Na Kai Ewalu 2008 Year in Review – 10 Jan. 2009

Let’s be real, nobody is ready to face a new year on January 1, so this week we concentrated on great Hawaiian music and eased ourselves into 2009 by glancing back at ‘08. What a year! For Vickie and many of the rest of us, the election of Barack Obama was the biggest single event, but Senator Daniel Inouye now as the top ranking U.S. Senator and Senator Daniel Akaka as head of Veterans Affairs make a triple combination that definitely raises Hawai’i’s influence in Washington. The Hawai’i State Legislature will open its 2009 session soon and Kaho’onei will be in the thick of it, working on Hawaiian issues for East Maui Representative Mele Carroll. Let’s all drop by her office and say hi! Kaho’onei mentioned the work of the Hawai’i Pono’i Coalition in this program, you can find out more about them at www.huiohawaiiponoi.org.
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Manu Ka’iama, Director of the Kaulele program – 3 Jan. 2009

We start the New Year with high hopes for moral, intellectual and spiritual growth—and the energy to put these to good use for our community! Manu Ka’iama, Director of the Kaulele program, has certainly been using her skills that way for years. A CPA and instructor at the UH Schidler College of Business, Manu specializes in putting knowledge to work. The Kaulele Program offer grants for students, funds for travel enrichment for teachers, help transitioning from school to work, and support for traditional Hawaiian ways of learning. Manu says these are targeted ways to raise the standing of Hawaiians in business and academia. Check http://www.inpeace-hawaii.org/programs/kaulele for more, and get some help realizing your New Year’s resolutions. Of course, throughout, we need the great Hawaiian music for motivation!
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Interview with Clayton Hee – 27 Dec. 2008

 
Everyone was still feeling the glow of Christmas for this Saturday together and we were able to catch one of the State Senate’s most outspoken members in a relaxed frame of mind. Senator Clayton Hee has represented the 23d district (Kailua to Kane’ohe) since 1999 (this timearound) and will chair the Senate Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee in the 2009 legislative session. Around our kitchen table, he presented thoughtful responses and historical background to the Kahana valley eviction situation, the Moloka’i water impasse, and further development at Mauna Kea. Never one to pull punches, Senator Hee said he believes the Lingle Administration’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme court will be upheld, jeopardizing not only ceded lands but other Hawaiian entitlements. Milton Lau, of Kahoku Productions, brought in his latest Hawaiian Slack Key Kings CD featuring an inspiring new generation of kiho’alu artists. Again, our mahalo to Senator Hee and to Milton Lau for a great morning of music and stimulating conversation.
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Kamehameha Publishing – 20 Dec. 2008

 
On this Saturday, we really felt the message of how our everyday actions build community. Maile Meyer brings that message home, after 20 years of using her MBA and knack for business to support her roots in the Hawaiian community. Love of culture spurred the creation of Native Books, then Native Books and Beautiful Things and now Na Mea Hawai’I in Ward Warehouse, a gathering place for Native Hawaiian products and ideas. Maile made the connection between every dollar we put on the counter and where it goes—are we supporting our neighbors and friends, especially the small businesses we need for our future in these Islands? We vote with our dollars, yes, every day but Maile points out, that’s only money! In the tough times ahead, we can support each other in many creative ways, by bartering, perhaps, exchanging our skills, or by a simple word or deed–and that was what our ‘olelo no’eau was about this week. Great thoughts for the holidays! And great music too from Keli’I Tau’a and David Kauahikaua who was our guest artist with musical tributes to the beauties of Maui in their new cd, Cloud Warriors. Find out more at www.tiki-records.com. And check www.nativebookshawaii.com for the latest activities and goodies at Na Mea Hawai’i.
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The Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation – 13 Dec. 2008

 
We felt like we were rockin’ the house with this Saturday’s program. Kalei Stern started us off explaining how Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation was created to supplement Kamehameha Schools’ mission by providing opportunities primarily for Native Hawaiians not directly served by the Schools. Kalei has found that one on one conversations and building relationships is the best way, and in fact a very Hawaiian way, to secure funding—much of which is coming from the Kamehameha Schools ohana. If you need money for education, find out if you might be eligible for a grant,check www.pauahi.org. Applications will be available February 15th. Lurline Wailana McGregor then joined us at the table with her new novel, Between the Deep Blue Sea and Me. It explores a young professional’s journey back into the Hawaiian culture of her childhood, describing challenges and discoveries that many Hawaiians and others are experiencing today. Her novel is available at bookstores around Hawai’i. Keola Akana joined us also with great ideas for Christmas gifts from Kamehameha Publishing. The Kukulu Hawaiian playing cards look like a winner, and online purchases are 30% off right now at www.kamehamehapublishing.org. Mahalo to Lihau Hannes and Kellen Paik, who perform as Kupaoa. Hope you enjoy this sample from their brand new cd, Pili O Ke Ao. Check them out at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=37.
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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.

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