Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander Population Expected to Nearly Double, from 706,000 to 1.4 Million by the Year 2060

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Damon

The U.S. population will be considerably older and more racially and ethnically diverse by 2060, according to projections released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. These projections of the nation’s population by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, which cover the 2012-2060 period, are the first set of population projections based on the 2010 Census.

“The next half century marks key points in continuing trends — the U.S. will become a plurality nation, where the non-Hispanic white population remains the largest single group, but no group is in the majority,” said Acting Director Thomas L. Mesenbourg.

Furthermore, the population is projected to grow much more slowly over the next several decades, compared with the last set of projections released in 2008 and 2009. That is because the projected levels of births and net international migration are lower in the projections released today, reflecting more recent trends in fertility and international migration.

According to the projections, the population age 65 and older is expected to more than double between 2012 and 2060, from 43.1 million to 92.0 million. The older population would represent just over one in five U.S. residents by the end of the period, up from one in seven today. The increase in the number of the “oldest old” would be even more dramatic — those 85 and older are projected to more than triple from 5.9 million to 18.2 million, reaching 4.3 percent of the total population.

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Baby boomers, defined as persons born between 1946 and 1964, number 76.4 million in 2012 and account for about one-quarter of the population. In 2060, when the youngest of them would be 96 years old, they are projected to number around 2.4 million and represent 0.6 percent of the total population.

A More Diverse Nation

The non-Hispanic white population is projected to peak in 2024, at 199.6 million, up from 197.8 million in 2012. Unlike other race or ethnic groups, however, its population is projected to slowly decrease, falling by nearly 20.6 million from 2024 to 2060.

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Click to Enlarge

Meanwhile, the Hispanic population would more than double, from 53.3 million in 2012 to 128.8 million in 2060. Consequently, by the end of the period, nearly one in three U.S. residents would be Hispanic, up from about one in six today.

The black population is expected to increase from 41.2 million to 61.8 million over the same period. Its share of the total population would rise slightly, from 13.1 percent in 2012 to 14.7 percent in 2060.

The Asian population is projected to more than double, from 15.9 million in 2012 to 34.4 million in 2060, with its share of nation’s total population climbing from 5.1 percent to 8.2 percent in the same period.

Among the remaining race groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives would increase by more than half from now to 2060, from 3.9 million to 6.3 million, with their share of the total population edging up from 1.2 percent to 1.5 percent. The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population is expected to nearly double, from 706,000 to 1.4 million. The number of people who identify themselves as being of two or more races is projected to more than triple, from 7.5 million to 26.7 million over the same period.

The U.S. is projected to become a majority-minority nation for the first time in 2043. While the non-Hispanic white population will remain the largest single group, no group will make up a majority.

All in all, minorities, now 37 percent of the U.S. population, are projected to comprise 57 percent of the population in 2060. (Minorities consist of all but the single-race, non-Hispanic white population.) The total minority population would more than double, from 116.2 million to 241.3 million over the period.

Projections show the older population would continue to be predominately non-Hispanic white, while younger ages are increasingly minority. Of those age 65 and older in 2060, 56.0 percent are expected to be non-Hispanic white, 21.2 percent Hispanic and 12.5 percent non-Hispanic black. In contrast, while 52.7 percent of those younger than 18 were non-Hispanic white in 2012, that number would drop to 32.9 percent by 2060. Hispanics are projected to make up 38.0 percent of this group in 2060, up from 23.9 percent in 2012.

Other highlights:

  • The nation’s total population would cross the 400 million mark in 2051, reaching 420.3 million in 2060.
  • The proportion of the population younger than 18 is expected to change little over the 2012-2060 period, decreasing from 23.5 percent to 21.2 percent.
  • In 2056, for the first time, the older population, age 65 and over, is projected to outnumber the young, age under 18.
  • The working-age population (18 to 64) is expected to increase by 42 million between 2012 and 2060, from 197 million to 239 million, while its share of the total population declines from 62.7 percent to 56.9 percent.
  • The ratio of males to females is expected to remain stable at around 104.7 males per 100 females for the population under the age of 18. For the population age 18 to 64, the ratio of males per 100 females is projected to be 98.9 in 2012 and increase to 104.1 in 2060. The ratio for the population age 65 and over is also projected to increase, from 77.3 males per 100 females in 2012 to 84.4 in 2060.

Supplemental population projections, based on constant, low and high projections of net international migration, are planned for release in 2013.

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World’s Largest Solar Telescope is Set to Rise Atop Haleakala

Posted on November 25, 2012 by Damon

Why am I always the last to hear of things?

The Advanced Technology Solar Telescope will require air jets to keep its 4-metre mirror cool. T. Kekona/K.C. Environmental

After being thwarted for years by objections from Hawaiian native groups, the world’s largest solar telescope is set to rise atop Haleakala, the dormant volcano that is the highest mountain on the island of Maui.

On 9 November, Hawaii’s Board of Land and Natural Resources issued a construction permit for the 4-metre Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST), which with a 43.5-metre-tall enclosure will tower over the many other astronomical facilities on the mountain. The project will begin removing rocks and grading the 3,084-metre summit site as early as next week…

Full Story here: Giant Sun Scope Clears Final Hurdle

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Obama Nominates Hawaiian to Serve as Federal Judge for U.S. District Court for District of Hawaii

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Damon

President Barack Obama nominated Derrick Kahala Watson to serve as a federal judge with the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii.

Upon Senate confirmation, Watson will fill a vacancy left by U.S. District Judge David Ezra who took senior status on June 27, 2012.

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus says Watson will be the only person of Native Hawaiian descent serving as an Article III judge, and only the fourth to serve in U.S. history.

Watson went to Harvard University after graduating in 1984 from the Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, a private school system primarily attended by native Hawaiians.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College in 1988 and earned his law degree there three years later.

Watson joined the San Francisco firm of Landels, Ripley & Diamond as an associate in 1991. He then worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Northern District of California from 1995 to 2000, serving as deputy chief of the Civil Division.  Returning to the private sector, Watson next joined Farella Braun & Martel in San Francisco and became a partner there in 2003.  Watson next started as an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Hawaii in 2007, becoming chief of the office’s Civil Division in 2009.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii had 1,697 new case filings in 2011 and currently has one vacancy.

Watson will earn a salary of $174,000 per year.

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North Hawaii Community Hospital’s Kaheleaulani Awarded OHA Grant

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Damon

North Hawaii Community Hospital’s (NHCH) newly named Kaheleaulani, a Native Hawaiian Health Program, was recently awarded a grant of $241,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). The purpose of this grant is to begin a Native Hawaiian health disparities initiative called The Ho’omalule Project, which addresses obesity and physical health Improvements in Native Hawaiians.

NHCH held a public blessing and open house of Kaheleaulani, a Native Hawaiian Health Program, on Friday, August 31st at 9:00 a.m. “NHCH’s Kaheleaulani, a Native Hawaiian Health Program, helps meet the needs of Native Hawaiians which make up nearly 30 percent of the community NHCH serves,” says Ken Wood, President and CEO of NHCH.

“We are excited to partner with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in addressing these important issues of obesity and diabetes,” says Bill Brown, CEO of NHCH. The Ho’omalule Project supports qualified participants in reducing their body weight by 10% or more over a 12 month period by empowering Native Hawaiians to be proactive in their overall health and well-being. In accordance with NHCH’s mission to improve the health status of North Hawai‘i, Kaheleaulani’s mission is to improve the health status of Native Hawaiian ‘ohana by providing culturally-appropriate, high-quality medical and behavioral health services for all Native Hawaiian ‘ohana, to clearly identify Native Hawaiian health disparities particular to North Hawai‘I, and to formulate a plan of action with the goal of rectifying those disparities.

“Over the last year, we have identified a high rate of Native Hawaiians in North Hawaii who are currently at risk of chronic disease due to diabetes or obesity,” says Dr. Claren Ku’ulei Kealoha-Beaudet, Clinical Psychologist and Kaheleaulani Behavioral Services Director. “Funding support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs makes the Ho’omalule Project possible, providing Native Hawaiian ‘ohana a comprehensive program with the highest quality, culturally informed medical, behavioral and psychosocial change interventions. “NHCH looks forward to helping our Native Hawaiian communities and their families with health services that will provide the kokua they need,” says Bill Brown. “Our team includes behavioral health specialists, medical providers and patient care coordinators, who work together with Ho’omalule Project participants to develop an intensive exercise, nutrition, and health program unique to each person,” says Dr. Claren Kealoha-Beaudet. “We will empower Native Hawaiians to be proactive in their overall health and well-being by offering supportive opportunities and community connections to maintain weight loss, including nutrition planning and preparation, fitness and movement planning, as well as coaching, behavioral change therapy sessions, huaka’i (cultural excursions) and program incentives, such as gift certificates and food baskets specially prepared for program participants.

“Kaheleaulani understands and embraces a culturally-appropriate healthcare approach for Native Hawaiians and takes into account traditional Hawaiian healing principles that differ significantly from those of Western medicine,” says Dr. Claren Kealoha-Beaudet. “We envision a vibrant, inter-dependent Native Hawaiian community based on cultural values with individuals achieving their optimal spiritual, mental and physical potential.”

Kaheleaulani, formerly known as the Native Hawaiian Health Clinic, opened in September 2011. During the past year, NHCH renovated its facilities to better accommodate this program. NHCH recently held a blessing of Kaheleaulani to mark its new name and space. “The name Kaheleaulani honors Lucy Davis Henriques’ wishes as stated in her will executed in 1932 to establish a medical facility to care for the families of Waimea,” says Dr. Claren Kealoha-Beaudet. Kaheleaulani was most likely a name within Lucy Henriques’ family.

Kaheleaulani is seeking qualified patients to participate in The Ho’omalule Project. Participants must reside in NHCH’s service area and be identified by their medical doctor or community provider as being in crisis or at risk of chronic disease due to diabetes or obesity. Kaheleaulani is also currently accepting patients with a target population of Native Hawaiians age 13 and older, non-Hawaiians who are married to a Native Hawaiian or are a life partner of a Native Hawaiian, non-Hawaiians who are widowed and whose spouse was a Native Hawaiian, and non-Hawaiians who are divorced or separated from a Native Hawaiian and have Native Hawaiian children. Kaheleaulani is located in North Hawaii Community Hospital at 67-1125 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI 96743. For more information about Kaheleaulani, The Ho’omalule Project or to make an appointment, please call 808-881-4843.

NHCH Background: North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) is a rural 33-bed acute care hospital located in Kamuela, on Hawai‘i Island. Non-profit and locally governed, the hospital opened in May 1996 and cares for Hawai‘i Island residents and visitors. NHCH offers an extensive set of hospital services that are centered on patient needs, creating a healing experience for the whole person – mind, body and spirit.

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Overview – Hawaii County Re-entry Program for Co-occurring Disorders

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Damon

An overview of the Offender Re-entry Program for Adult Inmates with Co-Occurring Disorders.

Compared to other counties, Hawaii County:

  • Ranks high or the highest in several problem areas including unemployment, poverty, homelessness, suicide, alcohol, drug use.
  • Highest prevalence of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders in the community and jail.
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Agriculture Says Aloha to Hawaiian Farmers

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Damon

Hawaii’s economy heavily depends on the success of their agriculture. Raw sugar, pineapple, and molasses are the state’s primary source of income outside of tourism.

Statistics provided by the USDA

However, the recent boom of corporate farming has threatened the livelihood of smaller, local farms. Coupled with the daunting downslide of the economic collapse, native Hawaiian farmers — with crippled means — are competing for vital market space against massive corporations with mega budgets.

In a roundtable discussion with Hawaiian Business Magazine, Dean Okimoto, Naio Farms owner, and former Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation president Dean Okimoto explained the types of hurdles that native farmers currently face to compete with factory farms on the mainland: “I talked with some people about bringing back chickens [to Hawaii]. Just for the processing facility you’re looking at $30 million and you need an FDA inspector in there at all times,” said Okimoto. “That’s what makes the system not work for small farmers. Corporate farmers are the only ones that can afford this infrastructure. And that’s what we lack here in Hawaii. Agriculture is going to need that help going forward.”

To find out more about the challenges facing the Hawaiian agriculture industry, read the full article here: Agriculture says aloha to Hawaiian Farmers

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Census Bureau Releases More Data – Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Population Grew by 2.9 Percent

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Damon

The U.S. Census Bureau today released a set of estimates showing that 50.4 percent of our nation’s population younger than age 1 were minorities as of July 1, 2011. This is up from 49.5 percent from the 2010 Census taken April 1, 2010. A minority is anyone who is not single-race white and not Hispanic.

The population younger than age 5 was 49.7 percent minority in 2011, up from 49.0 percent in 2010. A population greater than 50 percent minority is considered “majority-minority.”

These are the first set of population estimates by race, Hispanic origin, age and sex since the 2010 Census. They examine population change for these groups nationally, as well as within all states and counties, between Census Day (April 1, 2010) and July 1, 2011. Also released were population estimates for Puerto Rico and its municipios by age and sex.

There were 114 million minorities in 2011, or 36.6 percent of the U.S. population. In 2010, it stood at 36.1 percent.

There were five majority-minority states or equivalents in 2011: Hawaii (77.1 percent minority), the District of Columbia (64.7 percent), California (60.3 percent), New Mexico (59.8 percent) and Texas (55.2 percent). No other state had a minority population greater than 46.4 percent of the total.

More than 11 percent (348) of the nation’s 3,143 counties were majority-minority as of July 1, 2011, with nine of these counties achieving this status since April 1, 2010. Maverick, Texas, had the largest share (96.8 percent) of its population in minority groups, followed by Webb, Texas (96.4 percent) and Wade Hampton Census Area, Alaska (96.2 percent).

Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (NHPI)

  • The nation’s Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population was 1.4 million in 2011 and grew by 2.9 percent since 2010.
  • Hawaii had the largest population of Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders of any state (359,000) in 2011. California had the largest numeric increase since 2010 (9,000). Hawaii had the highest percentage of NHPI (26.1 percent).
  • Honolulu had the largest population of NHPI of any county (235,000) in 2011. Los Angeles County had the largest numeric increase since 2010 (2,700). Hawaii County had the highest percentage of NHPI (34.0 percent).

Full article here: Most children under the age of 1 are minorities, Census reports

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Dedication Held for New Keaukaha Homestead Home Built by Hawaiʻi Community College Students

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Damon

A home built by students in the Hawai‘i Community College (HawCC) Model Home Program was dedicated today in the Hawaiian homestead community of Keaukaha.

“Today we celebrate the completion of a custom-built home, and the beginning of a new life of homeownership for a Hawaiian home lands beneficiary,” said Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman Alapaki Nahale-a. “This collaboration helps us fulfil our mission of returning Native Hawaiians to the land, while providing real-world experience to our community college students.”

A traditional Hawaiian ceremony called moku ka piko, meaning the cutting of the umbilical cord, was performed to initiate the new home. The symbolic piko was made of plant materials gathered by the HawCC students and woven together, with each plant possessing a specific reason for its use in the piko. For example, the kukui represents enlightenment and the koa represents strength.

The three-bedroom, two-bath home was built at a cost to the future homeowner of $199,935. Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary Denice Keliʻikoa is the prospective homeowner for the home. She has been on the Hawaiian homes waiting list since January 1986.

The Pakele Lane home utilizes energy-efficient technology including a solar water heater system, a 4 KW Photovolatic system, and Energy Star qualified appliances. The home also includes custom-built cabinets, doors, and windows.

The Model Home program at HawCC provides instruction in drafting, welding, carpentry, electrical, and landscaping. HawCC coordinates the painting, plumbing, carpeting, and drywall subcontracting work. The residential dwelling was the 45th home to be built under the partnership between DHHL and HawCC.

Under the agreement, the DHHL provided space and funding which allowed the students to acquire on-the-job skills in home construction, while also helping the DHHL fulfill its mission of returning native Hawaiians to the land. Since the Model Home program’s inception in 1965, over 3,640 drafting, welding, carpentry, electrical and agricultural students have participated in the program.

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Native Hawaiian Arts Market This Weekend

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Damon

Waimea Artists’ Guild (WAG) invites the community to its fun and educational Native Hawaiian Arts Market on May 12, 2012 at Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea.  From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., shoppers and art lovers can explore a wide variety of media, including fine arts, cultural jewelry, traditional wood and bone carvings, photography, fiber arts, original kapa/tapa cloth and more.

An exceptional opportunity to meet and interact with the artists, WAG’s Native Hawaiian Arts Market also offers live music, “keiki corner” and more.  Admission is free and plate lunch and refreshments are available for purchase.  For more information, contact: Beth or Tom Mehau at 887-2289.

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Native Hawaiian Arts Market Presented by Waimea Artists’ Guild for MAMo, Maoli Arts Month

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Damon

Waimea Artists’ Guild (WAG) will be included in the prestigious Maoli Arts Month (MAMo) in May, with a Native Hawaiian Arts Market May 12, 2012 at Kahilu Town Hall.  The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a wide variety of arts media, music, “keiki corner” and more.  Admission is free and plate lunch and refreshments are available for purchase.

Intricate carved cultural jewelry by Tom O'o Mehau, Waimea Artists' Guild

MAMo is an annual celebration of the breadth, depth and diversity of Native Hawaiian arts, with multiple exhibits, entertainment, a wearable art show and an arts market featuring work by Native Hawaiians from across the Islands.  Their goal is to create economic opportunities for Native Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners by increasing their presence in museums and galleries, and educating residents and visitors about Native Hawaiian art.

The WAG Native Hawaiian Arts Market will showcase Big Island artists and their work in fine arts, cultural jewelry, traditional wood and bone carvings, photography, fiber arts and more.  The event provides the community an exceptional opportunity to meet and interact with the artists themselves, and to own an original Hawaiian creation.

“We couldn’t be more proud to continue the annual market event that HOEA began in 2010,” said Co-Director Beth Mehau, “And it’s a great honor for us to be included on the events calendar for MAMo.  Waimea Artists’ Guild is in very good company, with some of the most acclaimed indigenous artists in Polynesia.”

“Our over-arching goal is to build awareness, to help elevate these artists to the status they’ve earned and deserved, as with other fine arts disciplines,” she said.  The roster is limited to 30 artists from Hawai’i Island, and interested vendors should contact WAG as soon as possible.

Featured artists already on board for the WAG Native Hawaiian Arts Market include:

  • Master woodcarver Toma Barboza
  • Beau Jack Key, a lifetime fisherman and modern-day lure maker who he appreciates the art, functionality and evolution of the ancient Hawaiian fishhook and expresses that in museum-quality work.
  • Auhea Puhi recently turned her attentions to jewelry in copper, silver and legally-obtained walrus ivory after 42 years of distinguished feather lei creations.
  • Geoffrey Mundon, printmaker and creator of bone jewelry, enjoys making art “on the fly” with anything available to capture those fleeting, otherworldly moments that happen daily.
  • Acclaimed kapa-master and artist Roen Hufford
  • Kauanoe Chang, watercolorist, is a D.O.E. Hawaiian Studies Specialist, inspired by the people, places, things, events, physical and emotional and spiritual experiences of Hawai’i.
  • Tom O’o Mehau, known for his highly detailed pen and ink renderings and illustrations, most recently working in small-scaled carving under the tutelage of Maori Master Carver Stacy Gordine

WAG is an association of professional artists whose intent is to produce art and promote education in their community.  A project of The Pantry 501(c)3 non profit organization, WAG is located in the industrial complex adjacent to Mama’s House thrift store, just past NAPA Auto.

The Guild was created by graduates of HOEA, the Hawaiian ‘Ohana for Education in the Arts, whose mission is to “increase the number, accessibility, and visibility of Native Hawaiian Arts and Artists.” Although Native Hawaiian ancestry is not required for membership in the Waimea Artists’ Guild, sensitivity for cultural themes, materials and practices is of primary concern in the operation of the program.  For additional information, contact: Beth or Tom Mehau at 887-2289, email waimeaartists@gmail.com or visit www.waimeaartistsguild.com

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Animal Control Aerial Shooting From Helicopters to Happen Next Week

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Damon

DLNR-DOFAW will conduct animal control activities, specifically aerial shooting from helicopters, within Palila Critical Habitat in the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A) and Kaoe Game Management Area (Unit G) on the island of Hawaii for feral goats, sheep, mouflon/feral sheep hybrids from February 21 – 22, 2012.

Public access will be restricted and allowed by PERMIT ONLY.

Please read full announcement for all details.

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Another Mile of Ane Keohokalole Highway to be Completed

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Damon

The County of Hawai`i and contractor Nan Inc. have entered into a $3.24 million agreement that will complete an additional mile of Ane Keohokalole Highway.

The Keohokalole Family, descendants of Ane "Annie Keohokalole," mother of Kalakaua, Liliuokalani and Leleiohoku, following a tour of the Ane Keohokalole Highway site. Second from left is family friend John DeFries, president of Hokulia.

This will be a road parallel and about a mile mauka of the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway from Palani Road to Hina-Lani Street in Kaloko. The entire two and a half miles of highway is scheduled to open at the same time in May.

“Public Works has done an incredible job at keeping this project on time and under budget,” said Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi. “Because of this, we are in position to build another mile of road.”

Native Hawaiian descendants and government officials visit an ancient cave in the path of the Ane Keohokalole Highway. Lead archaeologist Rowland Reeve of Pacific Legacy, right, provides interpretation.

The additional mile of highway will consist of two lanes with a concrete surface and enough space to expand to four lanes. There will also be some resurfacing work at Hina-Lani Street as well as added left-turn pockets.

This expanded highway will open at the best possible time. The state’s Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway widening project between Honokohau Harbor and Kona International Airport will no doubt cause traffic delays, and a completed Ane Keohokalole Highway will give motorists an alternative route when traffic is heavy.

It is also good news for those who rely on public transportation to get to and from work, shopping and play. County Mass Transit has committed to establish a transit bus loop using Ane Keohokalole Highway and the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway.

Archaeologist Rowland Reeve discusses a test pit in the kauhale area of the Ane Keohokalole Highway. Both the county and the landowner, Queen Liliuokalani Trust, sought additional assurances that no human remains were in the area before construction on the highway began. In the photo above, a cairn was excavated and found to be a mound of stones created when farmers cleared the surrounding farmable lands.

Ground was broken on the first phase of the $29.9 million Ane Keohokalole Highway project on March 30, 2010, and was originally planned as a mile and a half of highway from Palani Road to the West Hawai`i Civic Center. The project represents not only the largest expenditure of federal stimulus money in Hawai’i, it also is one of the first major roads to be built by Hawai`i County in Kona since statehood.

The project, awarded to Nan Inc. of Honolulu, also involves two preservation efforts at each end of the road. An interpretive center and cultural preservation area valued at more than $3 million is being built by Queen Liliuokalani Trust at the Palani Road end of the project, while a $500,000 partnership between the county, Stanford Carr Developments and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve one of Hawai`i’s last remaining dryland forests is underway at the Hina-Lani Street intersection.

Ane Keohokalole Highway will also facilitate the state’s development of the state’s Kamakana Village affordable-housing project, commercial development by the Queen Liliuokalani Trust to support children’s programs, and the Department of Hawai`ian Home Lands’ expansion of Laiopua Village and its planned community center.

“We are not just building a road,” said Mayor Kenoi. “With affordable homes, shelters for the homeless, places to work and play, a way to get to college, commuter buses and bike paths we are facilitating the creation of a safe and vibrant community.”

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The Puna ‘Ulu Festival

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Damon

The Puna ‘Ulu Festival will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9 am – 3 pm at Ho‘oulu Lāhui, the site of  Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School at Pū‘āla‘a, adjacent to the ‘Āhalanui County Park warm ponds in Puna. The event is free and open to the public. The Puna ‘Ulu Festival will feature a cooking contest, breadfruit trees for sale, presentations on the cultivation and care of ‘ulu trees, poi pounding, tapa making, activities for the keiki, music all day and local food featuring breadfruit.

Poster of the Puna ‘Ulu Festival being held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9 am – 3 pm at Ho‘oulu Lāhui, the site of Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School at Pū‘āla‘a, adjacent to the ‘Āhalanui County Park warm ponds in Puna.

Without a landscape that was conducive to abundant taro production, Hawaiians in Puna relied heavily upon the breadfruit. Due to the young lava lands in Puna, the planting styles are different and the primary staple food for Native Hawaiians was always ‘ulu, not taro. Puna was uniquely known for its breadfruit trees that were planted in deep holes so that the leaves and fruits grew at ground level. Hence the breadfruit groves were often referred to as “hidden” because they couldn’t be seen from afar. Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School (PCS) is located at Pū‘āla‘a in Puna, a 600-acre ancient Hawaiian village site. The revitalization of ‘ulu in this region is a key initiative for Ho‘oulu Lāhui and Kua O Ka Lā PCS.

Uncle Keikialoha Keikipi chanting a traditional chant while planting a new ‘ulu tree. Uncle Keiki will be planting an ‘ulu tree at the March 2, 2012 Puna ‘Ulu Festival to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Kua O Ka Lā PCS. Photo Credit: Craig Elevitch

The day will include a Breadfruit Cooking Contest in which the public can enter recipes in the categories of Appetizer, Main Dish/Entrée and Dessert. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each of these categories and for Healthiest Choice and Best in Show. Breadfruit Cooking Contest rules and entry forms can be found at www.breadfruit.info. Cooking demonstrations will be held throughout the day featuring Chef Casey Halpern from Café Pesto, Shirley Kauhaihao, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner from Kona and the students of Kua O Ka Lā PCS.

Pictured here are ‘Ulu Tamales cooked by the Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School students, who won an award at the September, 2011 Breadfruit Festival. Photo Credit: Sonia R. Martinez.

Chef Alan Okuda and the East Hawai‘i Community College Culinary Arts Program will be preparing a sumptuous buffet lunch, and Kua O Ka Lā PCS students will be selling their award winning ‘Ulu Tamales.

Presenters include: Ryan McCormack of Kua O Ka Lā PCS speaking on “‘Ulu, A Hawaiian Perspective,” Dr. Diane Ragone and Ian Cole of the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden speaking about “An Overview of Pacific Breadfruit” and “Care and Maintenance of ‘Ulu” and Craig Elevitch of Hawai‘i Homegrown Food Network presenting on “Food Security—Pasifika Style.”

Ryan McCormack of Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School will be giving a presentation entitled “‘Ulu, A Hawaiian Perspective” at the Puna ‘Ulu Festival on March 3, 2012. Photo Credit: Craig Elevitch

Cultural activities will be ongoing throughout the day including traditional ‘ulu poi pounding, making poi boards from ‘ulu wood, tapa from ‘ulu bark and Hawaiian quilting. Keiki activities include games and an art booth with local artists.

Uncle Keikialoha Keikipi will be planting an ‘ulu tree to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Kua O Ka Lā PCS.

The Puna ‘Ulu Festival is sponsored by Ho‘oulu Lāhui, Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, Hawai‘i Homegrown Food Network, the Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and Kamehameha Schools. The Puna ‘Ulu Festival is a part of a larger statewide effort to revitalize breadfruit for food security called Ho‘oulu ka ‘Ulu. Learn more about the Puna ‘Ulu Festival by visiting www.breadfruit.info or call 965-5098.

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House of Representative Faye Hanohano District 4 Updates

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Damon

Greetings and Happy New Year to all of you!

As we start the year 2012, we want to acknowledge the accomplishments of 2011.

Act 195, The Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill was signed into law by the Governor on July 6th.  The bill recognizes the Native Hawaiian people as indigenous, aboriginal, maoli people of Hawai’i and it adds a new chapter to the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which establish a process for Native Hawaiians to organize themselves.

Act 164, which consists of monies allocated towards various school on the island of Hawai’i to develop, plan and/or design.  Pahoa Elementary School is in the stage of planning and designing for a new cafeteria. The University of Hawaii at Hilo, is planning and designing for the development of Student Housing Facilities and Living Learning Community.  The lower campus at Hawaii Community College plans to update their long range plans.

H.B. 141, Labor Trafficking Bill was approved on June 20, 2011 and went into effect on July 1, 2011, which consists of two penalties in the first and second degree.

These are just some of the many accomplishments that we acknowledge.

Act 162, Motor Vehicle Registration raising the Annual fee of $25.00 to $45.00 and Act 86, raising the Weight Tax on your vehicle are two bills that I did not support.  I have voted not in favor of these Acts due to the timing of our economic restraints.

As we progress in the session of 2012, I continually ask for your support and thank you for letting me serve as your Representative for District 4.

`O wau iho no me ka ha`aha`a

Faye Hanohano

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Proposed Bill Would End Protection of Iwi Kupuna

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Damon

Received from a source.  This unconstitutional proposed bill (LNR-07(12)_Burial_bill_rev.10-17-11-1) would end protection of the iwi kupuna and would make sure that Native Hawaiian ‘ohana cannot protect their iwi kupuna.  What’s more, it would cost $60,000 MORE per year to have one state-wide burial council versus the current system of a burial council for each island.

I am still researching to discover which legislators are sponsoring this evil bill.  I know that current State Historic Preservation Division Director, Pua Aiu, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, spoke in favor of this concept at the annual Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs convention this past November.  People attending the convention were outraged since the SHPD and Pua Aiu have already broken many burial laws to the extent that the National Park Service is not funding their $1,2 million grant for the first time ever.

Please help stop this bill before it even makes it into committee.  Call your representatives today.  Tell them to fix the system in favor of Native Hawaiian ‘ohana and the iwi kupuna, instead of making it more favorable for real estate developers.

Mahalo!

Charles Flaherty

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The Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation Honored Herb Kawainui Kāne as its 2011 Kamaʻāina of the Year

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Damon

The Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation honored Herb Kawainui Kāne as its 2011 Kamaʻāina of the Year for his contributions in reviving Hawaiian culture as an artist, historian, and author. As one of the founders of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Kāne was instrumental in the revival of non-instrument navigation, which had been lost in Hawaiʻi for centuries.

Following traditional designs, the deep-sea canoe Hōkūleʻa first travelled to Tahiti in 1976. In the subsequent years, the vessel linked the islands of the Pacific and will soon circumnavigate the globe.

This revival of ancient wayfinding inspired a cultural reawakening among Native Hawaiians as interest in hula, language, education, arts, and self-determination flourished. Although he is most well known for fantastic paintings depicting ancient Hawaiʻi, Kāne’s greatest legacy is his influence on the generations of Hawaiians who continue to practice their culture.

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The 5th Annual E Mau Ana Ka Hula & Makahiki Festival

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Damon

Keauhou Beach Resort is proud to once again present the 5th Annual E Mau Ana Ka Hula (“The Hula is perpetuated”) and this year the program coincides with the inaugural Makahiki Festival for a double celebration elevating the cultural experience. The two-day event scheduled for Friday, November 18, 2011, and Saturday, November 19, 2011, respectively, will keep everyone engaged with hula workshops, hula performances, health & wellness exhibits and expos, and more.

The E Mau Ana Ka Hula kicks off on Friday, with three scheduled hula workshops starting from 1:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. in the Keauhou Beach Resort Ballroom. Space is limited and minimal fees apply for the workshops.  Interested participants can register via email at administrator@nawaiiwiola.org or call 808-640-1384.

On Saturday, the festival will feature the E Mau Ana Ka Hula Celebration with various presentations at the Keauhou Beach Resort Royal Luau Grounds. This special celebration pays tribute to King David Kalakaua, the “Merrie Monarch” with both “kahiko” (ancient) or “hula auana” (modern) hula performances performed by various Hula Halau from Hawai’i, Japan and Europe, including:

  • Kumu Keala Ching, Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola
  • Kumu Bobo Palacat, Nā Pua Ha’aheo o Kona
  • Kumu Lori Lei Shirakawa, Lori Lei’s Hula Studio
  • Kumu Nalani Kanaka’ole-Zane, Hālau o Kekuhi
  • Kumu Wayne Takemoto, Kaulaokalani o Kona
  • Kumu Bulla Kailiwai, Hālau Kukuimalamalama o Kona
  • Kumu Hulali Solomon- Covington , Beamer Solomon Hālau O Po’ohala
  • Kumu ‘Ulalia Berman-Ka’ai, ‘ Ulalia School of Hawaiian Dance
  • Kumu Ki’iwaikapu Hoapili & Kumu Aulani Young, Aulani’s Hula Hālau
  • Kumu Meleana Manuel, Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani o Mauna Loa
  • Kumu Iwalani Kalima, Hula Hālau o Kou Lima Nani e

In conjunction with the E Mau Ana Ka Hula celebration, the Makahiki Festival will take place on the same day which includes exhibits by the Hawaii Healing Garden and Hawaii Health Expo, Makahiki games, cultural activities, cooking demonstrations, music and much more! Various vendors will be featuring quality handmade Hawaiian crafts and delectable foods. Both events are free and open to the public, so be sure to bring the whole family down to what is sure to be a fun event! For more festival information, visit www.emauanakahula.org, email info@hawaiihealthguide.com or call 808-638-0888.

Keauhou Beach Resort is an oceanfront hotel on the sunny Kona Coast of Hawaii Island. Ocean tide pools with gentle sea turtles and gardens with native Hawaiian flowers and trees are part of the resort’s beautiful natural surroundings. Special room rates are available starting from $99 per night. For more information or reservations, please call (808) 324-2515, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.

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Herb Kāne: 2011 Kamaʻāina of the Year

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Damon

The late Herb Kawainui Kāne was honored as 2011 Kama’aina of the Year at this year’s Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation event for his contributions in the revival of our Hawaiian culture.

The Voyagers

My signed copy of The Voyagers

The event was held October 22 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Monarch Room.

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Governor Abercrombie Appoints Native Hawaiian Roll Commission

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Damon

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced his appointments for the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission (NHRC).  Established in July when Governor Abercrombie signed Act 195, the NHRC starts the process that will eventually lead to federal recognition of Native Hawaiians.

The Commission is composed of five members, one from each county and one at-large seat.  They are: former Governor John D. Waihe’e (At-Large), Lei Kihoi (Hawai’i), Mahealani Perez-Wendt (Maui), Na’alehu Anthony (O’ahu), and Robin Puanani Danner (Kaua’i).
“These individuals represent various sectors of the Hawaiian community.  Each brings experience, talent, knowledge, and skills that collectively create a broad-based team,” Governor Abercrombie said.  “This team will put together the roll of qualified and interested Native Hawaiians who want to help determine the course of Hawai’i’s indigenous people.”
The Commission will be responsible for preparing and maintaining a roll of qualified Native Hawaiians as defined by the Act. Once its work is completed, the Governor will dissolve the Commission.  The roll is to be used as the basis for participation in the organization of a Native Hawaiian governing entity.
“Now is the time to unify as a people,” said At-Large Commissioner Waihe’e.  “The belief in our nation building process is being realized.  It has been a long time coming but today we have a renewed sense of confidence for our people and our future.”
About the Native Hawaiian Roll Commissioners:
John D. Waihe’e III is the appointed At-Large commissioner. After serving as Lt. Governor under Governor George Ariyoshi, Waihe’e became the first Native Hawaiian Governor and served two terms from 1986 to 1994.  His administration created the A-plus after-school-care program, restored more than 16,000 acres of public lands to the Hawaiian Home Lands Trust, and created a committee to help define sovereignty.  In 1993, he created the Hawaiian Sovereignty Advisory Commission.  Waihe’e, 65, became active in politics after serving as a delegate on the 1978 Hawai’i State Constitutional Convention where he was instrumental in the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.  He earned his undergraduate degree at Andrews University in Michigan and was a member of the first graduating class of the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai’i.  Waihe’e lives in Honolulu.
Na’alehu Anthony is the appointed O’ahu County commissioner.  Anthony is the Chief Executive Director of ‘Oiwi TV and the Principal of Paliku Documentary Films.  He is the Director and Executive Producer of ‘Aha’i ‘Olelo Ola, Hawaiian Language news.  Anthony has produced and directed a number of films including the award winning PBS Documentary of Mau Piailug: The Wayfinder. Anthony, 36, is a member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and a captain for interisland and coastal sails. He has documented all the major voyages made by Hokule’a.  Anthony holds an MBA and a BA in Hawaiian Studies from UH-Manoa.  He is a 1993 graduate of Kamehameha Schools and lives in Kailua.
Lei Kihoi is the appointed Hawai’i County commissioner.  Kihoi has served the Native Hawaiian community in various aspects for over 25 years.  As a former staff attorney for Judge Walter Heen, she wrote and promoted legislation regarding Hawaiian matters.  Kihoi, 66, is a trained counselor in ho’oponopono, mediation and facilitation. She served on a number of boards and organizations including Hui Hanai (Queen Liliuokalani Trust), Polynesian Voyaging Society, and the Native Hawaiian Bar Association.  Kihoi is a graduate of Castle High School.  She earned her BS in Education from UH-Manoa, a MSSW from the University of Wisconsin, Madison; and her law degree from the UH Richardson School of Law.  A beneficiary of the Queen Lili’uokalani Trust, Kihoi is a resident of Kailua-Kona.
Mahealani Perez-Wendt is the appointed Maui County commissioner.  Perez-Wendt was the Executive Director of Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation (NHLC) for 32 years before retiring in December 2009.  During her tenure the NHLC litigated landmark cases including Public Access Shoreline Hawai’i v. State, and Waiahole Community Association v. State.  Perez-Wendt, 64, was the first Native Hawaiian board member of the Native American Rights Fund.  She has been recognized with a number of awards including Outstanding Hawaiian Woman for Community Service, in 1983; Liberty Bell Award from the Hawai’i State Bar Association in 1990; Kalanianaole Award in 2003 from the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Native Hawaiian Advocate Award in 2009 from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement; and Hawai’i Women Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. Perez-Wendt has published poetry and stories in more than a dozen literary journals and anthologies.  A graduate of the Kamehameha School for Girls, Perez-Wendt lives in Wailuanui, East Maui.
Robin Puanani Danner is the appointed Kaua’i Commissioner.  She is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA).  Danner has over 20 years of experience working in the field of Native to federal trust responsibilities and government relationships to empower Native peoples.  She has extensive management experience in the nonprofit, for-profit business and government sectors.  She was the Vice-President and Branch Manager of that National Bank of Alaska and is the former North Slope Borough and Tagiugmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority County Housing Director and Indian Housing Authority Executive Director. Danner, 48, founded CNHA in 2001 and developed each of its programs including the first statewide Native Loan Fund, the Hawai’i Family Finance Project, which is certified by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and funded by the U.S. Treasury to promote financial literacy; the Homestead Self Help Program; and the Hawaiian Way Fund, to advance philanthropy in support of culture, knowledge, and language.
Danner resides on her homestead in Anahola.
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Pa’i Foundation Receives $150,000 Grant From the National Endowment for the Arts

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

PA‘I FOUNDATION, whose mission is to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian cultural traditions for future generations, has received a $150,000 “Our Town” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the development of plans for a Traditional Hawaiian Cultural Center and related programming that showcases and supports contemporary Native Hawaiian visual artists and traditional cultural practitioners.  The cultural center will include classroom space, performance space for hula, music and other traditional practices, and live/work spaces for artists and their families.  The project is a partnership with “Artspace,” a national developer of creative art spaces and affordable housing for artists.

NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman announced the grant winners earlier today in Washington, D.C.  PA‘I Foundation is one of 51 inaugural “Our Town” Grant recipients, and the only one from Hawai‘i.  In total, over $6.5 million are being invested into communities around the country to support the arts as part of a community revitalization strategy.  The grants range from $25,000 to $250,000.

“We are extremely thrilled and proud to be among the first recipients of the Our Town Grant,” said Vicky Holt Takamine, PA‘I Foundation Executive Director and Kumu Hula.  “We would like to say ‘Mahalo Nui’ to the National Endowment for the Arts, our partners at ‘Artspace,’ and Mayor Peter Carlisle for providing a letter of support which was critical to our selection.  We will use these grant funds to support the development of Ola Ka ‘Ilima (Creative Art Spaces).”

NEA created the “Our Town” Grants because art works to improve the lives of America’s citizens in many ways.  Communities across our nation are using smart design and leveraging the arts to create livable, sustainable neighborhoods with enhanced quality of life, increased creative activity, distinct identities, a sense of place, and vibrant local economies.  The NEA defines these efforts as Creative Placemaking.

“Our Town” is the NEA’s latest investment in “Creative Placemaking,” through which partners from both public and private sectors come together to shape the social, physical, and economic character of a neighborhood, town, city, or region around arts and cultural activities.

“Our Town” invests in creative and innovative projects in which communities, together with their arts and design organizations and artists, are looking to increase their livability, and specifically are seeking to:

  • Improve their quality of life.
  • Encourage creative activity.
  • Create community identity and a sense of place.
  • Revitalize local economies.

The Hawai‘i project, developed by Artspace in partnership with PA‘I Foundation, will include a cultural market survey to assess the size and specific uses of the project.  It is anticipated that there will be about 40 units of affordable live/work space for artists and their families at the center. The site for the center has not been selected, as yet.

“We’re delighted to see the PA‘I Foundation receive this award from the NEA,” said Rebecca Driscoll, Artspace Board Chair. “The Our Town program is further evidence of the strong national leadership of the NEA in making creative placemaking a reality in communities all across America.”

For a complete list of “Our Town” Grant recipients, please go to http://www.arts.gov.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
The National Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government.  To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.  The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector.  For more information, please visit http://www.arts.gov.

ABOUT PA‘I FOUNDATION
PA‘I Foundation, organized in 2001, is a 501 c 3 organization whose mission is to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian cultural traditions for future generations.  The goal of PA‘I Foundation is to establish a cultural center on O’ahu to better serve the broader Hawaiian community.  PA‘I Foundation is the non-profit organization of Pua Ali’i ‘Ilima, a halau hula founded by Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine in 1977.  While the organization is centered around and supported by halau members, the purpose of PA‘I Foundation is not centered around servicing the needs of the halau, but to address and serve the needs of Native Hawaiians and those who make Hawai’i their home.  For more information, please visit www.paifoundation.org.

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