Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 5, 1 May 2007 — Family ties [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Family ties

Pilioha 's fresh sound is a product of 'ohana, talent and strong 'ōlelo

By Manu Buyd Public lnfnrmatinn Directnr Kalehua Krug's kākau (traditional tattoo) from the top of his head down to his ehin might be intimidating at first, but his demeanor, and the music he creates with Pilioha, is warm and inviting - the kind of nahenahe sound savored by Hawaiians for generations. Meaning "family relationships," Pilioha is a fairly new trio that also includes Glenn Mayeda Ir. and Kamuela Kimokeo. They are young, insightful, talented and committed to the long haul. Kalehua and Glenn are first cousins, and have played music together since childhood. "Our grandparents used to listen to Hui 'Ohana all the time, and so we did too," said Kalehua. "That's how we first learned - by mimicking them." The group is still influenced by Hui 'Ohana (Led and Ned Ka'āpana and Dennis Pavao), but their range of music and singing styles go beyond kl hō'alu and leo ki'eki'e traditions. They have contemporary flair and communicate well to a wide audience. "Glenn used to play music

with Tihati Productions (Polynesian revue). I worked there too for a eouple of years when I was pau playing foothall at U.H.," Kalehua said. "We played with others along the way, and have had mueh support and encouragement from friends in the industry." Beyond producing, performing and recording, education plays a major role in their lives. Kalehua is a doctoral candidate at U.H. Mānoa, where he teaches Hawaiian. Glenn teaches music in the D.O.E, and Kamuela is currently majoring in music and Hawaiian studies at BYU in Lā'ie. "When Kamuela returned home from a two-year church mission in Arizona, we reconnected. That was two years ago," said Kalehua. "We had already started a recording a year earlier, but started over again with Kamuela." Kamuela, years earlier, was Glenn's student at Castle High School in Kāne'ohe. "Pilioha" is also the CD title and serves as their record eompany name, underscoring the group's priority of family relationships. 'Ohana photos are featured in the CD jacket, along with liner notes describing the

13 cuts - mele both old and new. The project opens with Aīoha e Nu'umeaīani, a tribute to the ancients, chanted by Kaumakaiwa "Lopaka" Kanaka'ole in hula pahu style. Kanaka'ole has added his touch to various recent recordings in the form of mele hula and mele, shedding light on the growing trend to honor tradition. Kahakuloa, an original by Kamuela, was written as a tribute to his first Hawaiian lan-

guage kumu, Lehua BeltrameTevaga, memorializing a papa 'ōlelo Hawai'i trip to Maui. "I encouraged him to include it on this project. Even though he was just a second-year student at that time, it reflects his movement in learning the language," said Kalehua, who helped with editing. Keolaokalani honors the hānai child of Princess Pauahi, with a new interlude describing the bond between keiki and makua. The performance

is beautifully done. Pauoa Liko Lehua is another older mele, recorded decades ago by Mama Tina Ka'āpana. The melody is catchy and reminiscent of another time. Pilioha performs regularly at Aku Bone Lounge (Wednesdays, 8-10 pm) and at the Chart House at the 'Ilikai every other Friday. For the full scoop, visit www.pilioha.com. ^

MELE 'AILANA • ISLAND MUSIC SCENE

The nahenahe music of Pilioha - Glenn Mayeda Jr., Kamuela Kimikeo and Kalehua Krug Jr. - is warm and inviting. Phoīo: Courtesy ofPilioha