Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 8, 1 August 2013 — Waimea Valley readies for dual celebrations [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

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Waimea Valley readies for dual celebrations

Waimea Valley eelebrates its 2006 acquisition by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs with a special commemoration ceremony. The celebration, called "Pūlama o Waimea - To Cherish Waimea," will take plaee at the Valley entrance on

Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8:30 a.m. Discounted entry fees will be available to the public to help celebrate the day. For kama'āina and military families (with identification):

$ 10 for a family up to 10 people, and $5 for individuals. For visitors to the islands: $10 for adults and $5 for children (4 to 12 years) and seniors (65 plus). Following the commemoration ceremony, Waimea Valley will hold its 2013 Kalo and 'Awa Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cultural practitioner and traditional Hawaiian crops farmer Jerry Konanui will share his knowledge and

experience ol kaio cultivation. Konanui will also speak on the many varieties of kalo to help individuals identify their names and quality. Later in the day, Konanui and Dr. Kamana'opono Crabbe, Ka Pouhana/CEO of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, will speak on the harvesting and processing of the 'awa root as a favored social and ritual drink. Other speakers throughout the day include: Kaipo'i Kelling and Duffy Chang (kalo culture and preparation), Jari Sugano (kalo

conventional collection from the Waimānalo Research Station), Nellie Sugii (kalo tissue culture - Lyon Arboretum); Penny Levin (phytosanitation and apple snail infestation prevention), and Anthony Deluze (kalo identification). These workshops offer opportunities for kalo farmers and

community members to eome together and share ideas of traditional and current farming techniques and to discuss issues eoncerning kalo. The

public is invited to attend these free workshops as well as the kaloand 'awa-tasting sessions. Also, a special Hawaiian plate luneh will be available for sale at the Waimea Valley Nā Mea 'Ono Grill. Waimea Valley is a living pu'uhonua, a plaee of peaee and safety, for Hawai'i and the world. The mission of Waimea Valley is to preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural and natural resources of Waimea for generations through education and stewardship. — Contributed by Kuīa Abiva I

Pūlama o Waimea Aug. 10, 8:30 a.m. Kalo and 'Awa Festival Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Unele Jerry Konanui explains the various poi pounder styles to an onlooker. - Courtesy photo