Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 7, 1 July 1988 — Cultural, Artistic Traditions Prominent in New HAL Terminal [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Cultural, Artistic Traditions Prominent in New HAL Terminal

By Deborah Lee Ward, Assistant Editor Ka Wai Ola O OHA The farming, fishing, music and religious traditions of ancient Hawaii are reflected in finely crafted artifacts and lithographs now on display in the new Hawaiian Airlines Terminal No. 3 at Honolulu International Airport. Created by the artists of Hale Naua III and directed by Rocky Ka'iouliokahihikolo 'Ehu Jensen, the 47 pieces of traditional and contemporary art are beautifully shown in museum-like display nooks in the terminal restaurant and lounge whieh opened June 2. More than just "tasteful Hawaiian decor," as the terminal dedication program described it, the display is at the same time educational — labels tell the traditional usage of eaeh

item — and a testament that cultural and artistic traditions survive today. Jensen said Hale Naua III was commissioned in November, 1987, by Host International whieh runs the airport concessions. It is the first time his hui has been invited to create art for the airport. He added, "What better plaee to see Hawaiian art than in our inter-island terminal?" Well-known for his versatile talent as well as for his outspoken crusade to promote native Hawaiian artists, Jensen is glad to see native Hawaiian art put in such a prominent plaee where visitors and Hawaii residents ean see it. He thanked designer Linda Jacobs of Design Interpretation, the California firm who designed

the restaurant, and Owen Miyamoto, airports administrator, for recognizing and supporting the artistic and cultural value of traditional pieces. Jensen said plans for the artwork were incorporated in the restaurant design, a departure from the usual decorating process where art is an afterthought. He is hoping to get two more commissions for art at Honolulu Airport and would like to see more Hawaiian artists invited to do pieces. While the majority of the display items were made by Jensen, the display also includes featherwork by his daughter, Natalie Mahinaokalaniehuokaleipuaokaiouili Jensen, a carved paddle and image by his son Frank Keliialohaokaiouli Jensen, and a feather lei by Ethelreda Kahalewai and lauhala basket by Moana Espinda.

For Jensen, creating the exhibit was a family affair. His wife, Lueia, assisted in all phases of the project, and his father, Edwin Jensen, helped install the pieces in April. The label for eaeh item tells its name in Hawaiian and English, its component materials and traditional usage. Most wooden pieces are made of koa. Among the traditional-style artifacts are: a stone anchor, eanoe bailer, shark and ulua hooks, a squid lure, gourd helmet, stone god, wooden spear and dagger, poi pounder, poi bowl, gourd for poi storage, koko net, tapa beater, bamboo stamp, ceremonial adze and blades, fans, shell neeklaee, stone Iamp, hula implements, lei niho palaoa and replica of a rare feather mat.

These are some of the Hale Naua III artifacts on display at the Hawaiian Air Lines Terminal No. 3 restaurant. At top left is a feather mat reproduction by Natalie M. Jensen. To the right of it is a drawing by Frank K. Jensen of a female aumakua wearing a feather mat. Below are feather leis and lauhala basket.

Shark hook, ulua hook and squid lure by Rocky Jensen.