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Hawaiian Culture

Hawaiian culture stories from Molokai

Kenpo – A Frame of Mind

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Kenpo – A Frame of Mind

Community Contributed by By Kalei “Pumpkin” Moss

The sound of kiais, a vocal release of one's own inner "chi" or "spirit" (one's source of energy), echo throughout the halls of Kilohana Elementary School.  Known regularly as the cafeteria to the students and faculty, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this cafeteria is transformed into a dojo.  The students begin Kenpo class by bowing in respect to their sifu (instructor), Randy Foley, and take a knee to clear their minds and mentally prepare for the upcoming class.  The class begins with a flurry of punches, kicks, and open hand moves as the class warms up to practice their kata or forms.

Kenpo in Hawaii was developed in the 1940s and incorporates different martial art styles such as Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo and Kung Fu.  Kenpo, which means “law of the fist,” does not focus on one-on-one confrontations, but was developed to defend oneself from multiple attackers.  Students are not taught with the intent to hurt others but to develop a frame of mind to resolve situations without using violence.  Kenpo helps its students develop self-confidence and trains them to keep their composure and overcome their fears.  Sifu Randy Foley not only teaches the students martial art skills but also teaches Kenpo’s four rules to live by: humility, self-control, integrity and courtesy.

The Kenpo class held at Kilohana is funded by the 21st Century Grant program and is open to students of any age as well as adults.  Students are taught structure, balance and focus and many of the students say it is just plain fun.  One adult Kenpo student, Jay Duquette, explained that he started taking the class when his eight- year-old son, Malu, took an interest in it.  Jay further explained that it gives him and his son a chance to bond and a common interest they can talk about at home.  The class is comprised of a range of students from first timers to a student that has been taking Kenpo for nine years.  Kenpo will challenge you both physically and mentally, and it is a great workout.  If you or your children are interested in participating in Kenpo at Kilohana School on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., please call Mapuana Dudoit at 558-2200 or Sandra Czajkowski at 658-0609.  Look for upcoming articles highlighting more of the exciting classes the 21st Century Grant program has to offer.

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Lono’s Latest Inspirational Listening

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Lono’s Latest Inspirational Listening

Late afternoon light streams through the trees bathing Kalanianaole Hall with a soft glow. Standing near the stairway, the musician known as Lono stares skyward with slightly clasped hands held near his chest. From within his palms, a similar but intense light emanates and glows, as if mirroring that of the setting sun.

This is the album cover of Lono’s latest, “E Aloha E” – the sixth album in a series of Hawaiian music releases known as Old Style Hawaiian. True to the principals of the genre yet infused with Lono’s originality, “E Aloha E” is a no-brainer for fans of Hawaiian music.

For Lono followers, and those enraptured by Molokai, this album is essential – the continuation of an important journey in uncovering the spirit of Molokai and aloha. Most importantly, it is a living conduit to the ancestors of contemporary and historical Hawaiian culture, and the aumakua protectors of Molokai.

As is customary of Lono’s work, the album opens with the pahu drum beating like the slow rhythm of a heart. “Todd’s Work,” inspired by this writer, reflects Lono’s ability to traverse to the other side and translate it for the rest of us.

“Moku Kia Kahi,” or the “one-masted schooner,” has been performed by Hawaii greats including Gabby Pahinui, George Helm and Brothers Cazimero, among others. Here, Lono honors The Sunday Manoa; and anyone familiar with the group will recognize their influence on Lono’s work.

The theme of light shines in tracks “Ia 'Oe E Ka La,” a song honoring King David Kalakaua, and “Po Anuenue Keia,” meaning “the night rainbow” and composed for dancing hula.

Lono also pays respect throughout the album to prominent Molokai figures and people who have inspired and touched his work. “Ku`u Papale,” or “my beloved lauhala hat,” tributes Aina Keawe and was inspired by her sister, Molokai’s late aunty Ku`ulei Perez. “Please oh please, bring Ho`ailona home,” tells of Molokai’s most beloved monk seal, KP2, and was inspired by Loretta Ritte. Track nine, “Ua Nani Molokai,” reflects Lono’s reverence for Molokai and the beloved kupuna who have influenced the artist’s musical career.

Lono is known for his powerful message-filled music and continues to deliver with both classic folktales and important issues. “Kalaipahoa” reminds us to makaala the greed for Molokai’s aina while the fifth track tells of Bokikumanumanu, dog god and protector of Makanalua. Visible from the air and the Kalaupapa lighthouse, the Bokikumanumanu heiau (stone temple) is the only one of its kind in the world.  The song was inspired by kumu hula John Kaimiakaua.

The musicality is far from overpowered by his crooning vocals and strong stories. Pensive chanting, bird calls, flutes and ukulele plucking bring the olelo to life in tracks “Manu Mana`o” and “Hawai`i Pono `I,” (my only lament is that the former is not at lease a minute longer). Lono also enhances the album with two slack key tracks, “Hanaikapono” and “Nanaikapono.”

“Owl’s Lullabye” is inspired by storyteller Kindy Sproat originally by Stan Jones. It is the perfect closer of the album and one of my favorites from Lono.

While the light on the cover of his album might seem to come directly from Lono’s hands, he is in fact exposing and releasing a light that has always existed. In this, his sixth album of the Old Style series, Lono truly succeeds in bringing life to the ancestors of Hawaiian music and culture. Maika`i no – good job indeed!

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DLNR Listens Up

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

DLNR Listens Up

Molokai residents brought a bag full of suggestions and concerns to a visit from the head of one of the largest branches of the state government – the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). From discussions about protecting subsistence lifestyles to management of wind, water and other resources, DLNR Chairperson William “Bill” Aila interacted with residents for nearly two hours during his first visit to Molokai. 

Aila, who was appointed DLNR chairperson by Gov. Abercrombie in November 2010, talked story with local residents as part of a statewide series. The meeting was unusual because Aila’s visit was not to address a particular project or issue, but instead simply to listen. The gesture was appreciated by Molokai residents, who repeatedly thanked him for his effort and openness.

a lot more significant” than on other islands, Aila said after the meeting.

Other issues included allowing residents to restore exposed graves in Mana`e, which Aila said he would directly address with the Burial Council during a return visit he’s planning in November; fixing the water supply so that new water meters may be allowed in East Molokai; supporting the Molokai Invasive Species Committee and Plant Extinction Prevention Program; removing asbestos from the old Coast Guard stations at Ilio Point; and formalizing DLNR outreach with `Aha Ki`ole.

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Reclaiming Hawaiian Lands

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Submitted by Duke Kalipi on behalf of the Lawful Hawaiian Government

In July, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 1520 into law, becoming Act 195. This act is the prelude to the Native Hawaiian Reorganization Act, also known as the Akaka Bill. We believe its true intent is to have the Hawaiian people agree to give up their rightful claim to their national lands, identified by the U.S. government as ceded lands. These are the lands of the former Hawaiian Kingdom – government, crown and public acreage.

“Although the Statehood Act retroceded these lands to the State of Hawaii, nearly 400,000 acres of what was originally Hawaiian government lands are still owned by the U.S. government,” according to a report from Sen. Dan Inouye in Dateline Washington from 1972.

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Molokai Fights to Protect Its Fishing Lifestyle

Thursday, September 29th, 2011

Molokai Fights to Protect Its Fishing Lifestyle

 

Community Contributed by Walter Ritte

For the past 15 years Molokai has been seriously trying to stop the decline of it’s near shore fisheries. In 1994 Governor John Waihe’e created the Governors Molokai Subsistence Task Force, which officially recognized the importance of the subsistence economy on Molokai. The task force found that up to 38 percent of our food consumption on Molokai came from gathering in the ocean and on the land. The task force identified three major problems, 1) Off-island people who take to much, 2) Taking of undersized juveniles and 3) Lack of access.

The Molokai Aha Kiole has been working for months with WESPAC (Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council), an arm of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in a state wide effort to bring management over our resources down to the local level.

Through state wide meetings, each island has been charged to present their three top issues. The Molokai Aha Kiole presented their top two issues on Friday Sept. 23 to WESPAC. First, the need to lift the federal ban on the Hawaiian Green Turtle to allow for traditional subsistence use, and second, the need to stop the practice of off island escort boats raiding our shorelines during canoe races and other Molokai to Oahu and Maui to Molokai races.

Five years of talks with the Canoe Racing Associations have proven no meaningful results. The issue is alarmingly headed to confrontational solutions.  

Molokai residence have taken it upon themselves to monitor and patrol the coast line to “educate” the escort boats and letters have been sent out to explain “nicely” the concerns of the subsistence users of our coastal fisheries. We hope the State and Federal Governments will help resolve this issue since the organizers of these races do not want to recognize their “Kuleana” when they come to Molokai to race. 

Subsistence use of our near shore fisheries is not a matter of recreational use, it is a matter of survival. 

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A Crossing to Remember

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

A Crossing to Remember

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A Day in Molokai’s History

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

A Day in Molokai’s History

Community contributed by Arleone Dibben-Young

Forty-eight years ago, on Sept. 30, 1963, Papohaku Beach was stormed in “Operation Dull Knife,” a military exercise involving 7,000 Marines and 17 Navy ships. The first two waves of the ship-to-shore assault beached without incident aboard LVTP-5 landing crafts, known for their superior surfing capabilities. The following three waves consisting of 21 LCVP landing crafts were not as fortunate and all vessels broached in the large surf, spilling troops into the rough seas.

Fifteen boats were demolished, in some cases the engine blocks being the largest surviving pieces. Marine Helicopter Squadron 161, on hand to support inland maneuvers, rushed to the coast to lift much of the troops, supplies and equipment safely ashore. Remarkably, there were no fatalities.

Remnants of military maneuvers, such as fencing and rolls of barbed wire dating back to WWII, can still be found today beneath the shifting sand dunes of Papohaku. In 2002, the dog tags of a pastor involved in the 1963 exercises were discovered during a native plant dune restoration.

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Exercising ‘Divine Right’

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Exercising ‘Divine Right’

Get ready to vote – and this time, instead of casting a ballot for the a U.S. government official, you can have a say in the future of the Reinstated Hawaiian Nation.

On Molokai, the Nation has been holding weekly classes to educate the community on the history of the lawful kingdom and how the public can get involved – particularly by voting in the upcoming elections on Nov. 5. Registration ends Sept. 30, though those who register after that will be counted in an unofficial vote, according to kupuna Moke Kim.

Anyone can vote, even if you are not a citizen of the nation or a Native Hawaiian.

“We need a little kokua for elections to see if people are willing to help and [contribute their] mana`o,” said Duke Kalipi, representative for the Molokai district – one of 24 districts in the reinstated nation.

In 1893, under Queen Liliuokalani’s rule, the Hawaiian government was overthrown and went into “vacation” rather than fighting for the cause and losing lives, according to Kim, who helps teach weekly classes on the Nation The Hawaiian government was in exile until it was reinstated in 1999.

Since then, the government has been active, with nine registered “nationals” on Molokai. Statewide citizenship of the Nation has reached about 400 nationals, with another 7,000 citizenship applications in process.

Classes are held every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Mitchell Pauole Center and serve as a starting point for those interested in becoming citizens of the nation.

“One of the best ways to learn is to participate and ask questions,” said Kim.

“We’ve been here long enough to see…laws closing in,” said one attendee last week, referencing hunting and land tax laws under the Hawaii state government. “The pressure for us locals is getting bad.”

Kim taught the nearly 20 participants in last week’s class about the divine or God-given inherent right to sovereignty.

“We are all ali`i,” he said. “Is it our right? You bet!” he added, pointing to the chalk-written words “divine rights” on the blackboard. “We should all grow up teaching our children to be ali`i.”

In exercising that divine right on Nov. 5, voters will be casting their ballots on who they believe should be the next prime minister of the nation, and Molokai representative and noble.

“We want people to know that they have options,” said Henry French, filling the current Molokai seat in the House of Nobles.

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Fit for a Queen

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

A three-person conch shell ensemble harmoniously signaled the beginning of Ka La Hanau o Lili`uokalani, the annual observance of Queen Lili`uokalani’s birthday on Sept. 2, 1838. The occasion is observed every year by Molokai’s Hawaiian Language Immersion students from grades pre-K to 12.  This year’s celebration was held on Sept. 14 at Lanikeha, Ho`olehua with almost 150 of Molokai’s Hawaiian-speaking student population in attendance along with kupuna and family members.

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Kalaupapa Courage Recognized

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Kalaupapa Courage Recognized

In the face of great injustice, they lived exemplary lives – and for that, the patient-residents of Kalaupapa were individually honored last week with certificates from Hawaii’s state legislature. Mounted on plaques, the certificates honored the patients’ lives and apologized for their mistreatment.

An estimated 8,000 Hansen’s disease patients were abruptly taken from their families to live on the peninsula in forced isolation from 1866 to 1969. They were nevertheless “remarkably resilient and have responded to their plight with kindness, generosity, and forgiveness rather than anger, bitterness, and despair,” the plaques read in part.

House Representatives John Mizuno and Faye Hanohano spearheaded the resolution to individually honor the patient-residents and conducted the ceremony at McVeigh Hall last Tuesday. A total of 17 former patients in the state received plaques, including those currently living outside Kalaupapa.

“Thank you very much,” patient-resident Gloria Marks told them when she received her plaque. She was one of five Kalaupapa patient-residents who accepted her plaque in person on Tuesday.

Clarence “Boogie” Kahilihiwa, also expressed his appreciation of the honoring.

“It’s nice to get recognized,” he said after the ceremony.

The certificates also recognized Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 208. The resolution was passed in 2008 as the government’s first official apology to the residents of Kalaupapa for their exile. They made note, too, of Saint Damien de Veuster, who spent his life in the settlement.

The patient-residents are “living remnants of the history of Kalaupapa,” Mizuno said after the ceremony. He and Hanohano began discussing ways to acknowledge their lives individually around March, he said.

“This may be the last opportunity to thank them and apologize,” Mizuno said. “It’s very important as we’re getting to the end of a chapter.”

Mark Miller, the Department of Health administrator for the Kalaupapa settlement, said he found out about the representatives’ visit about two days before they arrived. He and the patients were unsure what was to be presented until the meeting actually happened, he said.

“It was getting time we recognized the circumstances surrounding the patients’ involvement with having to stay here,” he said of the plaques. “It’s a good thing.”

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