Kumu Kānāwai Pre- and Post-Hawaiian Kingdom discussion panel during the 2023 Merrie Monarch Festival
During the week of the 61st Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) will present a community engagement series of cultural workshops and panel discussions honoring the enduring legacy of King Kalākaua and his advocacy for the restoration of traditional Hawaiian knowledge and practices.
Learn from Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners (Flyer)
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo, HI, 10 am to noon
Wed., 4/3: Story Telling with Kumu Hula Manaiakalani Kalua
>> RSVP Here for Story Telling with Kumu Manaia
Thurs., 4/4: Ulana Lauhala Workshop with ʻAha Puhala O Puna
>> FULL
Friday, 4/5: ‘Ohe Kapala with Nalu Andrade of Nā Maka Kahiko
>> FULL
OHA’s advocacy supports the continued existence of cultural resource management and practices at local, state, federal, and international levels.
Hosted at Nani Mau Gardens, 421 Makalika St., Hilo, HI & moderated by OHA Hawaiʻi Island-based Public Policy Advocates Shane Akoni Nelson, Kealoha Pisciotta, and Kamaile Puluole-Mitchell.
Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge (ITEK)
Featuring U‘ilani Naipo of the Miloliʻi Community Based Sustainable Fishing Area) and OHA Legacy Land Management Specialist Kalena Blakemore
Wed., 4/3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
‘Āina Momona & Self-determination
Featuring OHA ʻŌiwi Wellbeing and ʻĀina Director Kūʻikeokalani “Kū’ike” Kamakea-ʻŌhelo, Kawika Lewis of ʻĀina University and Dana Shapiro of the Hawaiʻi Island ‘Ulu Cooperative
Wed., 4/3, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Kai Moana
Featuring Uncle Solomon Kahoʻohalahala, Roxane Keliʻikipikaneokolohaka, and Kalei Nuʻuhiwa
Thurs., 4/4, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The panel discussions serve as a platform for education, dialogue, and action, and invite all Native Hawaiians/Kanaka Maoli to honor King Kalākaua’s legacy and explore ways to uphold ʻike kūpuna for generations to come.
OHA will also participate in the 61st Merrie Monarch parade on Saturday, April 6th. Collaborating with Hawaiian focused charter school Kua O Ka Lā, OHA will showcase a float commemorating King Kalakaua’s legacy and the enduring Hawaiian culture.
At the Ah Fook-Chinen Civic Center, from April 3 – 5, OHA will also share information at its outreach booth and have reusable bags for all shoppers at the very popular Official Merrie Monarch Craft Fair (while supplies last.)