Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 4, 1 April 2017 — Showcasing community strengths [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Showcasing community strengths

By Aliee Malepeai Silbanuz Tears, proclamations of pride and expressed desire to develop deeper cultural connections. These were among the audience reactions to the documentary "Nā Hulu Lehua: The Royal Cloakand Helmet of Kalani'ōpu'u." Film screenings, hosted by OHA across the pae 'āina, have provided an opportunity for 'ohana to eome together and learn about Hawaiian history and culture. The events have also acted as venues to showcase the strengths that lie within our communities. In Anahola, Kaua'i, the audienee was treated to an ancient hula manō and a hula for Lono presented by Kumu Hula Kehau Kekua and Hālau Palaihiwa o Kaipuwai. Ke'eaumoku Kapu of Nā Koa o Lahaina and Kyle Nakanelua of Hale Mua were featured in a talk story following the Maui film screening at 'īao Theater. Both served as kia'i (protectors) who safeguarded the 'ahu 'ula and mahiole of Kalani'ōpu'u on the return from Aotearoa to Hawai'i last March. The kia'i shared how they learned the history, chants and weaponry associated with Kalani'ōpu'u to prepare for the journey. Hilo-based Hālau Nā Leihiwahiwa o Ku'ualoha, led by Kumu Hula Sammy Young, opened the Hawai'i Island film premiere with the oli "Mauna Kea" and hula "No Kalopā." In the talk story portion

of the program, Project Kuleana's Sean Naleimalile of Keaukaha recalled how everyone involved in the cultural protocols in Aotearoa and Hawai'i had committed to fulfilling their kuleana to the best of their abilities.

Sharing the "Nā Hulu Lehua" film at a sunset screening at Hulihe'e Palaee in Kailua-Kona was a special event that brought kama'āina and malihini together. Ancient chants were exchanged at the gates of the Palaee, as the Daughters of Hawai'i welcomed guests to the hale of our ali'i. Sharing cultural protocols and the film allowed attendees to appreciate and learn more about Hawaiian culture in a plaee of rich history. Conall Kahaka'ioikamalie Ravenscraft welcomed the audienee to an evening film screening at Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau with an oli komo. 'Io also shared stories about Kalani'ōpu'u that have been passed down through the families of the area from one generation to another. The location for the South Kona screening event was especially significant because Kealakekua Bay is where high chief Kalani'ōpu'u gifted his royal eloak and helmet to Capt. Cook 238 years ago. The hope is that the Nā Hulu Lehua film will continue to inspire excellence with its audiences, provide the opportunity for deeper cultural connections and provide inspiration for the way we move forward today. Updated screening information will be posted online at www.oha. org/kalaniopuu. Those who are unahle to attend the film screenings in person are invited to watch the film online and share their feedback at www.oha.org/kalaniopuu. ■

This is a revival of Hawaiian leadership. It is a revival of Hawaiian mana. It's a revival beyond the renaissance of what it culturally means to be a Hawaiian and empowered. — Kamana'opono Cmhhe, Of£ce of Hawaiian Affairs

Where to watch it • Hawaii lnternational Film Festival Spring Showcase, April 2, 3 p.m. Visit www.hiff.org for tickets. • 25th Annual Celebration of the Arts, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Theatre, Maui. April 15, 11 a.m., (808) 669-6200. • Menie Monarch Screening at 'lmiloa, April 21, 1 p.m, (808) 969-9700.

www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org NATIVE HAWAiiAN » NEWS | FEATURES | EVENTS

PhotoAlice Silbanuz

Hula manō, or shark hula, was performed in Kalani'ōpu'u's era. - Photo KaiMarkell