The gang “talks story” about Local celebrations – 28 Mar. 2009

This was a perfectly relaxing Saturday morning, taking the time to wala’au together. Kaho’onei explained kukakuka means to discuss while wala’au means to talk story, and he recommends we all take 5 minutes a day to vala’au with someone. That sounds like a simple way to increase the aloha in our lives. Kaho’onei laid out the plan for today’s Kuhio Celebrations—a rare 4pm parade and moonlight concert at Kapi’olani Bandstand headlined by Natalie A’i Kamau’u with her mother’s fabulous halau, Halau Hula ‘Olana. Kaho’onei outlined current legislative initiatives relating to Native Hawaiians and explained the process and meaning of a t-shirt so many of us see around town these days. The black Kau Inoa t-shirts signify placing one’s name in an international registry of Hawaiians who will become the constituency for decisions about a future Hawaiian political entity. We reflected on the great lei making demonstrations that happened last Saturday at Linekona Art Center. Happy Tamanaha won the Iron Lei Challenge which gave master lei makers two hours to make lei from mystery ingredients: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme! Happy made a distinctive kukui leaf lei with hinahina (Spanish moss) for Mayor Hanneman, who presented the awards. We talked about the kaona (hidden meanings) of hala (pandanus) lei, and the challenges local lei makers and flower growers face against cheaper imported flowers and even pre-made lei from Asia. Some lei makers hope for a Made in Hawai’i designation for lei, but until then, we will just have to ask at the lei stand to support our local growers and lei artists. Kaho’onei said he was taught to loosely tie the ends of a maile lei when wearing it, since that completes the circle of aloha.

‘olelo no’eau: Our ‘olelo no’eau: “He waiwai nui ke aloha; o ka’u no ia e pulama nei” is translated as Love is a great treasure which I cherish. That was a lovely thought to carry forward into the week, after the pleasures of music and vala’au together.

 

 The gang "talks story" about Local celebrations - 28 Mar. 2009 [109:52m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download