Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 12, 1 December 1985 — Laʻa, Maʻa, Paʻa Concept Used in Makena, Lanai Field Trips [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Laʻa, Maʻa, Paʻa Concept Used in Makena, Lanai Field Trips

By Myrle Florea MoloLai Community Resource Specialist

My first field trip to Makena as a staff member of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs ean be likened to a chiid going to school for the very first time because I was eoncerned about an unknown factor — not knowing what to expect or what was expected was the eoneem. This eoneem was soon dissolved upon reaching

Makena where, surrounded by stately kiawe trees and the oeean gently washing the rocky shore, we gathered at venerable Keawalai Church. Here the memory of the kupuna of yesteryear still lingers. Admist the ringing of the church bell, we were ushered into this very simple, yet elegant sanctuary as the start of our field trip. A brief devotional service followed the introduction of all participants. Leslie Kuloloio was a remarkable guide. He gave a brief historical background of Makena, families who have ties to the area and finally the problem whieh has recently surfaced, leading to the formation of the Hui Ala Nui O Makena. In addressing the group, Kuloloio used the concept of Laa, Maa and Paa to demonstrate the philosophy of the group. La'a — Become aware of the situation, getting acquainted with the subject; having light shine on the subject. Ma'a — Know the subject, become comfortable with the "ins and outs" of the situations that must be faced and the outcome. Pa'a — Become accustomed to the subject or situation and when feeling comfortable, you become a part of it or you are tied to it. The rest of the presentation, whieh proved very interesting and outstanding, was made at the Hale Ai where the viewpoints were expressed with mueh love and a feeling of sharing. Members of the Hui who presented the lectures were well-versed in their subjects and adequately answered all questions. Their methods of presentation, beliefs and plan were well done. We were not asked to take sides or to make decisions. We were asked to listen, to understand and to question if we were not satisfied. Following the presentation we looked at the area in question. How ean one adequately describe the feeling of viewing a strip of beach? An uncluttered, elean inlet — an area in whieh families ean enjoy an outing, children ean enjoy swimming, or an area that a fisherman ean cast his pole or net — or is this inlet just for a chosen few to enjoy? How does one tell others of the importance of a road that was constructed, usinga trail originated by the Hawaiians of yesterday? A trip to Lanai proved interesting in comparing it from

previous visits in different capacities. What made it difficult perhaps was because of a soft-spoken young man mueh interested in preserving the "Lanai Culture." Perhaps it was different because of a visit to its cemetary high atop a knoll looking toward Molokai. Seeing the names of different ethnic backgrounds, different ages, graves, overgrown with weeds and unkempt, while others beautifully kept — memories of those that are gone, still alive and fresh in the minds of those left behind — they are all a part of the history of Lanai. Perhaps it was different because of a man, proud of his heritage with a willingness to share his knowledge. Solomon Kaopuiki shared some of his knowledge with us, hints of his childhood in Keamuku, his growing years, time he spent off Lanai, his family, retirement, continuous thirst for the knowledge of his island and a quest for areas used by his ancestors for hunting, fishing, worship and for those he has heard who visited Lanai before the coming of the white man. Perhaps Lanai is special in that a lot of its history is still there, still waiting to be discovered. Perhaps this visit was the first step for me, La'a, becoming acquainted with areas outside of my home island, my mind now craves for more information (Ma'a) and perhaps someday, I will be Pa'a to this aina we eall Hawaii.

This is Keawalai Church in Makena where the memory of the kupuna of yesteryear still lingers. it is a simple yet elegant plaee of worship.