Keaomelemele: Honoring the Elements

Kumu Hula Leina'ala Kalama Heine told the audience from Hälauaola last night, "I am O'ahu". As the director of "Keaomelemele", putting on the production was a dream of hers and last night her dream came true. The production, based on the story by Moses Manu, replays tonight, July 31st at the historic Hawai'i Theatre.

The opening act features Snowbird Bento's men paying homage to the powers of Käne and Kanaloa. "....Käne represents the life giving source of us all. Kanaloa, the equipose of metaphysical and corporeal." Wow!

Keaomelemele comes from the yellow clouds to learn hula from her older sister, Paliuli (Pi'ilani Hanohano). Paliuli trains in the Wai'anae mountains and is joined in her training by the men of Nä Kamalei.

Modern touches are introduced into the otherwise traditional format with a contemporary rendition by 24 VII Dance Force and Küpono Aweau from "Do You Think you Can Dance" was front and center. Sky Perkins also sang a R&B rendition of a song for Ka'ala.

A highlight for me and the audience were the kaikamahine (young girls) who came unto stage confidently and w/o any cue from an adult went right into their hula kälä'au calling upon the various kinolau (body forms) that adorn the altar of the hula. While the plants were brought in, images were projected upon a large screen in the background. In fact, the large screen provided a backdrop for various scenes - valleys, cliffs, plains, and even the starry sky.

"Keaomelemele" , after all, is about the origins of hula on O'ahu and much of it was featured showcasing the classic Pualei o Likolehua stylings of Leina'ala Kalama Heine. Nani nö! Act IV ended with a rousing hula kälä'au to Keaomelemele herself with cast flowing en masse unto the state cantillating their praises to the beautiful young maiden.

Turtle Surfaces at Hula Conference

Honu iki, honu iki, lu'u ia, lu'u ia a ea mai me ka poho pa'akai.

Hawaiian String Figure Making Continues

A participant in Hana Hei II shows pride in her first attempt at hei (string figure making). She shows the classic Hawaiian hei figure, "Halekumuka'aha" , a house figure, which is created with a doubled string to show "strength and endurance". The opening move is unlike other symmetrical openings which posed a problem for almost all participants. This workshop was a first at the Ka 'Aha Hula o Hälauaola: 3rd World Conference on Hula held at the Kamehameha Schools this entire week.

Hana Hei at World Conference on Hula

Californian, Makaki'i Kalama, says this about hei (string figure making): "As an instructor to nä keiki all things that engage and involve them in hula are very valuable to me. It can also make me more popular on camping trips. :)" Here she is very happy upon getting "Nenue" (rudder fish), the Hawaiian version of One-eye.

Hana Hei at Hälauaola Conference

Julie Moana Boyd is exuberant at her first attempt at Hawaiian string figure making in my presentation at Hälauaola 2009. Here she makes 7 -eyes or "Nä Hiku o Makali'i". Julie is attending the 'Aha Hula o Hälauaola 2009: Worldwide Conference on Hula held this week of July at the Kamehameha Schools, Kapälama Campus. It is held every four years and features performances, cultural field trips, and presentations by noted composers, hula exponents, and Hawaiian cultural practitioners.

Keiki Hula Winners Learn Hei

Check out pictures (at bottom of page) of students of Hälau Kekuaokalä'au'iliahi (Maui) learning hei (string figures) from Kumu Miki'ala Kanekoa and her helpers. Looks like they're having a lot of fun. I also liked Master Keiki Hula's honest reflection on being on stage . Go to Shutterfly to read it! http://halaukekuaokalaaualailiahi.shutterfly.com/

Hailama V.K.K. Farden Elevated to Iku Nahalani

Mr. Hailama Farden was recently elevated to the position of Iku Nahalani in Hale O Na Ali'i o Hawai'i at its annual convention in Maui, July 24 -26, 2009. He is pictured here outside of the convention hall with Kupuna Maria Artis, a retired president and one of the longest serving members at the convention having known four regents of the benevolent royal society. Hailama was invested with the cape of the Iku Nahalani which he is wearing by the current Regent, Prince Quentin Kawananakoa, to fill the vacancy left after the passing of our beloved Aunty Marge Kealanahele. It seems like Hailama is following in the footsteps of Gladys Ainoa Brandt, the longest serving Iku Nahalani in the organization. Aunty Gladys was a principal at the Kamehameha Schools, a long time educator, and Hailama is currently a vice-principal at the Kamehameha Schools, a former Hawaiian language teacher at his alma mater, and a former president of the 'Ahahui 'Olelo Hawai'i. In his role as Iku Nahalani, he is the highest ranking member of Hale o Na Ali'i o Hawai'i not of the Kawananakoa family and will serve as an advisor to the family and liaison between the Prince and seven halau/lodges/chapters of the society, all of whom are named for members of the Kawananakoa family: Chapter 1-Halau 'o Wahiika'ahu'ula (Honolulu) ; Chapter 2 - Halau 'o Kalakaua (Hilo); Chapter 3 - Halau 'o Kapi'olani (Kaua'i) ; Chapter 4 - Halau 'o Lili'uokalani (Maui) ; Chapter 5 - Halau 'o Kawananakoa (Moloka'i); Chapter 6 - Halau 'o Keli'iahonui (Waimea); and Chapter 7 - Halau 'o Po'omaikelani (Leeward O'ahu). Hailama joined the society at the age of 18 following the footsteps of his kupuna and is a member of Halau 'o Wahiika'ahu'ula as well as Halau 'o Lili'uokalani (Maui). He retired from the position of Iku Ha'i Nui whose main function is to act as the statewide president of the association. Ho'omaika'i! Na ke Akua e ho'oikaika, ho'oulu, ho'onui 'ike ia.

July is Keiki Hula Month

Congratulations to Elia Akaka who took 3rd in this year's Queen Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Competition held from July 16th-18th. Elia enters singing "Aloha Ku'u Home a'i Kane'ohe" for his beloved home. Last year he impressed me with his strong ku'i!

Elia dances with Aunty Joan Lindsey and is the son of friends, Hau'oli and Ku'ulei Akaka. Elia's father , Hau'oli, and brother , Halehaku, accompanied Elia with strong and instrumentation.

Conratulations also to Master Keiki Hula 2009 Keanu Cockett of Halau Kekuaokala'au'ala'iliahi (kumu hula 'Iliahi and Haunani Paredes) of Maui and Miss Keiki Hula 2009 Kalehuaonalani Pavao Halau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina'ala of Kaua'i. Mahalo to Blaine Fergestrom of OHA for photo.

Tongan Teller of Tales

Master Tongan storyteller, scholar, and educator, Emil Wolfgramm shown here with Dr. Peter Hanohano and Ki'inani Ka'alekahi, M.P.A of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. He holds a Tongan akaü or fire stick as a prop in his storytelling of how this stick is found as a constellation in the heavens next to Mäui’s fishhook (Scorpio). Emil retells the story of Mäui’s separating the earth and sky, first in Tongan and then in English with dramatic and an endearing, comedic effect. The audience previously learned the Tongan way of salutation (hand claps and the saying of “Issä”) which gets the audience hooked into the storytelling and participating in its telling – a very Polynesian trait in storytelling. Emil’s balance of humor and seriousness adds to the effect and enjoyment in listening and remembering this famous Polynesian story. He uses the akaü just as Mäui did to “prop” up the Dome of Heaven higher and higher until it reached its present position thus accounting for the akaü being up in the heavens.
I appreciated Mr. Wolfgramm’s story on how, as he was translating an important document from Tongan, and some parts with the assistance of the French translation, fell asleep and encountered his ancestors who revealed the meaning of Tongan cosmogony to him. He also shared that the names of the ancestors in Tongan cosmogony were more than just names but also virtues and attributes. He gave the example of Piki, a male, meaning that a man must “take hold” and “cling to” important things in life as his wife. Piki’s counterpart, Kele, refers to “cloudiness” and by virtue the idea of fecundity and procreation.
Mr. Wolfgram has the unique ability to work in the Tongan, English, and even French academic and literary milieu and in both traditional and scientific worlds. He currently lives in Hawai'i and is completing his doctorate in New Zealand.

Canadian String Figure Educator in Hawaii

String Figure educator, expert, and enthusiast, Anne Glover, spoke and taught at the National Storytelling Networks Conference in Hawai'i. I liked her preliminary remarks stating that string figure making is more than child’s play. Her revelation that string has the ability to connect one person to another was also very important to me as I attempt to revitalize hei or Hawaiian string figure making and storytelling here in Hawai'i. Anne discovered, while attempting to “blend” two diverse populations of students together before their meeting at a local, Canadian middle school, that string figures has an almost therapeutic effect on people. Check out her website to learn more about that. http://www.anneglover.ca/
I appreciated her acknowledgement of the native peoples of the world and especially her story about the Kwatkiutl natives of Canada, especially the men, going about after supper and challenging each other to string figure making contests. She linked string figure making to storytelling and also to ritual –both aspects are key to Hawaiian string figure making. Anne also shared the very famous and complicated Inuit figure of the “dog” seen in the photo.

A Hula Journey - Aunty Dodie Holmes

On July 7th, Aunty Dodie Holmes was surprised with a hula program to celebrate her 30 years of hula (1979-2009). Hosted by Hälau Hula 'o Wai'ale'ale, under the direction of Kumu Hula John 'Aiwohi, a student of Aunty Dodie and a haumana oli/hula of mine. She was festooned with lei from her many students, friends, and family.
The program began with an original chant performed by hula brother and kumu hula, La'akapu Lenchanko. Two kumu hula, John Aiwohi and Aunty's hula brother, Andrew Akau from San Francisco entered the staging area at St. Pius church in Mänoa. Sue Botti danced a beautiful "Aia La 'o Pele", Aunty Maiki Aiu Lake's version as Aunty Dodie is also of the hula tradition. Next featured was a premiere of possibly Aunty Maiki's last choreographed number, "Pua Lei o Ha'o", which I taught the kumu to teach his women. Andrew's women of Hula Hälau 'o Kupukalau'ie'ie danced "E Ho'i Ke Aloha i Ni'ihau" and the kahiko program ended with "He Ma'i no Kunuiakea".
The 'auana portion featured Aunty Maiki's styling. John and his wife , Joy, began with a lively "Lae Lae". Costuming was flash and joy-ful. Aunty Dodie was very moved when her ladies of Nä Pua Pilialoha danced "Waikä". She was moved by all of the dances but she got up to dance "Pö La'ila'i" and also graced the audience with a solo of "Pua 'Ähihi".
Everyone enjoyed a Hawaiian lü'au after and the pineapple upside down cake before I had a chance to reach the table. Moral : get your dessert early at a lü'au.
Pïpï holo ka'ao.

HULA RECITAL TRADITION RETURNS IN JULY

This July we saw the return of the “hula recital” a sharp contrast to hula competition event. The non-competitive format allows hula academies to feature their particular style and also to feature multi generations of hula students.

On July 3rd we began with ‘Ahahui Ka'iulani presenting Hälau Hula ‘o Maiki under the direction of Kumu Hula (hula teacher) Coline Aiu, daughter of the renown founder and originator of the terms “hula brother and hula sister”as well as the form of hälau hula (hula academy) as we know today. Kumu Coline brought back the beautiful plumeria lei curtain which wafted its fragrance towards the audience when pulled forward and upward. A highlight in the kahiko (traditional) section for me was the performance of a hula commemorating the return of Aunty Maiki Aiu Lake’s famed and squat ipu hula (gourd drum) named “Tubby”. The ‘auana was superb, exquisite, and exciting and, of course, the children stole the show with their “Happy Talk” sung by Aunty Maiki on tape and other cute hula. Parents were standing for their keiki. I especially liked the ‘ukulele ensemble featuring the brothers and male members of many of the female ‘ölapa. They also played some wicked tö'ere!

A favorite section of mine opened with chanter Kawika Napoleon giving a genealogical recital of our Hawaiian ancestors then bridging into a recitation of the genealogy of the present Mäori King, Tuheitia, ali'i nui of Tainui. The King’s sister, Princess Tomairani Paki, was in the audience with her entourage and it was Tomai who came to Hawai’i to learn the hula and it is through her that the relationship between Hälau Hula ‘O Maiki and the people of Waikato deevelped. Obrien ‘Eselu sang a beautiful, beautiful song, “Mahinarangi”, the female ancestor of the present King and his family. The hälau , dressed in moonlit white, drifted into place behind the trademark Hälau Hula ‘o Maiki scrim. They concluded with a waiata a ringa, “Purea Nei e Te Hau”, which speaks of cleansing by the rain and purity of the sun. It was very moving.

On July 11th, Hälau Hula Kamamolikolehua presented its hö'ike (show/recital), “Kupu A'e” which featured their kumu hula who graduated last summer under the traditional ‘Üniki rites. I attended this to appreciate the work of the kumu hula, Pöhai Souza, and one of her kumu hula graduates, Aunty Dodie Keaolaniäkea Holmes, whom I just admire a bunch for her inimitable Aunty Maiki style of hula ‘auana. Other kumu hula graduates were Carol Malina Kaulukukui and Catherine Ostrem. My favorites were “Hole Waimea”, “He Inoa no Ali'iolani” (because it is seldom seen), and “Holo ana ‘o Kaläkaua”, a version they learned from Kumu Hula Ab Valencia of Volcano, Hawai'i Island. The presentation of “Hälau Hanalei” to an ensemble of the best sounding pahu I have ever heard still revirberates in my soul. The ho'opa'a (musicians) beat upon the pahu with feeling and the song was filled with tone , timbre, and energy. The program stated, “This hula pahu contains poetic inferences to lovemaking, which Hawaiians honored as a source of life.”

The ‘auana (modern hula) set featured the stock Hälau Hula ‘o Maiki favorites like “Pua ‘Ähihi” , “Alekoki” and , of course, Aunty’s own composition, “Aloha Kaua’i”, which was the finale piece de resistance. Premiered were “Halekulani” by Kahauanu Lake and Maddy Lam. Uncle K as he is affectionately called was in the audience appreciating it all. The Greenwell family also attended to see and hear the hula, “Mähulani”, written for Jimmie and Martha greenwell’s 55th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Greenwell was in the audience. My personal favorite was “Beauty Hula” for its simplicity and choreography with ‘ili'ili (stone castanets) and because the ladies were clad in the seldom seen kïkepa (“sarong”) which was of a kupukupu fern green color.

Its take a lot of work to put on such a recital so much kudos and mahalo goes to the two hälau. Family, friends, and the broader community benefits from these performances and as both kumu hula told its audiences, it is their way of preserving and perpetuating the art of and love for hula which was passed on to them. Pëlä nö. Pïpï holo ka'ao.

Kalaniali'i Awards

The Kalaniali'i Awards this past Saturday, July 11, 2009 , sponsored by the 4 Hawaiian royal benevolent socieites (Royal Order of Kamehameha, 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, Hale o Na Ali'i o Hawai'i, and Daughters and Sons of Hawaiian Warriors) was very inspirational.
First to be honored was Senator Daniel Akaka, a long-time congressman and presently Hawai'i's Senator of Hawaiian descent and the only senator of Chinese descent in the US Senate. His son, Dr. Gerard Akaka humbly asked , as would the senator, for the audience's indulgence in reading his father's message as he is busy in Washington , D.C. and could not attend. Ali'i Sir Bill Souza delivered the biographical salute to the one time educator, principal, and devote Christian , Daniel Kahikina Akaka.
Ali'i Sir Ka'uhane Aiu presented Kahu (Rev. ) William Kaina who spoke mainly of Kahu's upbringing in a Christian environment. I remembered his mother, the late Sophie Kaina of S. Kona who was the epitome of aloha. Kahu Kaina was deeply moved and humbled by the honor which consisted of a certificate, a lei maile, and a crystal clear etching of the symbols of each society mounted on wood. He told an amusing story of reading about the namesakes of the various socieites and really identified with Ka'ahumanu. In fact, he said he learned their song, "Lei Ka'ahumanu" better than the songs of the other socieities to which the audience laughed.
Pelekikena (president) Donna Lei Smythe of 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu spoke on behalf of their member and 2009 recipient, Rev. Ida Keli'i Chun . Aunty Keli'i is well known for her Hawaiian singing and is thought the be the first to record the iconic "Ahulili". Later in life she became a kahu (rev.) herself and was described as being the motor-cycle riding kahu of Kalihi. She met her husband through motor cycling.
Iku Ha'i Nui Hailama Farden of the Hale o Na Ali'i o Hawai'i introduced his aunty, Adelaide Kaiwi Sylva of Lahaina and told very interesting stories about Aunty's skill and knowledge in making the various kinds of poi and her preparation of 'o'opu. I think the audience was touched to her of Aunty's return to Olowalu, her family kulaiwi, and the tears she shed upon entering the compound and visiting the graves of her kupuna. Hailama told of the river which Aunty used to go to wash their clothes and the very rock she used to hammer out the clothing. Previously dry, the river "came to life" and was flowing again upon Aunty's return. She is the last native speaker of Hawaiian from Olowalu.
The day ended with a tribute to Larry Lindsey Kauanoe Kimura by Sarah Keahi of 'Ahahui Mamakakaua: Daughters and Songs of Hawaiian Warriors. Larry or Kauanoe is one of the founders of the 'Ahahui 'Olelo Hawai'i and the 'Aha Punana Leo: Hawaiian Language Preschool, both organizations that helped to advance the revitalization of the learning and speaking of the Hawaiian language. Since growing up on the Parker Ranch and listening to his mother and kupuna, Larry took an interest in recording and preserving the voices of our people and started the first and longest running Hawaiian language radio program which most of us "grew up on" - "Ka Leo Hawai'i" now archived at the University of Hawai'i Hilo campus. Kauanoe told the audience to cherish the Hawaiian language because it is a precious, precious, precious gift for us to hold dearly to. How true and beautiful.
How inspiring and beautiful are the lives of these esteemed persons! Aloha ke Akua.