Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 3, Number 9, 1 Kepakemapa 1986 — Pahoa Hoʻike Ends Enrichment Program [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Pahoa Hoʻike Ends Enrichment Program

By Bill Kalei Community Resource Specialist East Hawaii More than 800 people attended a ho'ike marking the end of the 1986 PahoaKamehameha Summer Enrichment Program July 29 at the Pahoa High and Elementary School Cafeteria. People and their ohana from the surrounding communities of Puna and the Volcano area eame to

watch with delight the performances of 185 children from Grades 1 trhough 6 perform what Hawaiiana they had learned throughout the summer. Following a sumptuous potluck dinner, there were weleome remarks by Program Director Muriel M. Hughes, introduction of guests, a slide presentation and a student program written and directed by Paula DeMorales and Kau'i Billups, East Hawaii district resource

teacher from the Department of Education. The program was based on a phase of the Iegend of Pele and performed by members of Grades 1 and 2. Grades 5 and 6 students were involved with plants and birds; Grade 4 dealt with Kamehameha; and Grades 3 and 1, Pauahi. Chants and songs spiced eaeh presentation. This enrichment program is made possible through the cooperative efforts of the DOE, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Alu Like ine. and other agencies. Mrs. Hughes thanked OHA for providing the services of Kupuna Maile Vargo whom she described as "a most excellent resource person."

"She did mueh to impart not only knowledge about things Hawaiian but she also did mueh to foster the spirit of aloha," Mrs. Hughes noted. Kupuna Vargo, however, was unable to attend the program because of confinement at Hilo Hospital. A recorded message from her hospital bed was played at the ho'ike whieh expressed her joy and aloha for all in the program. The evening was a most enjoyable one for all those in attendance.

Pictured are some of the students performing in the Pahoa-Kamehameha Summer Program.