Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 12, 1 December 1985 — 1987: "The Year of the Hawaiian" [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

1987: "The Year of the Hawaiian"

A steering committee of representatives from about 25 Hawaiian organizations from throughout the state are putting their collective minds and energy together in p!anning for "TTie Year of the Hawaiian" in 1987. The Japanese are having Kanyaku Imin this year; Filipino groups are planning similar celebrations next year; and the Chinese have designated 1989 as their year. P!ans for the year-long Hawaiian celebration are geared to "adequately and appropriately honor the native people of these islands — to create positive vibes," declared Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Thomas K. Kaulukukui Sr. who is ehaimnan of the steering committee. Betty Jenkins, OHA kupuna coordinator, is vice chairman; William Kea is treasurer; and OHA staff member Lisa Uneiano is secretary. Kaulukukui explained it is the committee's goal to bring Hawaiian groups and organizations together for the planned celebration. Hawaiians and Hawaiiana will be spotlighted. "We're trying to eome up with a program that will highlight and bring to focus some of the Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian attitude, Hawaiian awareness in our present society," he emphasized. Richard Lyman, chairman of the Bishop Estate board of trustees, offered that 1987 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of The Kamehameha Schools. "I'm sure that ean be worked in as being part of the planned celebration for The

Year of the Hawaiian," Kaulukukui explained. "There will be something planned eaeh month on eaeh island throughout 1987. We could have two, three, four or more events as being part of The Year of Hawaiians," Kaulukukui, who eame up with the idea, enthusiastically reported. Neil J. Hannahs, public affairs director for The Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate, said: "We want it to be a eelebration of emotional and cultural readiness for launching ourselves into a new era." The celebration, he explained, will find native Hawaiians examining their roots and problems over the generations in addition to successes and accomplishments in industry and government. "Its now time to recognize that and to allow that to be se!f-generating," he added. Kupuna Coordinator Jenkins perhaps summed it up for the committee when she said: "Culturally, we are in a period of 'hoala hou' — reawakening. There have been some periods of darkness in our culture." Monthly and special meetings are planned over the next several months to continue planning specific events and activities for this ambitious undertaking whieh has received the support of Hawaiian Lt. Gov. John David Waihee III and the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs whieh unanimously passed a resolution at its 26th annual convention Nov. 6-9 on Maui.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Thomas K. Kaulukukui Sr. discusses "The Y ear of the Hawaiian" to members of his steering committee at a recent meeting. Across table are Neil J. Hannahs and Winona E. Rubin. With back to camera on tilted chair is Richard Lyman, chairman of the Bishop Estate board of trustees.