Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 6, 1 June 2014 — Rudy Leikaimana Mikhell and Waimea Valley: Kau i ka hano pono [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Rudy Leikaimana Mikhell and Waimea Valley: Kau i ka hano pono

Aloha e nā kūpuna kahiko, nana e ho'oulu mai nei, iā kākou e holopono e, a loa'a e ka lei lanakila e. On April 5, 2014, Waimea Valley dedicated its 600-seat outdoor amphitheater, renovated through the hard work and "sweat equity" of numerous community volunteers, Waimea Valley staff and private contributors.

All accomplished in eollaborative effort to further the mission to "preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural and natural resources of Waimea for generations through education and stewardship." "E mālama a e ho'omau i nā waiwai kanaka, mo'omeheu, kulohelohe o Waimea no neia hanauna a me nā hanauna e hiki mai ai i loko o ka ho'ona'auao 'ana a me ka ho'okahu 'ana." On June 30, 2006, OHA heeame the legal owner of Waimea Valley; title transferred to Hi'ipaka LLC in 2007, whieh

remains as the nonprofit limited liability corporation created to nurture and care for this treasure. The amphitheater will now provide a natural setting and venue for hālau to gather and for hula performances to thrive going forward. Extending the gift of Waimea Valley on April 5, continued among attendees as they celebrated the memory and honored the contributions, accomplishments and legacy of Rudy Leikaimana Mitchell (1927-2008). Unele Rudy, as he was known, played a significant role in the life of Waimea Valley. The inscription placed at the pōhaku site in his honor, located adjacent to the pā hula, notes: "Waimea Valley hereby recognizes Unele Rudy Mitchell for the many

contributions he made towards interpreting the historical and culturally rich stories that make this ahupua'a so unique. Unele Rudy brought to life the days a Hawaiian 'ohana might have experienced in the pre-contact years (pre-1778), with special sensitivity to authenticity and utilizing the historical information that had previously been published. Unele Rudy spent many years with Waimea

Valley staff, professional consultants and volunteers refining the details of the fascinating cultural discoveries in this valley for thousands of kama'āina and visitors to appreciate now and for years into the future. Unele Rudy located significant sites, including Hale Iwi and Hale O Lono, and heeame their guardian and caretaker, eventually restoring them both. He filled a file cabinet with interesting and valuable reports and authored the book From God to God, the life of Hewahewa the last kahuna nui in Waimea

Valley. Unele Rudy received many accolades over the years for his work in Waimea Valley including the Historic Hawai'i Loundation's 'Preservation Award' in 1991 & 1995. It is our intention to perpetuate and acknowledge the work that Unele Rudy initiated by dedicating this location in his honor." I believe Unele Rudy and all who know and love Waimea would agree it important that the ahupua'a that is this valley remain intact to ensure that Native Hawaiians have a direct benefit and relationship with Waimea and that the people of O'ahu, the State of Hawai'i, the nation and the world grow in respect for, learn from and celebrate, care for and support this land of our ancestors, Waimea Valley. 18/48 U

Haunani Apnlinna, MSW

TrustEE, At-largE

Rudy Milehell. - Courtesy photo