Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 3, 1 Malaki 2017 — ʻE lū ke kōkō o Maoloha [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻE lū ke kōkō o Maoloha

|k J| akahiki is a four month |\ /I long season that

mbegins with the appearanee of the star constellation Pleiades or Makali'i around October and lasts until the setting of Makali'i in late January to early February. Makahiki is a time to give thanks for the abundance of the land, to eall upon the gods to provide rain and future prosperity, to cease farming, to feast and to enjoy competitive games.

Eaeh year Ka Molokai Makahiki, Ine. plans, organizes and conducts ceremonial, athletic and education activities relating to Makahiki. Ka Molokai Makahiki, Ine. is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1981 and their purpose is to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian cultural heritage and to increase and foster puhlie understanding of and appreciation for Hawaiian cultural practices and art forms. 'E lū ke kōkō Maoloha, "May the net of abundance scatter blessings upon us," was this year's theme at the 35th Annual Ka Molokai Makahiki. The event spanned three days as participants fromMolokai, Kamehameha Schools campuses state wide, Hana and Lahaina gathered to take part in athletic, ceremonial and educational activities relating to makahiki. In celebration of its 35th year they honored the three founders

of the makahiki event on Molokai whieh included Walter Ritte, Clay-

ton Hee and John Sabas. Competition began on Thursday for the Middle and High School competitors. That night all athletes and the community were invited to dinner and an evening presentation by Mehanaokala Hind and those in attendance got a ehanee to view "Nā Hulu Lehua The Royal Cloak and Helmet of Kalaniopu'u." On Friday, the Middle and High

School had a unique opportunity to compete at the Nā'iwa Makahiki Grounds. Nā'iwa has one of the last remaining makahiki grounds and students participated in a private formal opening ceremony along with games. On Saturday there was a puhlie opening ceremony and the Elementary Division Competition and Open Team events took plaee. Along with the competitions there was a Ho'olaulea where all experiencedlive music, ono food, craft and various informational booths. Through the hard work and generosity of Ka Molokai Makahiki Inc.'s volunteer Board of Directors, Maui County Office of Eeonomie Development, countless volunteers, businesses, community organizations, the student's parents and teachers this year's event was a great success and enjoyed by many. ■

V LEO 'ELELE V > TRUSTEE MESSSAGES "

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Cūlette Y. Machade TrustEE, Muluka'i and Lāna'i

Youth Makahiki participants gather to hear Mo'olelo of Moloka'i by Mikiala Pescaia. - Photo : BrentNakihei