Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 6, 1 June 1991 — OHA Kupuna Vargo remembered [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA Kupuna Vargo remembered

In memory of Maile Kamai'alaupala'okekuahiwi'okapiko'omaunaloa Lum Ho Vargo Kupuna Maile Vargo was a native Hawaiian born anei raised on the mokupuni of Hawai'i to a full blooded Hawaiian mother and an immigrant Chinese father. Her Hawaiian name gives mueh information about her background and the specialness of a child of the land. Kupuna Vargo was a student in Hawaiian culture and Ianguage and spoke the mother tongue fluently. Though Kupuna Vargo did not speak the language as a child, she was fortunate to be blessed with the mana'o of culture and language expression. A graduate of St. Joseph's in Hilo, Kupuna

Vargo lived on the mainland for many years. Her mainland studies placed her in the business arena where she owned and managed businesses in merchandising and real estate. Kupuna Vargo had successful experiences in substance abuse counseling. She also was a composer. Many of her songs are being sung by children and adults alike in the DOE Hawaiian Studies Program. She was often called upon to translate and interpret songs, chants, phrases, and names. Two years ago, Kupuna Vargo underwent surgery for the removal of her leg. The experience Ieft her strong in mind and faith in her Christian belief as she balances her mana'o of the old ways with the new. Described as a bundle of "energy," Kupuna Vargo had very strong convictions on what is Hawaiian and how the knowledge ean be best used for today's living. Kupuna Vargo was recently honored by being selected to sit on the Women's University Board. She was a frequent guest at various organizations where her knowledge was sought, respected and treasured. A retiree from the Kupuna Component of the state Department of Education Hawaiian Studies, Kupuna Vargo was a member of the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu-Hilo and the Ikuha'i of the Hale O Na Ali'i-Hilo Chapter. She was a member of Ali'i Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club. Kupuna Maile Vargo was part of the threemember OHA Education Division's Kupuna Team along with Kupuna alaka'i, Betty Kawohiokalani Ellis Jenkins and kako'o, Pearl Ulunui Kanaka'ole Garmon. Auntie Maile is survived by her husband, Joseph Vargo, daughters Martha, Marsha and Leann Pohaku and her mo'opuna Edward and Anaiei Cooper, all of Hilo.

Aunty Maile Vargo (seated) with fellow OHA kupuna, Betty Jenkinsand Pearl Garmon,ata recent 'Aha 'Opio O OHA.