Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 11, 1 November 2003 — Maohi Cultural Fest [ARTICLE]

Maohi Cultural Fest

On Nov. 14 and 15, the First Annual Maohi Native Cultural Festival will celebrate the lineage that connects all Polynesian eultures, and honor eight cultural practitioners from around Polynesia. The theme of the free, two-day event at the Windward Mall Center Stage Arena is the he'e, or octopus, whieh is a consistent symbol in oral histories throughout Polynesia. According to event organizers, the he'e's tentacles represent the voyaging courses ancient navigators used to travel across the Polynesian Triangle, showing that all Polynesian cultures are united through their ancestors. The eight cultural practitioners being honored at a ceremony on Nov. 14 from 4-9 p.m are: Malia Craver and Genoa Keawe, Hawai'i;

Iona "Papi" Teri'ipaia and Mama Pu Tetua Tihoni, Tahiti; Tui'one Pulotu, Tonga; Epanaia Christy, Aotearoa; Pierre "Papi" Kimitete, Marquesas; and Paramount Chief Letuli Olo Misilagi, Samoa. In addition the festival will feature artisans, musicians, crafts and cultural demonstrations. For information, eall 234-5664.