not contribute to the purchase of the keting since 1999 and is a longtime event
became prosperous, populous, and more Commerce. Summer is a social entrepreneur home. Instead, the tenant’s Area Median organizer. A product of the Kamehameha
peaceful. and systems change leader dedicated to cre- Income (AMI) level at the initial quali- Schools and the University of Hawai‘i at
ating a Hawai‘i that is a beacon of hope for fication to occupy the units will be the Mänoa, he resides in ‘Aiea with his wife
We find ourselves, as Hawaiians, in a the world. She is the owner of Mo‘o Strategies same AMI level used in determining the and two daughters.
new time of tumult with questions about LLC, and managing partner of ‘A‘ali‘i Alli- sale price at the end of the 15 years.
how to create a post-COVID-19 Hawai‘i ance. Summer has a master’s in public affairs
that extends and protects the prosperity of from Princeton University and bachelor’s
our ancestral home. degree from Pitzer College. Summer was
born and raised on O‘ahu and currently lives
We need both new leaders to pursue in a four-generation household in Käne‘ohe.
6 ianuali2021
¯IWI
I MANA I KA ‘Ō kawaiola.news | kwo@OHA.org
NATIVE HAWAIIAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS
‘O ka Ho‘omaka Akula nō And So it Began...
ia...Ka Ho‘iho‘i ‘ia ‘ana mai Repatriation of Iwi Kūpuna
o nā Iwi Kūpuna a me nā and Moepū (1990 - 1991)
Moepū (1990 - 1991) Nihipali, Coochie Cayan, Ka‘ohu Seto,
Alapai Hanapi and myself.
Na Edward Halealoha Ayau In addition, the July 1990 trip included
Unuhi ‘ia e No‘eau Peralto Eia kekahi, ma ia huaka‘i ma Iulai, M.H. the repatriation of a mummified infant
I
1990, ua ho‘iho‘i maila mäkou i kekahi iwi from the University of Pennsylvania
këia makahiki, e noke mau këia käkau keiki mai ka Hale Hö‘ike‘ike ma ke Kulanui Museum of Archaeology in Philadel-
mo‘olelo i ka wehewehe ‘ana aku i o Penekelewinia. Ua ‘aihue ‘ia ua iwi keiki phia that was stolen from a burial cave in
ka hana ho‘ona‘auao a mäkou no ka lä mai kekahi ana kupapa‘u ma Hanapëpë i Hanapëpë, Kaua‘i. That case was espe-
mälama ‘ana i nä iwi küpuna a me nä Kaua‘i. Ua kaumaha loa ko mäkou na‘au i cially heartbreaking.
moepü, a e kau nui a‘e ana ko‘u mana‘o këlä huaka‘i ho‘iho‘i iwi küpuna. The second repatriation from the
By Edward Halealoha Ayau
ma këia käkau mo‘olelo ‘ana i ka ‘oihana Smithsonian occurred a year later and
T
ho‘iho‘i iwi küpuna (‘o ia ho‘i ka ho‘iho‘i ‘O ka ho‘iho‘i iwi küpuna lua mai involved 134 skulls from the islands of
‘ana mai i nä iwi küpuna a me nä moepü i ka Smithsonian mai, ho‘omaka ‘ia këlä his year, I will continue to Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, O‘ahu and an island
Hawai‘i nei) mai nä hale hö‘ike‘ike a me ho‘iho‘i ‘ana i ka makahiki a‘e o 1991 document the education efforts of unknown origin, and was conducted
nä känaka kü ho‘okahi o ‘Amelika a me no nä iwi po‘o he 134, no nä mokupuni that were made regarding the by the Kaua‘i families led by LaFrance
näaupuni ‘ë a‘e a puni ka honua. o Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i a me O‘ahu mai läkou. care of iwi küpuna and moepü Kapaka-Arboleda, Boots Panui, James
Ho‘omaka ‘ia akula ka ‘oihana ho‘iho‘i Ho‘oholo ‘ia ia noi ‘ana aku i ka ho‘iho‘i by focusing on repatriation Panui, Wilma Healani Holi, Atwood
iwi küpuna ma ka makahiki 1990. ‘O ka iwi küpuna e nä ‘ohana o Kaua‘i i alaka‘i (meaning to return to country of origin – Makanani, Ilei Beniamina and Moses
ho‘iho‘i iwi küpuna mua loa, ‘o ia ka ‘ia e LaFrance Kapaka-Arboleda, Boots in this context, Hawai‘i) from institutions Keale, with the support of the Office of
ho‘iho‘i ‘ia ‘ana mai o nä püniu (iwi po‘o) Panui, James Panui, Wilma Healani Holi, or individuals located within the United Hawaiian Affairs. This effort featured a
he 81 mai ka Hale Hö‘ike‘ike o ka Mo‘olelo Atwood Makanani, Ilei Beniamina a me States and from foreign countries. protest at the museum by a Hawaiian from
Külohelohe ma ka Hale ‘Imi Na‘auao ‘o Moses Keale, me ke käko‘o o ke Ke‘ena Repatriation efforts began in 1990. Kaua‘i, which was eventually resolved.
Smithsonian ma Wakinekona. Kuleana Hawai‘i. Ma këia huaka‘i ho‘iho‘i The first repatriation case ever conducted In May 1991, the University of Alaska
‘O ke känäwai näna i käko‘o nui aku ai i iwi küpuna, ua kü‘ë kekahi Kanaka o occurred in July 1990 and involved 81 Museum returned a single skull to Pau-
ka ho‘iho‘i ‘ana mai i këia mau iwi, ‘o ia ke Kaua‘i i ka Hale Hö‘ike‘ike. Eia na‘e, ua skulls held by the Museum of Natural malü, O‘ahu, for reburial and, in June that
känäwai i kapa ‘ia ‘o ka National Museum ho‘oponopono ‘ia ka pilikia i kü‘ë ‘ia a ua History at the Smithsonian Institute in same year, 32 remains were repatriated
of the American Indian Act i ho‘oholo ‘ia holo pono akula ka hana. Washington, D.C. from the American Museum of Natural
e Kenekoa Daniel Inouye i ka makahiki Ma ka mahina ‘o Mei i ka M.H. 1991, The legal authority to repatriate these History (AMNH) in New York, and 27
1989. Ua käko‘o akula ua känäwai lä i nä ua ho‘iho‘i maila ka Hale Hö‘ike‘ike o ke ancestral remains was the National remains were returned from the Field
hui ‘Öiwi Hawai‘i he ‘elua, ‘o Hui Mälama Kulanui o ‘Älaka i kekahi iwi po‘o i Paum- Museum of the American Indian Act, Museum of Natural History (FMNH) in
i nä Küpuna o Hawai‘i Nei a me ke Ke‘ena alü ma O‘ahu no ke kanu hou ‘ana. A i ka enacted by Senator Daniel Inouye in Chicago. The AMNH case was highly
Kuleana Hawai‘i, e noi aku iä Smithsonian mahina ‘o Iune o ia makahiki, ua ho‘iho‘i 1989. That law allowed two Native contentious because of the museum’s
i ka ho‘iho‘i ‘ia ‘ana mai o nä iwi küpuna a maila ka Hale Hö‘ike‘ike o ka Mo‘olelo Hawaiian organizations, Hui Mälama I objections to the new repatriation law. In
me nä moepü. Ho‘oholo ‘ia akula këia noi Külohelohe o ‘Amelika ma Nuioka Nä Küpuna O Hawai‘i Nei and the Office contrast, in the FMNH case, field museum
‘ana ma mua o ka ho‘okumu ‘ia ‘ana o ke (AMNH) i nä iwi he 32, a pëlä pü me ka of Hawaiian Affairs, to claim human staff were supportive and cooperative.
ke‘ena ho‘iho‘i iwi küpuna ma ka Smith- Hale Hö‘ike‘ike o ka Mo‘olelo Külohelohe remains and funerary objects from the In August 1991, a single skull was repa-
sonian, a ua mahele ‘ia këia hana i nä wä ma Kikako (FMNH) i ko läkou ho‘iho‘i Smithsonian. This effort took place prior triated from the Brigham Young Museum
he ‘elua ma muli o ke kauoha a nä ‘ohana ‘ana mai i nä iwi he 27. Ua nui ka pilikia to the establishment of the Smithsonian of Peoples and Cultures in Provo, Utah,
no Kaua‘i i mälama ai i këia mau küpuna. o këia ‘oihana ho‘iho‘i iwi küpuna me Repatriation Office and was conducted and 54 remains and funerary objects were
Ua käko‘o ‘ia këia ho‘iho‘i iwi küpuna AMNH, no ka mea, ke‘ake‘a akula läkou in two phases at the behest of the Kaua‘i returned from the Bernice Pauahi Bishop
mua e kekahi mau Känaka Hawai‘i e hana i ke känäwai hou i pili i ka ho‘iho‘i iwi families involved. Museum to Waimänalo.
ana ma Wakinekona me Kenekoa Inouye küpuna. Eia na‘e, ma ka ‘ao‘ao o FMNH, This initial repatriation effort was
a me ke Kömike Kuleana ‘Ilikini o ‘Ame- ua käko‘o nä limahana o ka hale hö‘ike‘ike supported by Hawaiians who worked in Edward Halealoha Ayau is the former exec-
lika. Ua mälama maila läkou iä mäkou i i ka ho‘iho‘i ‘ana mai. Washington, D.C., for Sen. Inouye, and utive director of Hui Mälama I Nä Küpuna
nä ‘elele o ka Hui Mälama i nä Küpuna Ma ka mahina o ‘Aukake, M.H. 1991, by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. O Hawai‘i Nei, a group that has repatri-
o Hawai‘i Nei i alaka‘i ‘ia e Edward läua ua ho‘iho‘i ‘ia maila kekahi iwi po‘o mai They housed, fed and provided ground ated and reinterred thousands of ancestral
‘o Pualani Kanahele, ‘o mäkou ‘o Ulunui ka Hale Hö‘ike‘ike o ka Po‘e Känaka ‘o transportation to the repatriation team Native Hawaiian remains and funerary
Garmon, Parley Kanaka‘ole, Pele Hänoa, Brigham Young ma Provo i Uta. A ma ia wä from Hui Mälama led by Edward and objects.
Charles Maxwell, Künani Nihipali, Ipö like, ua ho‘iho‘i maila ka Hale Hö‘ike‘ike Pualani Kanahele and which included
Nihipali, Coochie Cayan, Ka‘ohu Seto, o Bïhopa i nä iwi a me nä moepü he 54 i Ulunui Garmon, Parley Kanaka‘ole, Pele
Alapai Hanapi, a me a‘u. Waimänalo ma O‘ahu. Hänoa, Charles Maxwell, Künani and Ipö
Follow us: /kawaiolanews | /kawaiolanews | /kawaiolanews KA NA‘AUAO O NĀ KŪPUNA ianuali2021 7
THE WISDOM OF THE KŪPUNA
Ka Makahiki Hou a me The New Year and the Old Year
ka Makahiki Kahiko • Poi. Poi is eaten in remembrance of
Häloa. In respect to Häloa, when the poi
Na Kalani Akana, Ph.D. bowl is uncovered, garrulous talking is
mea‘ai o ka ‘aha‘aina makahiki hou. forbidden when eating – no arguing, no
‘O
Eia nö kekahi mau mea‘ai ‘aha‘aina evil words, and no grumbling.
iai ua ho‘omaka ka me ko läkou kaona: • Roast pig. The hog is a good food for
makahiki hou 2021, ua closure and beginnings. In the ‘ailolo
ho‘omaka ‘ë ka maka- • Ka poi. ‘O ka poi he ho‘omana‘o ceremony, the brain, ears, nose, feet,
hiki ‘öiwi Hawai‘i ma ia iä Häloa. Ma muli o ka hö‘ihi iä By Kalani Akana, Ph.D. tail and spleen are eaten because of its
ka mahina o Makali‘i Häloa, i ka wehe ‘ana o ka ‘umeke hidden meaning. Pig, however, was not
A
(Nowemapa 2020) me ka pi‘ina o poi, ua kapu ka ‘ölelo lapuwale ma eaten during the Makahiki of old. The
ka huihui hökü ‘o Makali‘i ma ke ka miki‘ai ‘ana - ‘a‘ole e ho‘opäpä, lthough the 2021 new year hog is an embodiment of the god Lono.
ahiahi hikina. ‘a‘ohe ‘ölelo ‘ino, ‘a‘ole ho‘i e has begun, the Native Hawai- • “Sea pig.” If a pig was not available,
Ma mua o ka hiki ‘ana o Makali‘i, ho‘ohalahala. ian year already began in the it was permissible to prepare a “sea pig”
aia kekahi mau hanana e like me ke • Ka pua‘a kälua. ‘O ka pua‘a, he month of Makali‘i (Novem- such as goatfish or mullet as substitutes.
kuapola a me ka hi‘uwai ma mua mea‘ai maika‘i no ka panina a me ber 2020) with the rising of • Laulau. The deeper significance of
o ka mahina ‘o Makali‘i. I këia au, ka wehena. Ma ka ‘ailolo, ‘ai ‘ia ka the Pleiades in the eastern evening sky. laulau is the wealth of the family and
ua ho‘öla hou ‘ia kekahi mau papa- lolo, pepeiao, ihu, wäwae, huelo, There were events prior to the arrival land. Let wealth abound. Lau was the
hana Makahiki o ka wä kahiko e nä a me ke ake nï‘au ma muli o kona of Makali‘i, such as the kuapola ritual native way of saying 400 implying “lots.”
kumu, nä haumäna, a me nä alaka‘i kaona. ‘A‘ole na‘e i ‘ai ‘ia ka pua‘a and hi‘uwai celebration. Nowadays, • Sweet potato. Sweet potato might be
ho‘oülu mo‘omeheu Hawai‘i e like i ke wä o ka Makahiki. He kinolau several ceremonies of old have been a symbol of a new awakening (play on
me ka hana ho‘okupu, ka huaka‘i ma ka pua‘a no Lono. revived by teachers, students and leaders ‘ala’ meaning to awaken).
nä ahupua‘a o ka mokupuni me ka • Ka pua‘a kai. Inä ‘a‘ole loa‘a la of Hawaiian cultural revitalization, such • Breadfruit. Breadfruit might act as a
hö‘ailona Makahiki o Lonomakua. pua‘a, ua hiki ke ho‘omäkaukau i i‘a as the giving of ritual gifts, and a ritual symbol of new growth (play on ‘ulu or
Ua ho‘oülu hou ‘ia ho‘i nä pä‘ani kümü, ‘ama‘ama i pani no ka pua‘a. circuit of the land with the representa- growth).
like ‘ole e like me ka mokomoko, • Ka laulau. ‘O ke kaona o ka laulau tion of Lonomakua. Traditional games • Miscellaneous foods. ‘Alamihi crabs,
ka häkökö, ka uma, ka ‘ulu maika ka waiwai o ka ‘ohana a me ka ‘äina. have been reclaimed and played such unicorn fish, and sargassum are appropri-
a pëlä nui wale aku. ‘O ka Maka- E lau ka waiwai. ‘O ka “lau” he 400 as boxing, wrestling, hand wrestling, ate if there was a need for forgiveness,
hiki Hawai‘i he wä nö ka ho‘omaha, ma ka helu ‘öiwi. bowling and so forth. The Hawaiian pardon, and spiritual release of wrong-
ka maluhia, ka ho‘olaule‘a a me ke • Ka ‘uala. ‘O ka ‘uala he hö‘ailona New Year is indeed a time of relaxation, doing.
kaua ‘ole. He wä ho‘öla ‘äina a o ke ala hou. peace and celebration without warring. It
ho‘oülu känaka nö ia. • Ka ‘ulu. ‘O ka ‘ulu he hö‘ailona is a time to restore and reinvigorate the The New Year of these times finishes
Pehea ka hana ho‘okipa makahiki o ka ulu hou. land and mankind. in a day. The native New Year concluded
hou o nä makahiki iho nei? • Nä mea‘ai ‘ë a‘e. Küpono ka How was the new year celebrated in after four months, ending in the month
Ma ka lä hope o ka makahiki, ma ‘alamihi, ke kala, ka limu kala. i recent past? of Nana (February) with the launch-
ka lä 31 o Dekemapa, ua hui kekahi mea‘ai inä pono e mihi a i ‘ole e On the last day of the year December ing of the tribute canoe. In the past, the
‘ohana Hawai‘i e pule a e mahalo i nä huikala a kala nä hewa. 31, a Hawaiian family might gather to chief returned to the land from the sea
pömaika‘i i loa‘a a me nä pömaika‘i pray for the blessings obtained and for which he made free from restriction. He
o ka makahiki hou e hiki ana. Komo Pau ka makahiki hou o këia au i blessings for the new year. They would is “welcomed” with a käli‘i ceremony by
läkou i ka lole ‘ele‘ele ä kani ka hola loko o ho‘okahi lä. Pau ka Makahiki dress in black until midnight then change experts at spear throwing. It was a test of
12 o ke ahiahi a laila, komo nö läkou ‘öiwi ma hope o ‘ehä mahina, ma into white clothing as a way to signify the strength of the leadership. If the numer-
i ka lole ke‘oke‘o i mea e hö‘ike ai i kahi o Nana (Pepeluali), me ka loina passing of the old year and the arrival of ous spears were caught there was life. If
ka hala ‘ana o ka makahiki kahiko a o ka ho‘olana wa‘a ‘auhau. I ke au a bright new year. It is said, “Day has not, death. Let’s hope, oh readers, that
me ka mälamalama hou o ka maka- kahiko, ua ho‘i mai ke ali‘i i ka ‘äina won over the night.” The lei of hala the numerous “spears” of the old year
hiki hou i hiki mai nei. ‘Ölelo ‘ia, mai ke kai mai no ka mea noa hou ka (pandanus) was worn around the neck to 2020 are caught so that there is new life
“Ua eo ka pö i ke ao.” Lei ‘ia ho‘i moana. Pae mai ia a “ho‘okipa” ‘ia show the passing of the year, as well as this 2021 New Year.
ka ‘ä‘ï i ka lei hala i mea e hö‘ike ai me ke käli‘i e nä ‘e‘ea lonomakaihe. the passing of evil and bad things.
i ka hala ‘ana o ka makahiki a me ka He ho‘ä‘o ‘o‘ole‘a këia i ka mana Then family and friends would gather Kalani Akana, Ph.D., is the culture special-
mana‘o, ua hala nä ‘ino a me nä mea alaka‘ina o ke ali‘i. Inä hopu ‘ia to eat Hawaiian food because feasting ist at OHA. He is a kumu of hula, oli and
maika‘i ‘ole. ka ihe makawalu, ola. Inä ‘a‘ole, was, and is, an appropriate way to open ‘ölelo Hawai‘i. He has authored numerous
A laila, ua ‘äkoakoa ka ‘ohana make. E mana‘olana nö käkou, e ka or close a ceremony. There was meaning articles on Indigenous ways of knowing
a me nä hoaaloha e ‘ai i ka mea‘ai mea heluhelu, e hopu ‘ia ana nä ihe assigned to each of the foods of the New and doing.
Hawai‘i no ka mea he panina a he makawalu o ka makahiki kahiko, Year feast. Here are some feast foods and
wehena maika‘i a küpono ka ‘ai 2020, e nä alaka‘i i ola hou ke ea their significance:
‘ana. He kaona ko këlä me këia mau o këia nei Makahiki Hou 2021. 
8 ianuali2021 KĀNAKA FORWARD MĀLAMA I
ON THE HOMESTEADS KOU KINO
Mahalo OHA on Virtual 2020 New Year’s Intentions
Homestead Summit ments as medicine. You wouldn’t
take medicine unless you are sick. The
same applies to supplements.
Unless you have a medical need,
ing homesteads. taking supplements is not necessary.
Participants also enjoyed direct dialogue Another thing worth mentioning is
with state Sen. Maile Shimabukuro, chair of that, like medications, supplements
the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to have side effects and can interact with
share the work of homestead leaders across the different medications. Caution needs
state to advance technical amendments to the to be exercised when choosing which
Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA). By Jodi Leslie Matsuo, DrPH
type of supplement to take and how
Three bills are being sought by homesteads much.
A
for introduction by the Committee on Hawai- If you feel one of the above situ-
By Robin Puanani Danner ian Affairs to help DHHL administer our land s we reflect on 2020, we ations applies to you, how do you
trust more impactfully, to make the HHCA realize just how much determine which type and brand of
work better for families and Hawaiian busi- our mindset and habits supplement is best?
nesses, to provide autonomous legal counsel have changed in the past I would recommend you start with
for the Hawaiian Homes Commission, and year. The pandemic shut a multivitamin. Read the label and
to streamline policies at DHHL to move down schools and businesses and look for a brand that offers 100% of
hundreds of vacant homes in the agency’s separated us from family and friends. the daily value for each of the nutri-
inventory into the hands of those on the wait- It has shown us how fluid our finan- ents. Next, look at the serving size on
list. cial future and job demands can be. the label. Ideally you want one that
T
None of the three bills impact the general Mainly, it has taught us what is truly requires you to take only one tablet per
hirty-three years after its birth, funds budget, and one technical amendment important in life. day. This makes it more affordable as
SCHHA coordinated its very first would ensure that interest earnings paid by Our shift in priorities has been opposed to brands that require two or
conference using virtual technology Hawaiians themselves to their trust fund for reflected in our spending habits. more tablets per day.
to bring over 152 attendees together loans would revolve in order to add new capi- According to research, among the top
for two days at the 2020 Homestead tal, upwards of $4 million annually, to the loan items purchased in 2020 were vitamins If you are interested in taking indi-
Summit. fund managed by DHHL to be deployed into and supplements. People now realize, vidual nutrient or herbal supplements
Seven sessions were held on December community and Hawai‘i’s economy. more than ever, just how valuable (e.g., Vitamin C, curcumin, garlic,
12-13, featuring powerful speakers. Malia The 2020 Homestead Summit set the stage health is. Due to clever marketing, ginseng, red yeast rice, melatonin,
Akutagawa from UH Mänoa reminded home- for the workplan of the 2021 calendar year, supplements have been deemed essen- lycopene), then I would recommend
steaders and those on the waitlist of our origins especially important as SCHHA engages with tial to achieving optimal health. Last you speak to your doctor before pur-
and history, and the grit of early homesteaders the state Legislature and the new administra- year, sales of supplements increased chasing. These types of supplements
on Moloka‘i that, through pule and hard work, tion of President-elect Biden. What made 50% in the first six months alone and have a greater potential for side effects.
convinced the Department of Interior 90 plus this summit especially important to every continued to climb as the year pro- Your doctor can determine whether
years ago to move Hawaiian homesteading homestead and waitlist beneficiary is the part- gressed. the supplement may be harmful, and
from a pilot to a permanent program. nership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. While taking supplements can be if there are any associated potential
Sen. Brian Schatz engaged with participants A heartfelt mahalo to a trust agency that has useful toward achieving greater well- drug interactions. Additionally, your
in the conference’s largest session to discuss made our trust land families more and more being, it is not the entire solution. doctor may be able to offer advice
the top homestead federal priorities, focusing visible in recent years. Many people think that by taking sup- as to whether the supplement would
on the continuation of the senator’s work and If you have an interest in the happenings on plements, they don’t have to eat their actually be helpful for your medical
former President Obama’s work from 2016 to our trust lands in Hawai‘i, email info@hawai- vegetables, exercise, or get enough condition or concern.
promulgate additional federal regulations left ianhomesteads.org to add your name and stay sleep. Let’s make health a lifelong inten-
undone for over 95 years and to strengthen plugged in to the talent and efforts of SCHHA Supplements will not cancel the tion, not just a new year’s resolution.
the oversight of the federal government. The members in Hawai‘i and on the continent. effects of poor lifestyle choices. Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou!
dialogue included requests to address access However, they can be helpful to
to capital and bring parity with fellow citizens A national policy advocate for native self-gov- those who have challenges meeting Born and raised in Kona, Hawai‘i, Dr.
of Hawai‘i and the country. ernance, Robin Puanani Danner is the elected their nutrient requirements. This may Jodi Leslie Matsuo is a Native Hawaiian
The 501(c)(3) Homestead Community chair of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian be the case for those with limited food Registered Dietician and certified diabe-
Development Corporation (HCDC) hosted a Homestead Associations, the oldest and largest budgets, for children who don’t eat tes educator, with training in Integrative
session led by Vaipuarii Tapiero-Kight and coalition of native Hawaiians on or waiting for enough, and for the elderly, who often and Functional Nutrition. Follow her
Rolina Faagai on the available grants and Hawaiian Home Lands. Born on Kaua‘i, Robin have difficulty absorbing key vitamins on Facebook (@DrJodiLeslieMatsuo),
loans being deployed across the state. One of grew up in Niumalu, and the homelands of the and minerals. Instagram (@drlesliematsuo) and on
the new grant programs is the HCDC Food Navajo, Hopi and Inuit peoples. She and her Supplements are also useful to help Twitter (@DrLeslieMatsuo).
Sovereignty grant program, that will support husband raised four children on homesteads in heal from disease. Think of supple-
the efforts of families to grow more food in Anahola, Kaua‘i, where they continue to reside
residential backyards and on farm and ranch- today.
ianuali2021 9
E ‘ONIPA‘A KĀKOU
Ka Pili ‘Ohana Papakilo Database
with their biological mäkua, siblings,
extended ‘ohana and others who are OHA’s Repository of ‘Ike Celebrates
its 10th Anniversary
part of their supportive relationships.
• Engaging in culturally relevant
activities, individually and with their
‘ohana, to build pride in their cultural By Kale Hannahs,
identity and connect them to positive OHA Archival Information Specialist To bring the digital dream to life, OHA
cultural role models and practices. staff engaged in various internal and com-
O
• Helping kamali‘i and their biological munity strategic planning meetings. The
and foster mäkua navigate the foster n April 4, 2011, the Office consensus was that the priority should be
By Melinda Lloyd care system to access resources. of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to focus, initially, on improving access to
U
launched a unique and revo- selected high demand/high importance
npublished data from Key outcomes achieved for kamali‘i lutionary online resource: the records.
Hawai‘i’s Child Welfare and their ‘ohana include: Papakilo Database. These collections would serve as cor-
Services show that Native From its humble beginnings, hosting just nerstones for Papakilo’s foundation and
Hawaiian (NH) kamali‘i are • KPO kamali‘i spent less time in 13 collections with approximately 500,000 address the primary research needs of the
over-represented in the child foster care compared to similar CWS records, the Papakilo Database has grown community – genealogy, land title, and
welfare system in Hawai‘i and spend families. into a robust repository of Hawaiian ‘ike, küpuna ‘ike. The Mähele Record Collec-
significantly longer time in foster care • Cultural approaches and programs featuring 65 unique collections and over 1 tion, Bishop Museum’s Hawaiian Language
compared to non-Hawaiians. promoted ‘ohana engagement and million records. Newspaper Collection, and Ulukau’s Gene-
facilitated healing and bonding. To commemorate Papakilo’s 10th anni- alogy and Place Name Collections were
While removal from their families is • Program success hinged upon versary, in April 2021, Ka Wai Ola will identified as high-value resources whose
sometimes necessary, youth who experi- supporting ea (self-determination, feature stories about Papakilo’s various increased accessibility would benefit both
ence foster care are less likely to thrive agency) and reducing dependency on community partners and identify the ben- constituents and OHA staff.
as adults, with lower than average edu- systems and services. efits that their collections have provided the To this day, the Mähele records and news-
cational attainment and income, and community. This is the first installment of papers are the most accessed collections
poorer physical and mental health. Key outcomes achieved in service a 12-month series that celebrates Hawai- within Papakilo.
delivery include: ian ‘ike and demonstrates the value of not Papakilo’s success and content relies on
To help reduce the number of NH only preserving our historic documents, but the partnerships and trust it has cultivated
kamali‘i entering foster care, and to • Creating collaborative relationships making them accessible to all. within Hawai‘i’s archive community.
help transition them more quickly to with all partners (including ‘ohana) The name Papakilo was given to OHA OHA’s dream of a “one-stop-shop” that
permanency with their ‘ohana or other allowed the hui to adapt programming by Dr. Puakea Nogelemeier and Kau‘i Sai provides searchable records and collec-
permanent caregivers, Lili‘uokalani and approaches based on lessons learned Dudoit of Awaiaulu, LLC. “Papa” trans- tions from various archives, libraries, and
Trust (LT) partnered with Child Wel- throughout the process. lates as the foundation and “kilo” means to museums had to be equally beneficial for
fare Services (CWS), Family Programs • Trust, transparency, and crucial con- seek or search. A foundation for seeking, these partners.
Hawai‘i, Child and Family Services, versations related to making changes searching and observing not only describes Consequently, the database is more than
and other providers to develop Ka Pili across the child welfare care ecosys- the functional use of the database, but as the sum of transactions that accumulate an
‘Ohana (KPO). KPO is a community- tem were crucial in addressing tensions OHA’s former CEO, Dr. Kamana‘opono ever-growing collection, it represents the
based, culturally grounded program across agencies before they negatively Crabbe explained, it is also the “continual abundant harvest of symbiotic relationships
designed to achieve better outcomes for impacted programming and kamali‘i. exploration of infinite spaces and levels of between OHA and respected partnering
NH kamali‘i in foster care. knowledge as a perpetual cycle for the next organizations who are providing services
Moving forward, LT is committed generations to come.” that meet the needs of our beneficiaries.
KPO was piloted on O‘ahu’s Lee- to expanding KPO across the state and The vision of the Papakilo Database The Papakilo Database is truly a unique
ward Coast between January 2019 and working with our partners to promote was inspired by the Native Rights, Land and valuable repository that represents
December 2020 and is currently expand- healing and restoration of ‘ohana rela- and Culture Division’s goal of creating a OHA’s investment in the education and
ing to serve kamali‘i and ‘ohana across tionships that provide all our kamali’i showcase of Hawaiian ‘ike, as well as the preservation of ‘ike, and the future of the
the state. with pathways to thrive. Compliance Division’s plan to improve lähui. Visit www.papakilodatabase.com to
their efficiency and effectiveness by provid- start your research experience.
KPO supports kamali‘i in foster care Melinda Lloyd is a clinical social worker, ing a one-stop-shop of resources to inform
by: researcher, and evaluator at Lili‘uokalani OHA’s response to environmental assess-
Trust. She has an interest in Native Hawai- ments and impact statements, Section 106 VISIT
• Developing cooperative relation- ian wellbeing, privileging Indigenous reports, Burial Council requests, and other
ships among the biological and foster worldviews and perspectives, and con- reports. www.papakilodatabase.com
mäkua and CWS social workers to ducting evaluation with aloha. A graduate Previously, these inquires required staff
facilitate consistent and increased of Sacred Hearts Academy, Melinda lives to conduct time-consuming research at the
support to the kamali‘i while in foster the servant leadership motto of Orare Et Bishop Museum, State Archives, Bureau
care. Laborare (To Pray and To Work) towards of Conveyance, libraries and other reposi-
• Increasing and enhancing visitations social justice. tories.
10 ianuali2021 kawaiola.news | kwo@OHA.org
NATIVE HAWAIIAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS
Kū‘oko‘a Kūkanono 2020:
A Virtual Commemoration of Lā Kū‘oko‘a
By Kauluakalana Staff
#HowDoYouKuokoa, #KuiO-
O
koa, and #KuokoaKukanono
n a sunny Saturday morning in late Novem- were used to engage partici-
ber, participants from Hawai‘i, Maui, pants collectively.
Moloka‘i, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i gathered virtu- Kauluakalana has hosted
ally with a common purpose: to celebrate Lä Kü‘oko‘a Kükanono annually
Kü‘oko‘a, Hawai‘i’s Independence Day. since 2018 as a free community
Lä Kü‘oko‘a was established on Nov. 28, 1843, and ho‘olaule‘a. The event name,
commemorates the day that the Kingdom of Hawai‘i was Kü‘oko‘a Kükanono, combines
recognized as a sovereign nation by France and Great the word “kü‘oko‘a” (to stand/
Britain. exist independently, differ-
The virtual event, Kü‘oko‘a Kükanono, was organized ently, separately; and to stand/
by Kauluakalana, a community-based, nonprofit in Kailua, exist fully, wholly, completely)
O‘ahu, whose mission is to restore and grow healthy rela- with “kükanono” (abundance),
tionships between känaka and ‘äina (people and place) which is also the name of the
through retelling Kailua-specific stories, replanting and ‘ili ‘äina where the work of
eating Hawaiian ancestral foods, and caring for the sacred Kauluakalana is grounded.
sites, lands and waters of Kailua. For the first two years, the
Kü‘oko‘a Kükanono featured mo‘olelo, hula and mele, ‘Öiwi from across the pae ‘äina joined together via Zoom to celebrate Lä Kü‘oko‘a on Nov. 28, 2020. - event was held at the base of
along with short videos submitted by participants to Photo: Courtesy of Kauluakalana Staff Ulupö heiau along the banks of
share the ways they pursue kü‘oko‘a (independence). A Kawainui fishpond in Kailua.
highlight of the event was to ku‘i ‘öko‘a – to ku‘i kalo of kalo farmers on five islands, as more than 1,000 lbs of This year, Kü‘oko‘a Kükanono went virtual.
simultaneously at noon from their own places and spaces kalo were distributed to participants prior to the event. Kaleomanuiwa Wong, executive director of the hui said,
as a powerful act of unity as a lähui. This was made possi- As noon approached that day, there were more than “Our piko at Ulupö is within the ‘ili ‘äina of Kükanono.
ble with the support of Kanaeokana, the network of ‘ölelo, 40 livestreams of groups and individuals participating in
‘äina and culture-based organizations, and the generosity ku‘i ‘öko‘a across Hawai‘i. Social media hashtags such as SEE KŪ‘OKO‘A KŪKANONO ON PAGE 19
Mo‘olelo Makahiki: The Kōnane Champion
By Mikiala Pescaia remarked that perhaps he feared defeat. To prove them
wrong, Lono had them stop in ‘Awahua Bay at the base of
The beauty of mo‘olelo is that there can be many ver- the Päne‘ene‘e cliffs, and they came ashore at Kalaupapa.
sions. This mo‘olelo has been told many times, but this Everyone knew Lono and why he was there. A board
is the one my ‘ohana knows. was quickly set up. A kapu of silence was set, and the
A
best chief of Moloka‘i sat opposite him. For three days
n ali‘i named Lonoikamakahiki lived on they played, until finally Lono was left without a move!
Hawai‘i island with his smart, beautiful wife He couldn’t believe it. The crowd heckled him saying that
Kaikilani. he wasn’t the best, but Lono demanded a rematch. The
They were in love and spent much time Moloka’i chief reluctantly agreed.
together. They enjoyed playing könane, a The kapu of silence was set again. Three days later, the
game of strategy. It required patience, concentration and exhausted Lono knew the end was near, and it didn’t look
wit. They made small wagers on each match to make it Offerings to celebrate Makahiki and honor Lonoikamakahiki. good. As Lono stared at the board he heard a voice coming
more exciting, but soon Lono grew bored from winning - Photo: Courtesy Mikiala Pescaia from the cliff above, “Hüi, e Kaikilani, my beautiful lover.
all the time and sought to challenge the other chiefs on Come and meet me as you did last night!”
Hawai‘i Island. ognized everywhere - and he liked it. Sometimes he got so Lono glared at his wife. “Who is that?!”
Crowds gathered to watch as the wagers grew bigger carried away that he would forget his devoted wife sitting “I have no idea, my love,” Kaikilani shrugged. “You
and bigger: canoes, feathers, warriors. Lono kept winning! beside him, her eyes full of pride for her beloved husband. surely know I have been here beside you this entire time.”
At every match, Kaikilani devotedly sat beside Lono in After defeating all of Maui, Lono set his sights on O‘ahu. The voice called again, “Your husband has not paid you
quiet support. After beating all the Hawai‘i chiefs, he went On the way, there was talk about Lono passing Moloka‘i any attention, and you deserve so much more! Come sneak
to Maui. Lono kept winning all the high-stakes könane without challenging their champion.
matches and amassed great fame and wealth. He was rec- Lono said he’d rather not waste his time, but some SEE MO‘OLELO MAKAHIKI ON PAGE 19You can also read
