Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 2, 1 February 2004 — ʻōiwi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻōiwi

a native hawaiian journal From traditional times forth, the performance of poetry for Kanaka Maoli has been as important as its eomposition. Today, Kanaka Maoli "spoken-word" poets are as influenced by hip-hop and other poetic forms as they are by traditional oli and mele. This month, 'Ōiwi features work by two young spoken-word poets who focus here on the outpouring of protest against the most recent challenges to Hawaiian rights. Kekuewa Kikiloi of He eia, Ko'olaupoko, is a Ph. D. student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, focusing on archaeology. He is currently doing new research the cultural history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Miki'ala Ayau was born, raised and resides on Ho'olehua Homestead. She is the Moloka'i Site Coordinator for Nā Pua No'eau, mother of three sons, and advisor to Ka Li'i Mamo, a youth group empowered to perpetuate the oral traditions of our Hawaiian ancestors through various forms of media, including video, print, mele, oli, hula and poetry. In coUaboration wilh 'Ōiwi: A Native Hawaiian Journal, Ka Wai Ola regularly chowcases works by kanaka maoli writers. Submit your writing to 'Ōiwi at: P.O. Box 61218, Honolulu, Hl 96839-1218. For information, eall 956-3031, e-mail us at oiwi@hawaii.edu, or visit www.hawaii.edu/oiwi.