Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 8, 1 August 1986 — At Turtle Bay Hilion Aug. 22-23 [ARTICLE]

At Turtle Bay Hilion Aug. 22-23

Artisans Galore at 'Aha Puhala Conference

Among two of the most noted lauhaia artisans scheduled to demonstrate and teach their art at the annual 'Aha Puhala Ine. lauhala conference Aug. 22-23 at the Turtle Bay Hilton Hotel on Oahu's North Shore are Katherine Maunakea and Esther Westmoreland, both of Oahu. There will be many other such artisans from throughout the state who will be on hand to participate in this "Hoala Hou," a culture reawakened, two-day eonference. 'Aha Puhala ine. is a non-profit organization with members statewide whieh supports its purpose of education and culture. The arts and crafts of the Hawaiian puhala (pandanus) are noted at the conference as a perpetuation of its symbolism. Those who attend the conference will get a package of demonstrations, workshops, singalongs, cultural exchanges, aloha, entertainment, Hawaiian language and creativity. Fundamental living values of lokahi, ohana and aloha will surely be contagious at the conference.

wrist bracelets to baskets, purses, mats, fans and many such items. It is believed to be the first such publication of its kind and took many years before it became a reality. It is an investment worthwhile for those students of lauhala. Only a limited supply was available at last year's eonference. These artisans are all kapuna and they will be there to present another two days of hands-on experience. Kamaainas and visitors alike enjoyed the 1986 Turtle Bay experience, prompting 'Aha Puhala to return again. There is a conference package cost of $144, including three days and two nights of double occupancy aeeommodations at the Turtle Bay Hilton and three meals — Friday, dinner and entertainment; Saturday, luneheon and show; Saturday night, banquet hospitality and Nake'u Awai fashions. Additionally, there will be 12 hours of free lauhala instructions, including gratuity, taxes and eomplimentary coffee and tea. Registration fees, however, are not included. They

are $5 for members; $10 for past participants; and $20 for newcomers or first timers. Those planning toattend should make checks payable in the full amount to 'Aha Puhala ine., Box 1186, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712. Fulparticulars are available by calling 293-1095. Registration for Friday, Aug. 22, is 9 a.m. There will be a market plaee, music and vendors displaying their craft in the lobby areas for the rest of the morning. Offieial opening ceremonies get underway at 2 p.m. on the hotel grounds. Registration is 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23. Two workshops are schedule for eaeh of the two days and there will be almost continuous entertainment throughout the conference. For early arrivals on Aug. 21, a pre-conference program 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. Betty Kawohiokalani Jenkins, Office of Hawaiian Affairs community kupuna coordinator, is also the conference coordinator.