Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 27, Number 5, 1 May 2010 — 2010 Merrie Monarch A Celebration of Our Living Language [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

2010

Merrie Monarch A Celebration of Our Living Language

By Francine Murray KaWai Ola Sou could feel the winds move in response to her eall as what seemed a voice from the past rose in the oli, Ea 'īao He Po'o No Nā Wai composed by M. Kekāuluohi. The chant uses specials places, winds and plants to weave the words about Lunalilo, her son who ascended to rule the Hawaiian Kingdom. Oralani Koa amazed the audience and judges with this oli and was presented OHA's Hawaiian Language Award by OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona at the 47th annual Merrie Monarch Lestival on April 8. She was under the direction of Kumu Hula Keali'i Reichel of Hālau Ke'alaokamaile. "Movements of the hula (whether kahiko or 'auana) translate the message of the 'ōlelo. Lor hula to be complete and substantive, the message is brought forward through the 'ōlelo," said Chairperson Apoliona. "Proper and accurate use of our Hawaiian lan-

guage is essential to making sure the message of the story (the mo'olelo), the message of our hula is inspiring and informative." "As our kūpuna have taught us, 'i ka 'olelo ke ola, i ka 'ōlelo ka make.z' In the word there is life, in the word there is death. The 'olelo is powerful and supreme," said Apoliona. "The OHA Hawaiian language award underscores the importance and the responsibility that hula practitioners have toward using Hawaiian language thoughtfully, responsibly and accurately." In the early 90's OHA approached Aunty Dottie Thompson of the Merrie Monarch Lestival and asked if it could present a monetary gift for a Hawaiian language award. The sister Hawaiian organizations agreed on it, and former OHA Trustee Kamaki Kanahele started presenting the award. Winners are selected by the highest score in the oli portion of their kahiko performance. The oli is one of many items scored on in the Miss Aloha Hula competition. This year thirteen young ladies vied for the title. Lor a full list of winners visit MerrieMonarch.com ■

" You kiiow, Luana, the reason I want to televise (the Merrie Monarch) is because I want the people at Lunalilo Home and all those who cannot make the trip to be able to watch and share in this event." — AuntyDottie Thompson speaking to her daughter Luana Kawelu, president ^ofthe Merrie Monarch Festival, who says the festival still sends programs to Kalaupapa, Lunalilo Homes and a few other places so theycan follow along as theywatch from home.

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