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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?

Community Contributed By Ric Ornellas

While planning for Ka Molokai Aha Kane 2011, organizer Kaeo Kawaa answered questions about the upcoming men’s conference, held on Friday, March 25 at Kulana `Oiwi Halau from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Without Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana`ole’s bravery, Hawaii be a little different. He changed the future of the islands by pushing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act through congress in 1921. To honor him, his birthday, March 26, 1871 is celebrated as a Hawaii state holiday and recognized as Prince Kuhio Day.

Prince Kuhio’s life had a royal beginning.  Kuhio’s mother, Princess Kinoiki Kekaulike, died shortly after giving birth to the future prince on Kauai. He was adopted shortly after by his mother’s sister Kapli`olani and her husband Kalakaua, who became the Kingdom of Hawaii’s ruler.

Defending His Aina

As a prince, he was given many opportunities not usually afforded Hawaiian youth. He studied in California for college and 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, to restore the Hawaiian monarchy.

He did return to Hawaii in 1902, however, after it had become a territory of the United States. The former prince  joined US politics. He became the first Native Hawaiian to serve in congress, and was a 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.

Celebrating a Hero

Kuhio Day will be celebrated at Kiowea Park (Coconut Grove) on March 26, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Food, music, booths with produce and local products, and a rummage sale will entertain attendees.  Homesteaders will also be able to register for Aha Kiole.