Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 7, 1 July 1986 — Cultural Reawakening at Lauhala Conference [ARTICLE]

Cultural Reawakening at Lauhala Conference

A package of demonstrations, workshops, singalongs, cultural exchanges, aloha, entertainment, Hawaiian language and creativity await those attending the annual ' Aha Puhala ine. lauhala conference Aug. 2223 at the Turtle Bay Hilton Hotel on Oahu's North Shore. "Hoala Hou," a culture reawakened, is the conferenee theme. "Just as the Hawaiian of old depended greatly on the puhala for their many basic needs, we are reawakened by the knowledge that puhala also inspired creativity as well as lessons of symbolism that taught fundamental living values of lokahi, ohana and aloha," declares Betty Kawohiokalani Jenkins, community kupuna coordinator for the O^iee of Hawaiian Affairs who is also handling the conference. 'Aha Puhala ine. is a non-profit organization with members statewide whieh support its purpose of education and culture. The objectives are to create and promote interest in the perpetuation of the Hawaiian puhala (pandanus) symbolism. Its arts and crafts are noted at the annual conferences. It will be another hands-on experience introduced last year at the same location. The conference package of $141 includes three days and two nights of double occupancy accommodations at the Turtle Bay Hilton with three meals: Friday, dinner and entertainment; Saturday, luneheon and show; and Saturday night, banquet hospitality and Nake'u Awai fashions. Also included are 12 hours of free lauhala instructions, including gratuity, taxes and complimentary coffee and tea. Registration fees are not included. They are $5 for members; $10 for past participants; and $20 for newcomers or first timers. Those wishing to attend should make checks payable to 'Aha Puhala ine., Box 1186, Haleiwa, Hawaii, 96712. Further information may be obtained by calling 293-1095. A pre-conference schedule of events for early arrivals is on tap for Aug. 21 and includes a hike, walk or ride at Waimea Falls Park; visit to Polynesian Cultural Center; and a field trip where participants may gather and prepare lauhala. Registration gets under way at 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, with a market plaee, music and vendors displaying their craft in the lobby areas for the rest of the morning and official opening ceremonies slated for 2 p.m. on the hotel grounds. Registration is 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. Two workshops are scheduled for eaeh of the two days and there will be almost continuous entertainment throughout the conference. 'A'ohe loa i ka hana a ke aloha. Distance is ignored by loue. — Maty Kawena Pukui.