Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 2, 1 February 1993 — Ka nūhou mai Alu Like [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

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Ka nūhou mai Alu Like

Neivsfrom Alu Like

(presented by Ka Wai Ola O OHA and Alu Like as a public service)

ALl LIKE

OHA kūpuna share knowledge and aloha with computer students The room is packed with students. Carefully placed symbols of Hawaiian culture adom a covered table: an ipu, a poi bowl, a pump drill, expertly woven lauhala hats and mats, and feather lei. As the students settle in, a kupuna strikes a chord on an electric organ and a welcoming song is sung in gentle harmony as one generation reaches out to another. In what has become a weleome ritual at the Alu Like Hawai'i Computer Training Center, another session of "ho'olauna" (friendly introductions) is underway. One goal of the Hawai'i Computer Training Center is to promote cultural awareness in the context of the workplace. To reach this goal, the center invites community leaders to share their knowledge with the students. Many excellent presentations have become a regular part of the training session. Through its continuing education division, Kamehameha Schools provides Duncan Seto's instruction in lauhala crafts to the students. Bill Lau. a Hawaiian language teacher at Windward Community College, has spoken on the Hawaiian language, and the center students have visited the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. But the activity most central to

the development of pride and self-esteem is the ho'olauna presentation sponsored by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The session begins with an explanation of the many artifacts on display. Kupuna alaka'i Betty Kawohiokalani Jenkins invites eaeh student to rediscover the many aspects whieh bond them. Non-Hawaiians learn of the values and practices of their host culture and experience a deeper understanding of their Hawaiian classmates. After the initial talk, eaeh kupuna strings a lei. As the flowers are sewn, the kupuna introduces herself, beginning with an explanation of her background and familv. Here the

process is demonstrated for the students. They are then provided with a basket of flowers on eaeh table and instructed to share with eaeh other in the same way. When completed, the lei is shared among the members of the group, many of whom recognize family names and trace family relationships with people who were strangers just an hour before. The participating kūpuna in the program are Harriet 0'Sullivan (also of Alu Like), Anne Ka'apana and Nalei Knox. At the end of the session, the studenls are given keepsakes of their experience: a feather, a pieee of tapa, a tape and a kukui top. But the greatest gift they receive is aloha, lasting longer and meaning more than any of

the tangible gifts. Holomua van visits Maui The Native Hawaiian Library Project's Holomua resource van will be making its annual visit to the island of Maui this month. Its theme recognizes the 100th anniversary of the overthrow and especially emphasizes Queen Lili'uokalani's values regarding children and her eontributions that still remain with us. The Holomua van will conduct programs at Ke'anae School on Feb. 11 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; at Hana School on Feb. 12 from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.; at Waihe'e School on Feb. 1 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; at Lahaina Intermediate School on Feb. 25 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; at Lahainaluna School Feb. 26 from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. The van will also visit the Paukūkalo Homework Center on Feb.l7 from 3:30 p.m. to closing time. Patrons with Hawai'i state public library cards will be able to borrow books, so remember to bring your card. Traveling exhibit at Klhei A new travelling exhibit, " 'O Ka Pa'i Palapala — Printing books in Hawai'i 1822-1858" will be on display at Kīhei Public Library in February. The new exhibit focuses on the eontributions that Hawaiians made

to the printing of books and newspapers in early Hawai'i. The exhibit was designed and built by Jim Rumford of the Mission Houses Museum to resemble an upright open book. Eaeh panel contains information on how Hawaiians helped in the process of printing, such as providing kapa and poi as substitutes for paper and glue. A diorama is also included in the exhibit to provide an example of what an early Hawaiian printing office might look like. Reading workshops Parent-child reading workshops are scheduled for the following K^mehameha Schools traveling pre-school sites: at Nānākuli Recreation Center on Feb. 2 from 9:30 a.m.; at Pili Na'auao Park on Feb. 3 from 9:30 a.m.; at Mākaha Valley Play'ground on Feb. 9 from 9:30 a.m.; at Ma'ili Playground on Feb. 10 from 9:30 a.m. A parent workshop is also scheduled for the 442nd Headstart site on Feb. 16 at 9:15 a.m. Outreach librarian Patricia Louis will encourage parents to read to their children, as well as display a demonstration eolleetion of favorite books to parents and children and distribute informational packets, including bibliographies of age-appropriate books, parenting tips and activities for parents and children.

Homework centers Homework centers in Anahola, Paukūkalo and Keaukaha are currently open and in operation. The Kekaha Homework Center is closed until the Kekaha Neighborhood Center is repaired from damage by Hurricane 'Iniki, or until an alternative site ean be found. Please contact the Native Hawaiian Library Project at 8397784 for O'ahu, or at 1-800-682-0525 for the neighbor islands or for any information on any of these library programs.

Business classes for O'ahu, Maui, Moloka'i If you are interested in starting or expanding a business, the Alu Like Entrepreneurship Training Program will offer its next three courses on O'ahu, Maui and Moloka'i. Subjects covered are business attitude, marketing, organization, financial management and business planning. The complete course runs for six weeks and is 36 hours. Moloka'i — Saturdays beginning March 6. O'ahu — Classes meet three evenings a week, starting Monday, Mar. 15. Maui — Saturdays beginning May 15. Space is limited. An applieation and an interview are required. Call 524-1225 for more information.