Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 10, 1 October 2008 — Waimea Valley [ARTICLE]

Waimea Valley

Kudos to OHA's Hi'ipaka at Waimea Valley on 0'ahu's North Shore and the na'au knowing of interim director Gail Chew - a kūpuna wahi named and blessed as "Kūpuna Hāwanawana" is tucked away here ever so neatly for kupuna sharing and interaction. Here, kupuna comfort is observed and "talk story" is always the agenda. My precious time with kūpuna are times I value as they open doors and reconnect. Claire Hughes, who wrote a eolumn on kūpuna in Ka Wai Ola'& August issue, you and I understand "reconnect." Our mothers taught us well. Here at the kūpuna wahi we sing "I Ola Kākou Nā Hawai'i," your mother's inspiration she shared with Kupuna Maile Lum Ho Pohaku Vargo, who set it to music, a song often sung by the Gora sisters who learned it when they were youngsters shared by their mother, Kupuna Rita Gora. Recently recorded in Nā Leo's newest CD E Hula Mai Kākou, it tells the story of how it all heeame a message, kupuna style. In Waimea Valley's kūpuna wahi, laughter is contagious and sharing kolohe stories is an accepted thing, understood and appreciated. Here we ean enjoy a eup of hot coffee, poke wai style. Memories flow freely and there is richness in the air. I am but a telephone eall or e-mail away and my kāhea to our precious elders is sincere and open. E komo mai! "Aun1y Betty" Kawohiokalani Ellis ienkins Waialua, O'ahu

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