Early morning ritual, we participated by sharing our Ho'okupu among beautiful people. Mahalo Kumu Ohukani'ohi'a for giving those of us from the community that are stressed with living changes an opportunity to give our mahalo's to our ancestor's spirits. The winds scurried around us harmoniously in unison with the echo's of ancient chants.
And your mom, dad, sisters, brothers.
My Ho'okupu was those two little shells and hidden in it was a penny and a dime. As I was handing over my hoo'kupu I said, "These shells belongs to Ashton Brown" and "May the winds here the voices of Keeau's houseless children."
A few years ago early evening Ashton's little friends stood on the back steps of the Iolani Palace. It just was a happening moment. Their little houseless spirits and strong voices echoed the air with a chant.
Ashton's family always returned late at night to their safe place near the bus stop. While dad was pitching their tent across the street--little Ashton was waiting for his dad at the Makaha bus stop with his mom and brothers and sisters. A drunken driver recently released from prison rolled over Ashton and killed him. He was just three years old.
The many named winds of our ancestors were ever present at sunrise and I so thank you and all that participated in this ceremony, we are so ever grateful.
Keeau and it's loving community, mahalo.
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Eight hundred skulls were found at the base of Nuuanu and till this very day in time their cries can still be felt by those of us that are from Koolaupoko. This ceremony brings piece to many of us that heard our elders cries of their ancestors--one that they kept in silent.