There are many experiences that I can share of my life, yet none can surpass this experience this past Saturday, May 2, 2009 at approximately 8:40 p.m. or so.Before I begin, let me share my mana'o on several things. As a kanaka maoli, I've had the privilege for the past three months of reconnecting to our Hawaiian culture. For many years I've spent in college and so forth, yet never made time to connect spiritually and emotionally with our culture in physical form. I have been there for genealogy, but others were very limited. I've read about 500 journal articles pertaining to my research, spent endless hours at the beach, park, etc just doing my homework while watching and playing with my children in between. I am a "bookworm!"Only recently that I've had the privilege to engage in our Hawaiian culture and proud to say so! Cousin Alexander Luka interview with him has really hit the "core" of being a kanaka maoli. There are no words to describe the HISTORICALINJUSTICE we feel today and back then. For many years, well practically since high schools days, I've not had many opportunities to celebrate the Hawaiian culture. Perhaps the food mostly likely, even though I don't eat raw food. I may sound "kinda funny," but is just me. I don't take what I can't eat or heaven forbids!It was what he said at the Celebration of the Battle of Nu'uanu! Alexander Luka was honest and shared mana'o that really showed a different side. It hit the core of all substance of what he and many others like myself missed out. Afraid to admit or shame to share in fear of being ridiculed! I felt the same way too! He was genuine and encouraged the po'e to return home!People can be "anal retentive" who stereotypes and criticizes us for having a beautiful culture! Nothing new and I've been there and heard it all!Now........we are in the present state of mind and time which is 2009. I went on a journey that I refused to participate. I gave the hardest time and created footwork to make sure it didn't work! I was adamant to break all rules!In the process of "going into a deep state of mind," crickets can be heard along with passing cars and outdoor noises! As the numbers were counted and other terms were used to comfort the soul and find a place for balance or peaceful, I fought it! I moved my foot and clinched my fist and repeatedly said no!I SLOWLY WENT INTO THAT FRAME OF MIND and I traveled back into time. I was looking for water and someplace more comforting, but unable to find that place! I don't recall how long I was in it, but something happened!Okay I got to breathe.......Tears rolled down from my left eye slowly. I went back into time and present at a burial of great grandfather from Kaua'i...My 'ohana was weeping for him....I saw my kupuna on all four lines. I heard two baby voices. One was oldest sister and my child from the past life........I heard my father speak in "Olelo Hawaii to someone, not sure who he was talking to at Iliiliopae on Molokai. I saw a bright light and heard my aunty Alice tell me to go back, its not mine time, you need to take care of your kuleana. I saw all the men in my life (one was sick)By this time, tears from my right eye was coming down like a waterfall. I was not crying at all (you can tell when you are emotional, the heart beats fast too)!The last person I saw was Queen Liliuokalani in her room in the tower weeping! I reached out to her to comfort her!By the this time, the energy that entered through both feet went up my legs in waves. Yes, it was occurring in wavelike forms and stopped at my knee then to the piko. The mana was in my piko. What an amazing experience because that energy release all negative energy and cleansed my SOUL!I don't know of these things, but it was "Deep!" When I got out of it, I wiped my tears and didn't share. I was one of seven in the group. By the end, I did share my experience with the group. I was "stoked" yet comfortable of sharing my experience of my journey into time!Lesson Learned: I had been very disappointed with the "general world" because they took away our right to be KANAKA MAOLI! I was disappointed at all schools I attended and the negative energy released was lifted off my shoulder. Oh, I did express my mana'o and ripped the apart my high school who never taught us the true history.I'm not ashame to share and express my mana'o aloud.I'm not ashame to celebrate our Hawaiian culture with my children.I leave you this message to self reflect upon..WE ARE NOT PERFECT AND LIFE IS TO SHORT! BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE AND PERPETUATE OUR CULTURE WITH YOUR CHILDREN.. THE WORK IS NOT DONE AND MANY MORE TO TAKE CARE OF!My response to Queen Liliuokalani was...the HEWA is close to an end and we will all turn A NEW CHAPTER IN OUR HISTORY...CRY NO MORE FOR THE PO'E WILL RISE AND THE HEAVENS WILL LIGHT UP...Mahalo to the seven who took that journey. We all stopped at different places, however we all share a common goal! NEVER FORGET WHERE YOU COME FORM! Be connected in both heritage and genealogy!Mahalo Ke Akua and na kupuna...A big ALOHA to Alexander Luka for sharing and inspiring me to do so too! I did give him a call last night and shared my mana'o with him!namaka'ehaAloha from my 'ohana...
Music was played by different bands at Pearl City McDonalds. I attended the event and was very pleased with the music by young teens. Mahalo to McDonalds for accommodating all bands!
When I filmed the PSA, they had their instruments. At this event, they had music played and sang their songs! MAMAZ BOIZ "rocked the house!" Rebel Souljahz, William Su'a, older brother of Bayne Su'a sat across as his brother sang!!! (second from left)
Other pics!
THIS BAND HAS DONE NUMEROUS PSA (PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS) encouraging community to recycle and driving safely on the roads to name a few!!!A mixture of local flavors and Polynesian harmonies makes this band a MUST SEE!!!! Many members attribute their musical talents because of being "active in church."
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I spent the weekend camping at Sandy Beach with Henry Noa, his 'ohana, Alexander Luca and other members of LHG. As I drove to Sandy's, I saw a sign that says
I was intrigued to learn more about the LAWFUL HAWAIIAN GOVERNMENT. I always saw the signs, but never took the time to inquire about it. Perhaps spend many years hearing about it from different groups. I was very optimistic about any group knowingly that the primary goal is to unite and move forward.I must admit I was amazed. I decided to camp after several request. The LHG had occupied the whole "corner pocket" with their tents. Yes, they had tents with their mo'olelo to educate the po'e. I took many pictures and asked questions. I video taped many people who came. Very interesting people I met and eager to be part of a process already established. Yes, the LHG is established already and currently educating po'e what they are all about.The process took ten years, however the time invested is worthwhile. Why were they successful to reinstate the government is the question I asked?What made this group different as cousin Luca had described in his interview?Come home to the KINGDOM!
I camped for two nights and had a wonderful time. It wasn't about Henry Noa forcing me to choose his entity over others. It was about educating me on their process. There many police officers that past through the night "chasing the young generation out to go home." However, the po'e who was on the side we camped was not bothered by the police. I was amazed because most times they are chasing or harassing Hawaiians for camping at the beach!AT SANDYS! No possible way to camp there and not be bothered by the police! The last time, FIRST NATION rocked the house with their "rasta man music." I could not imagine what it felt like to sit near the beach, enjoy the music of their songs. It has been a long time being able to relax and not worry about life itself! FIRST NATION jammed and played in rhythm as they rapped their music of what happened to our people.Kai, a member of the band pounded the drums and rapped about our own history that brought tears to my eyes. Yes, it is our po'e, the younger generation recognizes that the historical injustice that prevails among our own people!
FIRST NATION (MUSICAL BAND) all songs are originalIn my opinion, it was an educational experience that I enjoyed. Mahalo to cousin Luca and Bobby for sharing, inspiring and inviting everyone! Mahalo to these two men in my life!I leave you with these thoughts.....Don't allow people to tell you how you should feel about your own history. It is your kuleana to educate yourself of your own history. Our people have listened to others and look what happened. Its time to malama and care for our 'ohana!It is time to do something about it and it starts in with YOU! Be akamai and learn about the issues that impact all of us today. I learn something new everyday and share my mana'o of my insight!Sending a ray of sunshine to all kanaka maoli! Have a wonderful day!
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What was it about this event that was special for me? I must admit there were many booths that displayed our Hawaiian culture. The most fascinating booth had po'e making spears, flutes and other crafts. It was interesting to watch them craft their project as we looked onward! Kawailani was fascinated by the flute and expressed her interest to make one.
There was another booth that my daughters enjoyed. We learned about conserving energy and how we can make our home safe. Hopefully, with a timer which Kawailani acquired from the festival, she will shorten her showers to five minutes! Hmmm...that would be nice to know!!!Anyway, I had fun with my daughters. It was one way I spent the day with them. For myself, I really do enjoy taking them out. When I was working and attending college, it was difficult making time to spend with my children. Today, I'm happy to have some time which I never had.
It is difficult to juggle demands of life, work and family. I know what it feels like. I've been there and done that too! Overall, I just wanted to share life special moments with my children. By the time we arrived at home, they were ready to bathe and take a nap!Have a nice day! Oh...if you know of any one that teaches flute making, please let me know. Mahalo.
The Place of Hawaii in American Studies was the so called topic. Hmmm. Keala Kelly had it going on! She knew her stuff!
Very interesting yet can be emotional too!
As I looked onward and listened... I was disappointed when a woman kept on asking about Hawaiians and current issues of status. For myself, it was actually educating someone who didn't understand or only knew little. It was the way she said and insisted that we "kinda like saying we asked for it." What an "anal retentive attitude" she had. I set her straight and any other curious person who was there trying to understand or seek information about Hawaiians.We did not give permission to Westerners to come here and take our 'aina and so forth. In Westerner terms, easy to to relate to: "Involuntary."We need to get this straight...the Fake State is not here for you along with LINDA LINGLE and her bandits or CLAYTON HEE. THEY WILL EXPLOIT YOU AND MAKE MONIES BY TRYING TO SELL SEIZED LANDS!They stole from our Kingdom and robbed us of our self dignity and expect us to keep quiet!!! I don't thinks so! I shared my mana'o and just let them know how we feel about this historical injustice!!!
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This was the first time I attended an event like this! What a beautiful experience taking my two youngest daughters with me. The most funniest thing happened when I got up that morning is that my Keapoi who is named after me woke me up. I auau and prepared for my journey. I was quiet as a mouse and thought Kawailani would be asleep when I was near the door! Well, she was awake and her two eyes peeped up while her nose in the pillow. So cute and funny. "I'm going to the Pali," I stated to her. "Would you like to go, its still dark?" Kawailani leaped off the couch and sprinted to the second floor. She combed her hair and brushed her teeth. As Kawailani was ready to exit the door, I called Livi's name. "Livi its mom, do you want to go?" A smile on her face could be seen and she extended her arms toward me. I picked her up and asked Kawailani to prepare her bag for the journey. We exited as a family and picked up a friend and drove to the Pali.At the Pali, we could hear the voice of a young man sharing his message in 'Olelo Hawaii. It was cold, however the exchanging of words and wisdom comforted my soul as I observed them. By far, it was educational and inspirational.I saw uncle Mel Kalahiki Sr. and his 'ohana. My cousin Bobby and Alexander stood near the tent as we spoke about genealogy. I was blessed with a kahea and so much to say that words can't be expressed. The aloha I feel for those who walk the path of our ancestors yesterday are here TODAY! What was it that brought me here to this event? Perhaps curiosity, yet the yearning to be spiritually and culturally connected to our culture!Overall, it was comfort of 'ohana and making new friends. It was establishing ties with old ones and renewing new goals. It was about sharing our Hawaiian culture with my children. Growing up I observed many Hawaiians distracted from their culture and often wanted to be proud to share it but often ridiculed. I have shed many tears and hold none back. I have walked and made foot prints that day with my daughters in great delight!As I renew old insecurities and establish new meanings, I leave you this thought.....MALAMA YOUR SELF! DON'T ALLOW ANYONE TO DISCOURAGE YOU FROM REACHING YOUR DREAMS! IT WILL TAKE TIME, BUT NEVER GIVE UP...YOU MUST PERSIST IN ALL YOU DO FOR YOUR CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS LOOK TOWARD YOU FOR GUIDANCE.WE MAY NEVER AGREE ON WHAT PATH OUR CHILDREN TAKE, HOWEVER WE DO LOVE AND CHERISH THEM FOR WHO THEY ARE...Life is to short to dwindle on small things that matter least. There is more to care of such as our language, education and above all our culture. Aloha Ke Akua and our ancestors then and now!
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Today was my fist day using 'Olelo camera. A Public Service Announcement (PSA) was done in studio at Waipahu. After 4 days of training, I must admit I had a blast. I did have to adjust the lighting and sought help when I needed clarification. I must admit, I was nervous. however as I reviewed the steps, I was able to follow through setting up the camera and equipment.A few minute shots ended up to be almost 30 minutes. "MAMAZ BOIZ," this musical group had two boys instead of four today! Jacob and Bane were JAMMING!. They had requested that I tape their next gig and I agreed! Mahalo to this group of young musicians!
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This is clipping form Tane's Blog:I watched Mrs. Emma Nawahi as she arose to address the people. I have never heard two women talk in public in quite the same way. Would this Hawaiian women be embarrassed or timid, or self-conscious or assertive?Not any of these. Her manner had the simple directness that made Charlotte Perkins Stetson, two years ago, the most interesting speaker of the Women's congress. But Mrs. Stetson's pose is the most artistic of poses - a pretense of simplicity. This Hawaiian woman's thoughts were of her subjects, not of herself. There was an interesting impersonality about her delivery that kept my eyes fastened upon her while the interpreter at my side whispered his translation in short, detached phrases, hesitating now and then for a word, sometimes completing the thought with a gesture.""We are weak a people, we Hawaiians, and have no power unless we stand together." read Mrs. Nawahi frequently raising her eyes from her paper and at times altogether forgetting it."The United States is just - a land of liberty. The people there are the friends - the great friends of the weak. Let us tell them - let us show them that as they love their country and would suffer much before giving it up, so do we love our country, our Hawai'i, and pray that they do not take it from us."Our one hope is in standing firm - shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Surely that great country across the ocean must hear our cry. By uniting our voices the sound will be carried on so they must hear us."In this petition, which we offer for your signature today, you, women of Hawai'i, have a chance to speak your mind. The men's petition will be sent on by the men's club as soon as the loyal men of Honolulu have signed it. There is nothing underhand, nothing deceitful in our way - our only way - of fighting. Everybody will see and may know of our petition. We have nothing to conceal. We have right on our side. This land is ours -- our Hawai'i. Say, shall we lose our nationality? Shall we be annexed to the United States? "'A'ole loa. 'A'ole loa."Let us not forget our kupuna who signed Ku'e Petition! I was reading cuz's blogs who always write about our true history. It is he who has inspired me to persist! Our ancestors are calling YOU!I leave you with this thought. BE PROUD WHO YOU ARE AND PERSIST IN ALL THAT YOU DO! BELIEVE IN YOURSELVES BECAUSE OUR KUPUNA DID TOO!Read more…
Ke Kai 'Ula (The Red Sea)'O ke kai ke 'aKe 'a akaaka i ka pakipikaKe kai kupono i welo i ka 'aina'O Hawai'i 'Aina aloha no na 'Oiwi'Aina mua kaulana a ka 'IThe sea of the fire, the burningThe shining (stars) in the PacificThe sea of righteousness that streams with the landHawai'i beloved land of 'OiwiFamed, land of God beforehandBy signing the Kai 'Ula petition, you will become a part of the “redness” of unity for the well-being of ‘Oiwi and Hawai’i. When you are a descendant of those who, 116 years ago, sacrificed their lives in defense of their country and who signed the Palapala Hoopi’i Ku’e Hui’Aina, you recognize that the same spirit that prompted them is alive in you. We ask you to simply be the ‘Alalauwa in this tide throughout Hawaii calling for great change.
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I read this article about the hawaiian raven.I heard about the story of the souls of the dead leaping off the cliff to the other world, but never heard of the raven taking them there. So I wonder sometimes if these 'ancient hawaiian legends' have any basis in fact. Even if true, sometimes I read things and they just seem off to me. I am by no means knowledgeable in every hawaiian legend or hawaiian culture, but some things just don't seem right. It's like the hawaiian culture is being 'new aged' like most everything these days. Or am I just a product of my conditioning from what hawaiian culture was in the 70's or just don't know enough?
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