Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 5, 1 May 2004 — Honoring Hawaiian wāhine in Women's Health month [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Honoring Hawaiian wāhine in Women's Health month

Ka wahine hele la o Kaiona alualu wai li'ulā o ke kaha pua 'ōhai The woman, Kaiona, who travels in the sunshine pursuing the mirage ofthe plaee where the 'ōhai blossoms grow. This 'ōlelo describes Kaiona, the goddess of Ka'ala and the Wai'anae Mountains. She was known for her kindness and helpfulness. Kaiona rescued travelers who lost their way while crossing her mountain home by sending an

īwa bird to g u i d e 1 o s t

individuals to safety. This goddess was so beloved by Hawaiians that her name was given to Bernice Pauahi Bishop in mele that honor Pauahi. May is Women's Health Month in Hawai'i. Mother's day is also celebrated in May. Thus, we elevate the status of women in May. Hawaiians have many examples of good, powerful Hawaiian women who serve as role models. Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who had no children of her own, has provided education for thousands and thousands of Hawaiian ehildren for more than a hundred years. Queen Emma was so concerned about the health of Hawaiians and others in Hawai'i that she worked hard to leave a legacy that continues to provide healthcare for thousands throughout the islands, every day. Kapi'olani endowed healthcare for Hawai'i women during childbearing and delivery, and Kauikeōlani funded medical care for Hawai'i's children. Mary Kawena Pūku'i, Aunty Gladys Brandt, 'Iolani Luahine, Aunty Mālia Craver and sisters Anna Kahanamoku and Dolores Martin are examples of strong Hawaiian women role models. There are numerous examples of Hawaiian women, working among us

today, who strive to make Hawai'i a better plaee. Many examples exist of Hawaiian mothers and grandmothers who have worked hard managing homes that are filled with happy multigenerational families. And there are mothers who have taught hundreds of children to be productive human beings, like Elizabeth Ellis and her daughter, Aunty Betty Jenkins; Hazel Kauahikaua; Violet-Marie Mahela Rosehill; kupuna Violet Hughes; Isabella Aiona Abbott; and Esther McClellan. The ancient culture protected women in their roles in making families vigorous, healthy and productive. Kamehameha's Law of the Splintered Paddle singled out women for protection from harm. Cultural practices during pregnancy and childbearing protected the health of mothers and their babies. And the food kapu for women was, in large part, a protection for a woman's health during her childbearing years. The Hawaiian community has inherited the legacy of service and purposeful, productive Hawaiian female role models. However, challenges continue for Hawaiian women today, and for their children and households.

We need to be as decisive as Pele while being as kind as Kaiona in our fight against breast cancer, heart problems, drug abuse, domestic abuse, neglect and discrimination, as well as the homelessness and joblessness that plague Hawaiian women today. We must not forget to be as fun-loving, educated, positive and productive as all the women named above, as well as the hundreds more that deserve to be added to the list of powerful, productive women. I mua! ■

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Mo'ni fi o

By Claire Hughes Dr.PH., R.D.

Above: Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop Left: Gladys 'Ainoa Brandt