Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 12, Number 4, 1 April 1995 — Rocky Jensen to carve memorial for Hawaiian warriors [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Rocky Jensen to carve memorial for Hawaiian warriors

by Jeff CIark

Noted artist and sculptor Rocky Ka'iouliokahihikolo'Ehu Jensen has been commissioned by the U.S. Army to carve an Akua-ka-lepa, a crescent row of ki'i (carved standing images) that in ancient times would have fronted major heiau. The finished work will consist of six wooden ki'i standing eight feet tall (six-foot body on a two-foot platform) and will be placed at the entrance to the Army Museum at Fort DeRussy in Waiklkī. This monument will be dedicated to all Hawaiians who have fallen in battle, from Hawaiian wars of centuries past to America's recent international conflicts. It will be titled Nā Lehua Helele'i, whieh

metaphorically refers to these sacrificed soldiers as scattered blossoms. The ki'i will have two functions, artistic and utilitarian. Though they may be marveled at and enjoyed by all Hawai'i's people, they will be "created for a spiritual purpose," said Lueia Jensen. Lueia Jensen is the artist's wife as well as coordinator and curator for the art hālau known as Hale Nauā III. That purpose will be to "solicit protection from the ancestors, so all Hawaiians will have that eloak of protection," she said. The project will be conducted under kapu, with awareness of the carving tradition and the "language" and symbolism of nā ki'i. Jensen will use the project

to act as a mentor to artists wanting to leam his skill (see box). The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is contributing $30,000 to the project. "He wants to establish a carving school, something whieh has not existed since the time of Kamehameha I," OHA culture specialist Manu Boyd said of Jensen's plans. "The ki'i and its permeating benefits have been lacking in the Hawaiian community for generations, and the wellbeing of the Hawaiian people and the Hawaiian nation will benefit from its resurgence," Boyd said. Commenting on the grant approval, OHA Education and Culture Chairman Samuel L. Kealoha said, "It is a good thing. It is Hawaiian culture and it is educational. I wish Jensen all the best."

"Ku" Drawing by Frank Jensen

Nā Lehua Helele'i memorial. Courtesy the U.S. Army Museum