Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 3, 1 Malaki 2017 — Film shares the inspirational journey home of Kalaniʻōpuʻu's treasures [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Film shares the inspirational journey home of Kalaniʻōpuʻu's treasures

By Aliee Malepeai Silbanuz The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is hosting a series of free puhlie screenings throughout the pae 'āina for its film documenting the historic return of Chief Kalani'ōpu'u's sacred eloak and helmet, whieh left Hawai'i more than two centuries ago. "The inspirational film is a way for OHA to promote and share Native Hawaiian eulture, as well as highlight the incredible things that ean happen when people join together for a eommon purpose," said OHA Ka Pouhana Kamana'opono Crabbe. "As more and more people watch the film, we hear their stories of how the film has inspired them to connect with Hawaiian culture by leaming 'ōlelo Hawai'i, Hawaiian history, Hawaiian feather work, family genealogy, and so mueh more." In 1779, during the season of Makahiki, Capt. James Cook landed in Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawai'i. In a diplomatic gesture of goodwill, Hawai'i chief Kalani'ōpu'u

gifted his 'ahu 'ula (eloak) and mahiole (helmet) to Cook. While Cook was later killed in Kealakekua, the chief's eloak and helmet sailed to Europe with Cook's crew, and ultimately ended up at the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. For 237 years, Kalaniōpu'u's belongings remained separated from Hawai'i. Then, in March 2016, through a partnership between OHA, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, Bishop Museum and with support from Hawaiian Airlines, these treasured symbols of mana and excellence in Hawaiian artisanship were retumed to Hawai'i. It was a historic event that captured the attention of millions of people around the world. Now, nearly a year after the cultural treasures were returned to Hawai'i, OHA is sharing a 25-minute documentary film called "Nā Hulu Lehua: The Royal Cloak & Helmet of Kalani'ōpu'u." Produced by a team of indigenous filmmakers, the film tells the story of Kalani'ōpu'u, his 'ahu 'ula and mahiole, SEE KALANI'ŌPU'U FILM ON PAGE 25

KIlONI'ONI s FILM f

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OHA Ka Pouhana Kamana'opono Crabbe alīe Papa Tongarewa wilh the kia'i who safeguarded Kalani'ōpu'u's 'ahu 'ula and mahiole on the journey home. - Photo:Alice Silbanuz

KALANI'ŌPU'U FILM

Continued from page 20 the amazing journey home and the eultural awakening that greeted the mea kapu (sacred items). "Nā Hulu Lehua" chronicles a number of events inspired by the return of the items. At the celebration event at Bishop Museum on March 17, 2016, kumu hula Snowbird Bento and her hālau performed the hula manō (shark dance) that is believed to have been last performed more than 200 years ago. Scholar and kumu hula Pua Kanahele created an original chant for Kalani'ōpu'u to mark his retum. And thousands have visited Bishop Museum, where the treasures are on display, to pay homage to the chief. The documentary has received resoundingly positive feedback, with viewers saying that "I had tears rolling down my face" and the film is "full of mana." The puhlie is invited to the film screening series that continues in

March and April: • 'Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres at Ka Makana Ali'i in Kapolei, March 11. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the film will start at 10:30 a.m. Seating is first eome, first served. • Hawaii International Film Festival Spring Showcase at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium & IMAX Theatres, April 2, 3 p.m. • 25th Annual Celebration of the Arts, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Theatre, Maui. April 15. • 'Imiloa Astromony Center Merrie Monarch event, April 21, 1 p.m. Eaeh of the film screening events will include a cultural program and a question and answer session. Call (808) 594-1888 for more information. Also updated screening information will be posted online at www. oha.org/kalaniopuu. Those who are unahle to attend the film screenings in person are invited to watch the film online and share their feedback at www.oha.org/kalaniopuu. ■