Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 9, 1 September 2007 — Kupuna Helen Aveiro passes on [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Kupuna Helen Aveiro passes on

The last known native 'ōlelo Hawai'i speaker from Kawaihae Uka has passed away. Helen

Kuluwaimakaokalani Aveiro (ne'e Awa'a) died on July 11 in Kailua and was buried in her kulāiwi of Kōhala. Her services were held at the historic 'Imiola Congregational Church. Mrs. Aveiro worked at Dole Cannery as a packer, and later as forelady. It wasn't until later in life that she shared knowledge of the Hawaiian language and way of life with children in the Windward District of 0'ahu's Hawaiian Studies Program and other venues, where youngsters bonded to her wit, candor, and unique sense of humor. At a historic gathering of native Hawaiian speakers organized by the 'Ahahui 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, Kupuna Aveiro shared a delightful story of her first memories of eating rice upon her arrival in Honolulu, having only been raised on sweet potato andpoi as starches. In an appearanee on the program "Mānaleo" on 'Ōlelo's NATV (ehannel 53), she shared interesting stories about the paniolo lifestyle of Kawaihae as well as her experiences with supernatural beings, or kupua, of the area. She is survived by children Antoinette Liana, Douglas Aveiro and Bettylou Rosehill; brothers Joseph Aloha and Andrew Awa'a; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchil-dren. 'Oiai ua kulu nā waimaka o ka lani, ua kani mo'opuna. Although the heavens weep, there is a multitude of descendants to carry on her legacy. Aloha nō. E3

Kupuna Helen Aviero, ū native 'ōlelo Hawai'i speaker from Kawaihae Uka, captivated youngsters with her wit, candor and unique sense of humor. - Photo: courtesy of 'Ahahui 'Ōlelo Hawai'i.