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Celebrating Prince Kuhio

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Without Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole’s bravery, Hawaii today might be a little different. By pushing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act through Congress in 1921, he changed the future of the islands. To honor him, his birthday on March 26 is celebrated island-wide.

Last Saturday would have been Kuhio’s  140th birthday.

“Every year we want to celebrate[Kuhio’s] birthday.  Many Hawaiians may be homeless without him,” said Kammy Purdy, Ahupuaa President.

Over two hundred people gathered at Lanikeha last Saturday to pay homage to the historical Hawaiian figure, and listen to local musiciansMolokai Kupunas, Pili Pa`a, Heli Silva and Ernie Cruz.

Baked goods, cookies and lunch plates were being sold by local organizations, such as 4-H, Girl Scouts of America, Ho`olehua Ag, and Ho`olehua Homestead Association.
“By Kuhio establishing the Hawaiian Homestead Act, he ensured that the Hawaiian race lived on,” said MC of the day, Zhantell Dudoit.

Defending His Aina

As a prince, he was given many opportunities not usually afforded Hawaiian youth in the late 1800s. Born on Kauai, Kuhio’s mother, Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike, died shortly after giving birth to him. He was

He studied in California before attended the Royal Agriculture College in England.  He then returned to his homeland and joined in efforts to overthrow the Republic of Hawaii in 1894, and to restore the Hawaiian monarchy.

After the unsuccessful overthrow, Kuhio was imprisoned for one year. After being released, he left for South Africa and vowed not to return to a Westernized Hawaii.

Hawaiian Homes Commission Act.

However, he did return to Hawaii in 1902, after it had become a territory of the United States. Kuhio became the first Native Hawaiian to serve in Congress, and was a territorial delegate from 1903 until his death in 1922.

He is most known for his help in appropriating 200,000 acres of land for Hawaiian people with the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act in 1921.

The act stands today as one of the most important ways to establish connections between Hawaiian people and their culture, ancestors and most importantly, the `aina.

Kane Discuss Empowerment

Monday, March 28th, 2011

As Native Hawaiians progress into the 21st century, their way of life is being tested daily. Recently, a group of men on Molokai gathered together to evaluate their role in life, as well as the island. They also brainstormed ways to preserve Hawaiian culture and values for generations to come.

This year’s `Aha Kane conference fostered the question, “Who Are You?” as a follow up to the 2007 `Aha Kane conference.

“When we converse, we get a feeling of what’s going on,” said Moke Kim, MC for the 2011 `Aha Kane Conference. “The more we talk, the closer we become, and thus, the more responsible we become for one another.”

Over 30 Molokai men, from keiki to kupuna, attended the event last Friday at Kulana `Oiwi halau to put their heads together in discussion and participate in presentations about all aspects of the role of kane on Molokai today.

The “Molokaiian” Within
One of the speakers, Ka`eo Kawa`a, a retired Hawaiian immersion teacher, invited men to his kukakuka session to get the best ideas on how to carry on the legacies of Molokai.

“In Hawaiian thoughts, we don’t talk with our mothers, we don’t talk with our heart – it actually comes from much deeper than that,” Kawa`a said.
He asked his audience to ask themselves, what is “Molokaiian?” How do we keep the traditions of Molokai? What are the issues on Molokai and what are the solutions?

“Just think how fortunate you are to live on Molokai, “Hoe said about Molokai’s great ability to grow food.

The `Aha Kane committee will continue looking for ways to perpetuate Hawaiian values and culture. Their next meeting will be held at the Molokai Community Health Center office, behind the Store House. Kane are asked to gather there on April 6 at 6 p.m. to discuss ways to build traditional hale. Organizers plan to build a hale next to the new Oceanside Medical Center.

Flood Map Insurance Appeals Due

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Maui County News Release

For property owners affected by the proposed flood insurance rate map changes, the deadline for appeals is approaching. The appeal period to challenge new flood designations ends on April 19, 2011.