Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 9, 1 September 2003 — Mana Maoli 7th Generation ʻōpio inspired [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Mana Maoli 7th Generation ʻōpio inspired

By Sterling Kini Wong Hālau Kū Māna's benefit album "Mana Maoli 7th Generation " resonates with the teachings of the Mānoa-based charter school and combines a socially conscious message with a smooth island rhythm sound. Keola Nakanishi, the director of Hālau Kū Māna, said the album was designed to show that music ean be a platform for the positive expression of the community's reaction to issues facing Native Hawaiians. "Mana MaolT was a student-driven initiative, with the 'ōpio and community members facilitating every stage of the album's two-month production, from performing, mixing and editing to graphic design and marketing. The CD features several compositions written and performed by Hālau Kū Māna students, as well as songs performed by various loeal artists such as Ernie Cruz Jr., Guy Cruz, Bla Pahinui and members of the reggae band Ooklah the Moe.

Ernie Cruz Jr. said he offered his talent to the project because he supports the beliefs that the

school embraces and understands that they ean aeeomplish their goals with limited financial resources. "The artists all pulled together for this disc because we knew it was for a good cause," Cruz said. Hālau Kū Māna, currently in its third year of instruction, is a

charter school located

a t the Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa and the Atherton YMCA on University Avenue. The school provides middle and high school students with a curriculum that is based on Hawaiian culture and traditions. Micky Huihui, a UH masters student and a performer on the album, said the project is testament

to the possibilities of mana maoli, native spiritual power. "The power and eollee-

tive energies of a people united ean and will create something wonderful," Huihui said. The song "7th Generation ," whieh was written and performed by Hālau Kū Māna

students, speaks of a Native Hawaiian prophecy that says the seventh generation of

Hawaiians following a disaster would reestablish pono in the islands. The song says that

these students are the seventh generation following the arrival of the po'e haole (white man), and they See 7th GENERATION on page 18

Mfi f 'Aii ana lA/m l w w

7th GENERATION from page 1 1 will reclaim the land: "Now the present day 2002, 200 years since Iheni whit.e inen have eoine, so inany changes since then, we'll get our 'āina back again." Lei Freed, a 2003 graduat.e of Hālau Kū Māna and one of t.he co-authors of the song, said that as she wrote t.he verses of t.he song she thought. of the advantages her generation has, like access t.o inforination and resources such as Nat.ive Hawaiian charter schools, whieh previous generations didn't have. "We may 1 o o k 1 i k e a b u n e h a k i d s , " o n e v e r s e g o e s , "but you betta watch out, we're closing in, took our queen and locked her away, now you'll deal with us in t.he present. day." Proceeds from the album will benefit Hālau Kū Māna and Nā Lei Na'auao, an allianee of 12 Hawaiian charter schools. The compact discs are S 15 eaeh and ean be purchased at Hālau Kū Māna. For more information, eall 946-0253, ext. 235. The alhum has inspired a "weleome back" concert at. the LJH Mānoa Quad on Sept. 13 at 3 p.in. The seven-hour marathon show, whose purpose is to usher in the new seinester and to bridge the gap between t.he Nat.ive Hawaiian community and the university, features performances by 16 loeal bands, food provided by Sodexho Dining Services and educational and int.eractive boot.hs. A suggested $5 donation will benefit Hālau Kū Māna. ■