(RAʻIĀTEA, FRENCH POLYNESIA) The fourth and final day of the annual Raromataʻi Festival on Raʻiātea Island in French Polynesia dawned with grey skies and gusty winds – but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of the thousands who gathered this morning at the sacred marae of Taputapuātea.
The purpose for the gathering was to formally sign a Charter of Cultural Heritage, Education and Community Exchange affirming the relationship, solidarity and bonds of friendship between Indigenous leaders of Aotearoa (New Zealand), French Polynesia, Hawaiʻi and Rapa Nui (Easter Island).
Representing the Hawaiian people were the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees led by Chairperson Kaialiʻi Kahele and Kamehameha Schools (KS) led by Dr. Randie Fong. Both Kahele and Fong signed the charter on behalf of Hawaiʻi.
The ceremony, conducted on the marae, included traditional welcome and protocol which included pule, mele and oration. A welcome address was given by Mayor Thomas Moutame of Taputapuātea. The welcome was followed by speeches by Mayor Cyril Tetuanui of Tumaraʻa, Raʻiātea; Mayor Matahi Brotherson of Uturoa, Raʻiātea; and speeches by the representatives of Aotearoa, Hawaiʻi and Rapa Nui. Speaking on behalf of Hawaiʻi were Fong, representing Kamehameha Schools, and Dr. Larry Kimura. Dr. Kalena Silva offered an oli on the marae.
“He nani maoli nō ka hui ʻana o nā lāhui o ka Moananuiākea ma kēia ʻāina kupuna ʻo Taputapuātea e hōʻoia ai i ka pilina moʻokūʻauhau a me ona mau ʻaoʻao o nā mele, nā hula, nā ʻōlelo, a me nā moʻolelo hoʻi e ō mau ai ma nā hanauna e hiki mai ana,” said Kahele.
Taputapuātea Marae, located on the eastern coast of Raʻiātea Island, is the piko (center) of the Polynesian “triangle” and its three “corners” are Aotearoa, Hawaiʻi and Rapa Nui. Thus, the decision to have the ceremony at the marae, was deeply meaningful and symbolic.
Taputapuātea is considered to be the place where the world of the living (Te Ao) intersects with the world of the ancestors and gods (Te Pō). Taputapuātea is also a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site.
The relationship between OHA, Kamehameha, and Raʻiātea follows the signing of a Cultural Heritage, Education, and Community Exchange Agreement between Raʻiātea and Hawaiʻi in January 2025. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to friendship, cultural preservation and mutual understanding and support.
The Raromataʻi Festival 2025 concludes this evening with performances and presentation of makana (gifts) at the municipality of Taputapuātea.
