Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 1, 1 January 2015 — OHA staff create kāhili used in Investiture [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA staff create kāhili used in Investiture

By Alexis Panoneillo Mo'omeheu (culture) is what defines a nation. It is important to carry on the legacy that has been left behind by our kūpuna to ensure that traditions of our people are never forgotten. Here at OHA, we strive to perpetuate culture in many ways.

One of the most beautiful traditions of Hawaiians is our expertise in feather work. OHA employees were taught feather work through techniques used to create kāhili (feather standard) and lei hulu (featherlei). Kāhili were built using 500 to 700 single ko'o (branches), andred or yellow string, whieh were used in binding the feathers together. Eaeh of OHA's Lines of Business, or paia, contributed about 50 ko'o of eaeh color. At OHA's 2014 Investiture, whieh tookplace on Dec. 10, the completed kāhili were carried into Central Union Church at the start of the ceremony.

Put together by the hands of OHA staff, the kāhili symbolize perpetuation of Hawaiian culture through continued practice of cultural values, stewardship and aloha.

"Kāhili was an insignia of rank and status of our Ali'i and therefore have a huge cultural significance to our lāhui," said Pilialoha Wong, executive assistant to the community engagement director. " 'Ho'omau' means to perpetuate, so learning the art of kāhili-making and passing on this knowledge ensures that cultural traditions eonhnue to thrive." OHA eomplianee manager Kai Markell stated that "as staff learn the significance of a very sacred tradition, 'ike Hawai'i and the traditions of our kūpuna live on." Employees were also taught the craft of lei hulu and began creating their poepoe style lei. OHA communications specialist Francine Murray wore her lei hulu to OHA's 2014 Investiture. She shared, "The lei hulu class at OHA offered an opportunity for Kalani Akana (OHA's culture specialist) to ho'omau, mentor staff and teach them the traditional Hawaiian practice of feather artwork. The students not only learned to do the intricate work, they learned pahenee and to harness positive thoughts to be woven into the lei, whieh made it uniquely Hawaiian and made with aloha." ■ Alexis Panoneillo is a student helper in OHA 's Digitaī Medi.a Program.

Brad Ka'aleleo Wong, OHA Papa-hānaumokuākea program specialist, carried a kāhili created by OHA staff as the procession exited the church. Lunalilo Trust trustees Stanley Hong, left, and Harvey Mclnerny, right, followed behind. - Photo: laeh Villanueva

Lei hulu, in the poepoe style, created by Francine Murray. - Photo:Alexis Panoneillo