Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 3, 1 March 1987 — La'au Lapaʻau Highlights La Hoʻoulu ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

La'au Lapaʻau Highlights La Hoʻoulu ʻOlelo Hawaiʻi

Kauai Hawaiian Lanauaae Dav Attracts Larae Crowd

Two of the most knowledgeable minds in la'au lapa'au in Hawaii were the featured speakers in the seventh annual La Ho'olu Olelo Hawaii Feb. 14 on the campus of Kauai Community College in Puhi. An estimated 140 kupuna, adults, college and high school students and keikis were on hand on a rainy Valentine's Day for a full day of Hawaiian conversation, games, himeni and fun in the KCC campus center building. It was a day whieh provided an opportunity for those who already speak Hawaiian and those learning to speak Hawaiian to get together for a day of practicing and improving their skills in the Hawaiian language. While most of the participants were Hawaiians or part Hawaiians, there were many who represented other ethnic groups in the state. Participants eame from Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii and Niihau. They listened intently and watched with great interest the presentations of David Kaalakea and Harry Mitchell, both of Maui, as they described in detail the various Hawaiian herbs and plants used for medicinal purposes. This was a continuation of a presentation made by Kaalakea, who is also an ordained minister, during last year's La Ho'oulu until time ran out. The presence of two of the most knowledgeable sources in la'au lapa'au prompted one young participant to comment: "There is so mueh mana in the air and the haumana are just enjoying this." Kaalakea and Mitchell, who again ran a little over their allotted time, nonetheless satisfied the appetites of those eager tp know and leam about Hawaiian medieine, identifying them and knowing the appropriate remedy for eaeh ailment or injury. A table ladened with every conceivable medicinal plant or shrub was available for everyone to view following the talk. They were also used as samples by the two men. Also on display and used in their talks were wood and stone implements made by Mitchell of Keanae whose Unele Harry's storehouse of na mea Hawaii is a popular stop for tourists and kamaainas. Mitchell made the implements used in his talk. Hui Kama'ilio or conversation groups opened the day's program as participants were broken up according to their color-coded name badges. Eaeh member of a group was asked for brief introductions and this is where the first rea! test of speaking the language was evidenced. There were some who flowed through it, some who stumbled slightly and others who spoke haltingly but eventually eame through in flying colors. It was a neat ohana-type situation and encouragement ran high.

Participants then played a game of identification as eaeh room had an assortment of items under a cover. When the covers were thrown open, everyone was asked to identify the items in the Hawaiian language. They had a lot of fun doing it. There were also scheduled outdoor Hawaiian games for the kamali'i but Koki Williams, who has been in charge of this event through the last several years, instead opted to have indoor art and identification lessons because of the very wet weather. The always popular game of charade was played to the amusement and enjoyment of both the participants and audience. High schoolers and kupuna, teachers and students and anyone caught in the mood of the moment were the competitors. Lucky numbers for door prizes and an auction, proceeds of whieh are used to help defray some of the day 's expenses, were also held. The pa'ina awakea was a delicious Hawaiian plate prepared again by Loke Kaliloa,

ohana and friends. The home-cooked laulau were prepared by Joseph and Luka Goo. Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees Chairman Moses K. Keale Sr. and Kauai Community College Hawaiian Ianguage instructor Byron Hokulani Cleeland again chaired the event. Keale turned in another admirable performance as master of ceremonies. Others serving on the La Ho'oulu committee are

Roselle Keliihonipua Bailey, Ilei Beniamiana, Keoni Inciong, Donna Kahi'uai'a Nakahara, Kaleo Perez, Koki Williams, Kalani Flores and Ka'imi Summers. Two schools from Oahu — Kalani High and St. Louis — were joined by Kauai High and Kapaa High. This was the first participation by Kapaa since Hawaiian language was established during the current school year.

Two la'au lapa'au masters talk on Hawaiian medicine before an interested crowd. David Ka'alakea is shown holding up a medicinal plant with Unele Harry Mitchell to his left. Some of the stone and wooden implements are also on table.

Koki Williams, seated at table near door in rear, checks some of the work of these keikis who were kept busy indoors.

0ffice of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees Chairman Moses K. Keale Sr. ponders a question posed by La Ho'oulu 'Olelo Hawaii committee member and kumu hula Roselle Bailey. Keale and Byron Hokulani Cleeland founded the annual Hawaiian language conference.

Pomaika'i Crozier of St. Louis School and three of his classmates have a good laugh at this version of charade.