Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 7, 1 Iulai 1988 — OHA's First New Books Published [ARTICLE]

OHA's First New Books Published

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will have two new books available at its offices throughout the State during the month. They are Mo'oku'auhau (Genealogies) and Ho'okipa (Hawaiian hospitalI ity). These books were developed by the Culture Division to provide more and better information concerning Hawaiian genealogies and what has been termed as "protocol." Mo'oku'auhau is based upon a survey/inventory study done under a grant from the Nahonal Historical Publications and Records Commission of the National Archives. It has two sections: an overview of why and how genealogies are important for Hawaiians and stresses the cultural values and insights of how genealogies functioned in traditional Hawaiian society. The second section is a resource of information about how one ean begin a genealogy and where one may be able to find genealogical information and materials in the State. In the Administrator's Preface, he writes that Mo'oku'auhau "is by no means the final word on Hawaiian genealogies and it is not meant to be . . . Through this book we are beginning our efforts . . . by providing information services and access to further the research and study of Hawaiian genealogies." Ho'okipa is a book developed from the great demand to have some type of information provided on traditional Hawaiian hospitality, that is the welcoming of guests or strangers. Part of the renewed interest comes from the many formal welcomes held by OHA and other organizations for visitors from other indigenous agencies. The book is based upon the earliest and primary materials available recorded by Hawaiians or in Hawaiian from Hawaiian sources. There are proverbs, stories and historical accounts used to illustrate eaeh part of the process of Hawaiian hospitality. The actual Hawaiian text is given followed by a translation in English. The book is divided into topic sections such as kahea (to eall), honi ihu (touching of noses), the preparation of food and 'awa, and ho'okupu (gift giving) whieh outline a process in whieh Hawaiians welcomed strangers to their home. The most provocative statement of this

book is the linkage of Hawaiian identity with the act of hospitality. This may well explain why we hold fast and even become very critical of the abuse of the "aloha spirit," especially in its commercial use. Both books have illustrations and are printed in a larger text for easy reading. The sources used are listed in a bibliography. There are only 2,000 of eaeh book printed for the first edition. Written in the Chairman's introduction are these words whieh speak well of what the book is intended to do: "I hope and pray that those who read this material will understand more of our culture and customs, and be inspired and proud of our people. I also want to encourage our people to continue the practice of ho'okipa so that we may continue to greet others to our land, for we are the Hawaiian people."