Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 6, 1 June 1991 — Nanakuli turns out for ʻopio Kuhio contest [ARTICLE]

Nanakuli turns out for ʻopio Kuhio contest

by Ruby Maunakea Special to Ka Wai Ola O OHA "Na Kuhio Mai" was the theme of the Prince Kuhio Song and Essay Contest held at Nanaikapono Elementary School Cafeteria on Apnl 19. The cultural event celebrated the efforts of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole who was primarily responsible for obtaining Hawaiian homestead lands for the Hawaiian people. Only youths attending one of the three public schools on Nanakuli homestead lands or residing on the Nanakuli homestead were eligible to enter. The event was organized by Kupuna Katherine Maunakea, a composer and retired educator. Her corporation, "Aha Haku Mele O Maunakea, ine." sponsored the cultural program. Song contestants had to leam and sing one of Kupuna Maunakea's compositions, "Na Kuhio Mai" or "Aloha Ku'u 'Aina Ho'opulapula" plus one of their own ehoiee songs. Essay contestants were required to write, in 100 words or less on the following topics about Kuhio:

• the importance of Kuhio's legacy • how Kuhio inspires Hawaii's youth • Kuhio, his historical accomplishments • What living on a homestead means to me At the awards ceremony on April 19 some very young students from the Hawaiian language school at Waiau and Nanakuli Elementary School gave opening prayers in Hawaiian. Hoaliku Drake, commissioner of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands gave the opening speech. As she recalled her struggling days of living on the homestead, it brought tears to some of the audience, especially to some first generation kupuna who were there by special invitation. Only one brave high school youth attempted the solo category of the song contest and his arrangement of "Na Kuhio Mai," ending an octave higher, drew ecstatic applause from the audience. Other younger contestants elected to enter as a trio singing the same theme song with other ehoiee selections such as "Ekolu Mea Nui," "Alu Like,"

and "Nanakuli Ea." As the essay contestants got up to read their pieces aloud, kupuna in the audience were very pleased to hear some of the down-to-earth statements. The kupuna were even prouder to see the children energetically cheering and applauding eaeh other throughout the night. Panapa Salausa, a student at Nanakuli High Schoo, painted a picture of Prince Kuhio for the main display. Some quiet activities were offered to the audience as well as the children, in order to pique their curiosity about the Hawaiian language and culture. There were signs with Hawaiian words, (hua olelo), riddles (nane) and wise sayings (mo'olelo na'auao). Since this first attempt was successful, she plans to repeat it again next year and is looking for supporters to help her expand it to other homestead areas on a state-wide basis. Anyone interested in helping ean eall Mrs. Katherine Maunakea at 668-1965. Here are the winners of the Prince Kuhio Song

and Essay Contest: Song contest High school division: Ryan Gomes, Nanakuli High School Elementary division lst plaee-Kaipo Kim, Chad Kapu, Laakea Meheula; 2nd plaee-Kaaomae Wilhelm, Gene Kahai, Miehael Kapu; 3rd plaee-Kau'i Kahoonei, Marie Gouveia, Janice Tripp; 4th place-Emerald Adams, Christine Nakamoto, Alberta Shimabukuro. Essay contest High school division lst place-Vincent Lucero, Kamehameha Schools; 2nd place-Amaris Adams, Nanakuli High; 3rd place-Randy Asinsin, Nanakuli High; 4th plaeeKapuna Meyers, Nanakuli High. 10-11 year-old division lst plaee -Hanalei Aipoalani; 2nd place-Lawrence Lucero; 3rd place-Baylene Kahoano; 4th plaeeAlika Maunakea; 5th place-Kristy Lacaran-

Chong. 8-9 year-old division lst place-Deirdre Kekino; 2nd place-Emera!d Adams; 3rd plaee Eliza Kanae; 4th p!ace-Joshua Lucero 6-7 year-old division lst p!ace-Taryn Awana; 2nd plaee Caleb Lucero This is the first-place essay, high school division, by Vincent Lucero, 15, Kamehameha Schools: "Prince Kuhio has made a strong, positive difference in Hawai'i today. He has been a strong leader, and has preserved Hawaiian values while mixing them with those of America. In his life he has seen many hardships, such as the overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani, and the death of his people. Playing the leadership game of foreigners in Congress, he used his intelligence, and values to create a new Hawai'i. He provided benefits for future generations. His greatest accomplishment, the Hawaiian Homestead Act of 1921, allowed for the perpetuation of the Hawaiians. Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole loved and gave his life for his people and the hope of survival in a Western world."