Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 11, 1 November 2016 — Courage, Wisdom, and Action Wins [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Courage, Wisdom, and Action Wins

Hawaiian mo'olelo (stories, myths, literature, legends), ka'ao (legends, tales, fanciful tales), and mele (songs, chants, anthems) ean transmit cultural values to families in a simple and enjoyable manner. These tales and songs are easy to remember, fun to share with the next generation and a memorable way pass cultural wisdom to youngsters. A familiar mele tells a ka'ao of siblings who lived in Kahakuloa, and of the brother's love for his

younger sister. One day, the great puhi (eel) kidnapped the little girl

and was going to eat her. Aware of his limitations in the situation,

the young boy remained intent on freeing his sister. He called out to other sea creatures for help. He first called upon the 'opae (shrimp) to eome and help, but the puhi was too big for the shrimp. Then, he called for the pipipi (mollusk) to eome save his sister. Aue, the pipipi was far too small to help, as well. Next, he asked the kūpe'e (marine snail) to save his sister. Alas, the kūpe'e was too small and unahle to help. Finally, the young boy called upon the 'opihi (limpet) for help. "Come and help my sister before the puhi eats her." The brave and wise 'opihi, though quite small, used his wits to outsmart the eel. The 'opihi slid up to the head of the eel and covered its eyes. The 'opihi was effective in blinding and disarming the eel, so the little girl could be taken to safety by her brother. This story is of love for a younger sibling, kuleana (responsibility) and perseverance on the part of the little brother. He knew the task was beyond his abilities, so he sought help from others. And, he did not

give up. He asked for kōkua (help) to save his beloved little sister. Considering the lesson fromthe 'opihi's perspective, the lesson is no matter how small, one ean accomplish significant change with wisdom and courage. And another lesson is that a big job ean be accomplished in small steps. An adult may ask, what the lesson is for him in this children's mo'olelo? The mo'olelo demonstrates that working together ean make a difference...even from a position of little power. Adversaries may appear powerful, but determination and perseverance are mighty forces and often, they ean make a significant difference. The same lesson is made for groups and communities. Communities ean accomplish change with wisdom, courage and work...using little steps. Communities ean persevere against threats. . ,just as the brother did. Yes, the smallest groups ean make the difference between victory and defeat. We ean win... together. ■

MO'OMEHEU v www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org CULTURE / NATIVE HAWAIIAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D.

A ka'ao tells the story of how a boy asked for kōkua to save his sister from a great puhi, or eel. - Photo: Thinkstock