OHA is proud to announce the formal inauguration of its Nā Mamo Makamae o Ka Po‘e Hawai‘i: Living Treasures of the Hawaiian People on June 12, Kamehameha Day. This community-driven event will honor five living master practitioners and knowledge keepers, along with two posthumous members who are living in our memories. They are:
Patience Nāmaka Bacon of O‘ahu – for hula
Josephine Fergerstrom of Hawai‘i Island – for lauhala weaving
Sam Ka‘ai of Maui – for carving
Marie McDonald of Hawai‘i Island – for lei making and kapa making
Nainoa Thompson of O‘ahu – for navigating
The two posthumous awards are awarded to:
Elizabeth Malu‘ihi Ako Lee of Hawai‘i Island – for lauhala weaving
Abraham “Puhipau” Ahmad of Hawai‘i Island – for videography, documentary
These Treasures were nominated and selected by a group of cultural experts and practitioners. OHA is collaborating with PA‘I Foundation in the spirit of kākou to honor these recipients to produce this inaugural and important ho‘omau event at Pōmaika‘i Ballrooms at Dole Cannery.
Tickets are required for the event and may be ordered at https://goo.gl/OzmBY1.
