Aloha kākou. I received a FaceBook message from one of my friends, Nancy Thompson, who wrote, “A bucket list item for me is to attend a Holokū Ball. Sadly, not this year. Sounds like yours will be amazing!” (referring to our event to honor our hulu kūpuna [precious elders])
This reminded me of an article in Ka Wai Ola by CEO, Dr. Sylvia Hussey: “I ulu no ka lālā i ke kumu; the branches grow because of the trunk. Without our elders, we would not be here.” And not just biologically, but in every sense of being.
In the Hawaiian culture, kūpuna are highly cherished and regarded as important keepers of ancestral knowledge. This is why many schools in Hawai`i invite kūpuna into classrooms to share their cultural `ike (knowledge), life stories, and `ōlelo Hawai`i (Hawaiian language).
We hope you’ll be able to attend our Holokū Ball as we honor the very special voices of wisdom and aloha of our hulu kupuna – to say mahalo nui loa (thanks very much) for inspiring us with your traditional cultural beliefs, practices, insight, and values. And above all, for teaching us the importance of staying connected to `ohana (family) and friends.
Interested in becoming a Sponsor or donate to our Live Auction? Learn more here.
Become a member.
Comments