Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 4, 1 Mei 1984 — Pukuʻi, Kumu Hula Honored at Hawaiian Studies Confab [ARTICLE]

Pukuʻi, Kumu Hula Honored at Hawaiian Studies Confab

More than 400 persons attended the annual University of Hawaii Hawaiian Studies Conference May 5 in the U H Art Auditorium. This year's program, whieh again attracted a large number of college students involved in Hawaiian studies classes, was dedicated to Mary Kawena Puku'i and titled, "Ka lpu o ka Tke"(the gourd of knowledge). The day-long conference focused on "The Hula: Teaching and Training; Creativity and Performance." Besides Puku'i, other kumu hula honored included Edith Kanaka'ole, 'Iolani Luahine, Lokalia Montgomery and the last actively practicing master kumu hula. Kau'i Zuttermeister. Discussants on the program provided a vital link in the continuance of the works of the four honored masters. Puku'i's contributions were represented by Patience Brown and George Holokai while Pualani Kanahele and her sister, Nalani Kanaka'ole, continue the work of their mother, Edith Kanaka'ole. Hoakalei Kamau'u and Edith McKinzie perpetuated the mana'o of 'lolani Luahine. Lokalia Montgomery was represented by Maiki Aiu Lake and Kekau'ilani Kalama. Following a panel discussion with Kalena Silva as moderator, Kaha'i Topolinski and members of Ka Pa Hula Hawai'i presented a ho'ike (exhibition) of hual techniques and cultural concepts associated with teaching Hawaiian dance and chant. The UH Hawaiian Studies program was established in 1979 to coordinate and develop the resources for the study of Hawaiian history, culture and language in the UH system. Major goals of the program are to: • Enhanee faculty quality and performanee in Hawaiian studies. • DeveIop comprehensive and

balanced academic programs. • Stimulate research and publication. • Coordinate the resources of the University with those of the Hawaiian community. Abraham Pi'ianai'a is director of the UH Hawaiian Studies staff with Rona Rodenhurst as assistant director. Dr. Kiyoshi Ikeda is chairman oftheadvisory committee.