Interview with Puakea Nogelmeier – 6 Dec. 2008

 
We were thinking of you all getting breakfast together and hitting the road for your busy weekend while we were sharing a pretty relaxed morning with teacher, translator, and composer, Puakea Nogelmeier. His is the story of many people from all over the world who come to Hawai’i, make it their home, and make a contribution to this community. In Puakea’s case, it was through a love of the Hawaiian language which led him to teach at UH Manoa, work on a number of books and become director of the Awaiaulu Hawaiian Literature Project. Check out their activities at www.awaiaulu.org and don’t forget about Puakea’s most popular book, He Mele Aloha, a classic Hawaiian songbook with English translations that benefits the Lunalilo Home for Native Hawaiian elderly. It’s always fun to chat with Robert Cazimero and we grabbed him for a few moments between performing at Chai’s and rehearsals for “The Sounds of Christmas”, a holiday spectacular at the Hawai’i Theatre December 12, 13 and 14. The show features the Brothers Cazimero and two of Hawai’i’s best keiki hula dancers, among many others. Call the Hawai’i Theatre or check hawaiitheatre.com for more on those concerts. With Burton White producing and Robert himself directing, this should be a winner!
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Dr Keanu Sai’s thoughts on the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy – 29 Nov. 2008

On this beautiful morning Na Kai ‘Ewalu lived up to its aim of providing great musical entertainment and some food for thought. Dr. Keanu Sai, Ph.D. in Political Science, presented legal arguments for the concept that the Hawaiian Kingdom was never over thrown, never annexed by the U.S., and, in fact, still exists. His dissertation committee, including legal experts, did not refute his contention that under international law, the only way for a nation to transfer its sovereignty to another is by treaty—and that was never done in Hawai’I’s case. Find out more by checking the links included here. Mahalo to our guest artist, poet Mahealani Perez Wendt. We’re including the title poem from her new book, ‘Uluhaimalama, just to whet your appetite. The book is available at Native Books Na Mea Hawai’I at Ward Warehouse or on School Street.

Discussion on Ceded Public Lands – 22 Nov. 2008

On this Saturday we managed to keep the music coming while getting a crash course in ceded land issues. Earlier this year the State Supreme Court ruled no more ceded lands could be sold until Native Hawaiians settled all claims with the U.S. government. Over the summer, the Lingle Administration appealed to have that ruling overturned and now the U.S Supreme Court has agreed to review the case. Three hotshot students from the Richardson School of Law laid out the story and the reasons Hawaiians fear a negative ruling could cripple Hawaiian rights. check www.stopsellingcededlands.com or email kupuaina@gmail.com for more. Mahalo to Jocelyn Doane, Davis Kahoku Price and Derek Kauanoe—You are carrying the torch. Uncle Wayne is so proud of his nephew, Derek, soon a lawyer and even better, an activist.

King Kalakaua and the King Kalakaua Celebration – 15 Nov. 2008

 
In the November 15th edition of Na Kai `Ewalu Noe Tanigawa and Kaho`onei Panoke are joined by local entertainer Palani Vaughn and storyteller Lopaka Kapanui. We learn some history about King Kalakaua alongside a few fun anectdotes about his life as well as his impact on the Hula, Hawaiian Chant and even Japanese immigration. We will also discuss the history behind the King Kalakaua statue located at the entrance to Waikiki and the upcoming King Kalakaua birthday celebration.

The 2008 Election Recap Show – 8 Nov. 2008

 
The hosts of Na Kai Ewalu recap the 2008 election results by covering local offices and issues as well as the election of Hawaii born Barrack Obama to the presidency. We are joined by Mayor Mufi Hanneman, who was re-elected into the office of Mayor of Honolulu. The mayor also shares with us his thoughts on the approval of a fixed rail system by Honolulu voters. We are also joined by Annelle Amaral who helps us discuss the results of the vote for a proposed Hawaii State Constitutional Convention and other items on the 2008 ballot.