COMMUNITY NEWS
Hawaiian culture showcased in song and seminars
by Robert W.K. Meyer

Over 400 educators, administrators and students came together at WCC March 22 and 23 in the spirit of lökahi (unity) to share mana‘o (ideas) about Hawaiian culture and education.

Mohala A‘e, Native Hawaiian Education Association’s fifth annual convention, featured keynote speakers, workshops, field trips, exhibits, vendors, and a concert.

Participants came from various parts of the island chain representing various Hawaiian institutions and programs. Hawaiian language teachers, Native Hawaiian practitioners, mass media specialists and Hawaiian language college students were among those attending.

Kamehameha Schools parent coordinator Mervlyn Kitshima spoke on Monday about a study on Kaua‘i that followed the growth of 698 families and their children.

The study, which gained national attention, pinpointed which families would be more “at risk” due to a wide range of factors.

Earl Kawa‘a, director of the Waimanalo Health Center, discussed Hawaiian values, the importance of ‘ohana and the vital functions they perform for the overall well-being of a family.

Workshops on education, environment, curriculum and child development provided participants with ideas to teach Hawai‘i’s children.

“The faculty benefited by going to workshops that will contribute to their professional development,” said WCC faculty member and convention participant Judy Olivera.
“They can take what they learned in the workshops back to the classrooms and apply it in a practical way.”

Participants were given the opportunity to participate in a huaka’i or field trip to various Hawaiian destinations throughout the area. WCC Hawaiian language student Kawai Pali spoke of his experience of attending Kawa‘ewa‘e Heiau, a heiau built at the beginning of the 12th century and located in Kane‘ohe. “Places such as this are great learning tools. It gives us a bigger understanding and deeper connection with our ancestors.”

As night fell and participants returned from their field trips, Hawaiian music began to drift from Windward’s Paliku Theatre. Na Hoku Hanohano award winners Raiatea Helm and group Na Palapalai serenaded participants with nahenahe (sweet) Hawaiian music.

“The conference was a success because of the enthusiasm and positive energy of each member,” said NHEA president Lui Hokoana. “The workshop presenters were all outstanding.

“Each workshop presenter shared information that will make a difference in educators being able to implement a Native Hawaiian perspective to teaching and learning in the 21st century.”

The NHEA is a private, non-profit organization of Native Hawaiian educators committed to supporting, encouraging and furthering the work of those involved in teaching Hawaiian children. Next year’s convention is already being planned.

For more details on NHEA, you can log on to their website at www.nhea.net.