Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 29, Number 10, 1 October 2012 — Inaugural Hawaiian writers' conference [ARTICLE]

Inaugural Hawaiian writers' conference

Hawaiian writers and scholars of Hawaiian literature are invited to attendthe inaugural 'Aha Mo'olelo Hawai'i Hawaiian writers conferenee, Oct. 18-20 at the University of Hawai'i-Mānoa. The event is free and includes panel presentations with Hawaiian scholars, and writing workshops

led by published Native Hawaiian writers, including Victoria Nalani Kneuhuhl. Diverse topics to be addressed include mele Hawai'i, new writing in Hawaiian, and oeeanie theater, whieh will examine theater as a form of mo'olelo. Organizers say a critical mass of contemporary Hawaiian writers and contemporary Hawaiian literature has not only emerged, but has matured and the time has eome to gather - to exchange ideas, including best cultural practices, especially as they relate to indigenous knowledge, professional development and an exchange of knowledge and technical skills. "We want to start building a community that knows eaeh other and interacts, and secondly, for people to be inspired and want to go home and want to do something immediately," said Lurline Wailana McGregor, a filmmaker and award-winning author who is organizing the conference with S. Ku'ualoha Ho'omanawanui, president and chief editor of Kuleana

'Ōiwi Press. 'Aha Mo'olelo Hawai'i is sponsored by Kuleana 'Ōiwi Press, whieh received core funding for the conference from the Native Ameriean Culture and Arts Foundation through an Artist Networks and Convenings Initiative grant. Forconference information andregistration, visit ahamoolelohawaii.org.