Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 1991 — Kupuna meet to share mana [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kupuna meet to share mana

by DeboraIi Ward "Mai ke akua mai ka mana," from God comes the power. With this powerful spiritual theme in mind, nearly a hundred Hawaiian elders gathered for the fourth annual OHA 'Aha Kupuna Ku'ikahi A Na Kupuna, held Oct. 29-30 at the Princess Ka'iulani hoteI in Waikiki. This popular event involves kupuna from throughout the state in workshops as presentors and participants who share Hawaiian values and traditions. Kupuna find these workshops especially meaningful opportunities to share their own experiences with eaeh other, and to reflect on how to pass on this knowledge to younger generations. While the number of participants was smaller this year than at the previous events, conference coordinator Rona Rodenhurst, OHA's education officer noted that many kupuna from the neighbor islands were able to attend smaller sessions held this summer on their home islands, who might not have been able to eome to the fall gathering. Kupuna chose between many tempting workshops. Will Kyselka, author, planetarium lecturer and Polynesian Voyaging Society member, to!d about Hawaiian celestial legends and navigational methods used by the Hokule'a voyaging eanoe. Archeologist and historian Rudy Mitchell of Waimea Falls Park spoke on the mana of pohaku (stones), while kumu hula John Kaimikaua recounted legends of animal 'aumakua as told through hula chants. A popular speaker was genealogist David Parker, who drew a large group to hear about the genealogy of the ali'i. On the second day kupuna heard from Enoka Kaina on lomilomi, from sisters Arlene Eaton and Amelia Meatoga on "wai," and from Papa Henry Auwae on la'au lapa'au. Other workshops featured discussion of makani with kupuna Elizabeth Ellis, and moana by Amy Freitas. A special feature of the annual kupuna conference is the presentation of awards to kupuna treasures. This year Mary Ann Kauluwehi Aki Kalama was the recipient of the Ka Ha Mai Kalahikiola Nali'ielua award, given in memory of "Papa Kala", OHA's first kahu. Kalama was raised as a hanai punahele by her grandaunt and unele. She was a vocalist and part of a traveling group,to the mainland touring in the late 1920s. She studied at the University of Hawai'i and became a teacher. She has now lived in California for over 50years and is an active member and strong positive influence among Hawaiians living in that state and in Nevada. She is active in the Hawaiian civic club movement, a native speaker and instructor in Hawaiian Ianguage and culture. She is 87 years of age. Recipient of the Ka Ha Mai Nalani Ellis award is Nana Veary. This award is given in name of educator ku[iuna Elizabeth Nalani Mersberg Ellis, the guiding kupuna matriarch of OHA's kupuna team. Nana Veary, 83, was reared in a traditional

Hawaiian environment by her elders, who taught her language, fishing, healing, building and all aspects of life. lt was then a Hawai'i where planting was governed by the moon and strangers were greeted with reverence, courtesy and the deepest respect. A Hawai'i where birds, cloudsand stones spoke as clearly as people, because the silent language of nature was profoundly understood. In her book, "Change We Must," Nana Veary describes how her family, surroundings and the ways of an innately spiritual people shaped her lifetime search for the truth. At the core, binding threads of the story, is the practice of silent meditation and a strong belief in its power. From her canoe-builder grandfather, who selected trees pointed out to him by the 'elepaio, to her Christian mother who chanted in Hawaiian to the fish, Nana Veary was.set on course from a very early age. Nana's spiritual journey unfolds"in the pages of her book, weaving stories and images from her childhood with metaphysical truths that ean be applied practically to daily life. In her book Nana shares the plenitude of her wisdom and love. She admits how difficult it was, as a deeply private person, to recreate and reveal her life. Yet, in typically Hawaiian fashion, she embraces us with a generosity that heals us and guides us home. Recipient of the Kupuna Po'okela award, elected by the kupuna attending the conference, was Elizabeth Nalani Ellis. Kupuna Ellis, 87, was born and raised on the Hamakua coast of the island of Hawai'i. A native speaker, she is retired after 40 years as an educator and administrator and is still active as an educator and translator of Hawaiian language documents for the Hawai'i courts. She began teaching at age 19 in the territorial Department of Education, after training in the last class of Hawaii's Normal School. She is a member of Kawaiahao Church and active in the Women's Auxiliary of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu, Daughters of Hawai'i, Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club and Ali'i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club.

Receiving kupuna awards were (l-r): Kathleen Moss (for Nana Veary), Mary Ann Kalama, and Elizabeth Ellis.