Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 9, 1 September 2003 — Lei book celebration [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Lei book celebration

A special book launeh is planned for the long-awaited publication of Nā Lei Makamae, The Treasured Lei, welcomed by a traveling twoday arts festival displaying works by 15 contemporary master artists. Ten years in the making, Nā Lei Makamae (University of Hawai'i Press) is co-authored by Waimea master leimaker/ethnologist Marie McDonald and Paul Weissich, director emeritus of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. McDonald, author of the book Ka Lei, is widely credited with renewing interest in and documenting the cultural lore, history and techniques of traditional floral lei-making. A book signing by the authors onSept. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden will open a month-long exhibit of photographs from the book. Kumu Hula Pua Pualani Kanahele, who composed poems gracing Nā Lei Makamae, will be present and hula kahiko will be performed by Hālau O Nā Maoli Pua. The artists will be on hand to discuss their work in kapa, nā hana lei (lei-making), nā hana hulu manu (feather work), kālai lā'au (woodwork), lei pūpū (shell lei), ulana lauhala (lauhala plaiting), ka hana 'ie'ie ('ie'ie weaving), drums, lua weapons, and ipu pāwehe (decorated gourds). The arts celebration was coordinated by the Keomailani Hanapī Foundation Hawaiian arts advocacy nonprofit organization. Funding was provided by the foundation, Friends of Honolulu Botanical Garden and private donors. On July 14, 12-3 p.m., the artists and their artwork will relocate to Native Books Nā Mea Hawai'i at Ward Warehouse, where another book-signing is planned.

Nf) Hoi)

"Na Lei Makamae, The Treasured Lei' honors the makina and giving of lei as an

essential part of Hawaiian eommunity and family life. Its publication is celebrated with book-signings and arts exhibits on Sept. 13 and 14 (see below).