Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 27, Number 3, 1 March 2010 — Kūpuna wisdom [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kūpuna wisdom

n old Hawai'i, the haku (head or master) of the 'ohana was the eldest male. The haku consulted with nā mākua in decision making, however, the haku was ultimately responsible for defining the roles and responsibilities within the 'ohana. Eaeh evening, the kāne of the 'ohana gathered in the "mua" (men's house). They ate, prayed for blessings on the 'ohana and crops, and discussed family concerns and responsibilities. The wisdom of the haku was held paramount. Kūpuna wāhine were recognized as teachers, advisers and decision makers for wāhine responsibilities. The 'ohana relied heavily on kūpuna wisdom that eame from their long life experience, knowledge and closeness to nā 'aumākua (family personal gods). This practice assured success and provided order and stability to the 'ohana. Today, despite decades of change within our lāhui (group, nahon), we eonhnue to honor kūpuna wisdom and value their enduring gifts. Kūpuna names like Wright Bowman, Gladys Brandt, Sam Kamaka Sr. and family of Kamaka 'Ukulele, Kekuni Blaisdell, Aunty Mary Lou Kekuewa, Aunty Mālia Craver and Eddie Kamae generate warm feelings of excellence, confidence and appreciation within the lāhui. And, their kūpuna wisdom and skills are shared across all families in Hawai'i. Mueh ean be gained fromlistening to the wisdomof kūpuna. While reading Ooueh of Memories, written by Kupuna Mona Kahele, I eame upon "rules" that guided her childhood development. (As I read her list, I heard my mother's voice, saying most of those rules.) These were "universally" accepted rules taught by

most Hawai andkūpuna. Kahele ' s

ian mākua K u p u n a list is: 1) Remember God a nd r* >

prayers; 2) Respect your elders and kūpuna; 3) Always listen and watch how things are done; 4) Always speak your language, never mind the haole; 5) When kūpuna speak, you shut up (pani ka waha, kulikuli), no questions asked; 6) At all times you must learn your culture whether you like it or not; 7) Watch and learn by observing; 8) Make sure you finish what you start; and 9) Work is the main thing in life. These rules guided the development of many generations of Hawaiian children, teaching them respect, responsibility and courtesy. I Ola Kakou Nā Hawai'i, sung by Nā Leo Pilimehana, was written by two Hawaiian kūpuna during the Year of the Hawaiian. The song asks kūpuna and mākua to arise and be alert to the needs of the lāhui so that Hawaiians ean thrive. The lyrics say, "Nāpulapula (descendants) are prepared, from daylight into night" so Hawai'i ean arise again and families may thrive. The lyric asks friends and other groups to stand with Hawaiians. This song is heard, hummed, even sung by Hawaiians of all ages, but is the message understood? There is mueh in our communities that ean benefit from Hawaiian efforts - some are basic community needs and others are "hot-button" issues. Issues like housing, education and job needs, and the 2010 Census, ean all benefit from Hawaiian input and energy. For example, being counted in the census may generate more federal educational resources and opportunities for Hawaiian children, however, monitoring to assure that the resources get to the right classrooms is required. Attending neighborhood board meetings or legislative hearings and talking to legislators will assure that Hawaiian opinions and ideas are considered. Other potential areas of eoneem are community elean up, helping aging neighbors and keiki care. Talk with the 'ohana and other Hawaiians, remember the rules of your family, choose something to improve the life in Hawai'i, and get active. ■

The author, on left, benefited from the — wisdom of her mother,

Victoria, seated on chair. In this decade-old photo, the author is also surrounded by her son, Byron Ho, wearing

lei, family friend Donald Watanabe, daughter Cathy Hedges and granddaughter Kekai Whitford. - Photo : Courtesy ofClaire y Hughes

moomeheu

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. Ph, R.D.