Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 1 March 1983 — ISLAND NOTES [ARTICLE]

ISLAND NOTES

KONA

Ruby MacDonald, OHA's Community Information Specialist for west Hawai'i sends along an appeal for kokua in the restoration of Hale o Keawe in Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (the "City of Refuge"). The request comes from Jerry Shimoda, Superintendent of the Pu'uhonua, who writes in part: "Back in 1967 and 1968, the Hawaiian Civic Clubs throughout the State were involved in the construction of Hale o Keawe in the gathering of dry ti-leaves for its thatching. The Kona Hawaiian Civic Club spearheaded the project at the time. Leaves were gathered by the Hawaiian Civic Clubs on eaeh of the other islands, gathered together in one bulk, and shipped over to Kawaihae on the Big lsland by Young Brothers. The leaf-gathering on this island \vas coordinated by the Kona Hawaiian Civic Club with the Hawaii Council. "This year we have received approval to proceed with the repair and rehabilitation of Hale o Keawe. May we again ask the Kona Hawaiian Civic Club to coordinate the statewide leaf gathering project by contacting the Council on this island to contact the Councils on the other islands to coordinate their leaf gathering projects? We will be happy to pay for any transportation costs involved. "As it was in 1968, we will need approximately two (2) million leaves of a special type. They must be: 1. From the green ti-leaf plant. 2. Leaves that have dried on the plant and fallen to the ground, but not rotten. 3. Dry like the lauhala picked for weavingand plaiting. They cannot be leaves that have been picked green or half dry and later dried out. " Big Island residents ean take their leaves directly to the Pu'uhonua, or drop them off at OH A's Kona office at 455744 Alii Drive, Room 28 1 . Residents of other islands ean get more information by calling Mr. Shimoda on Hawaii at 328-2326 or 328-2288, or writing him at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Honaunau, Kona, Hawaii 96728.