Due Date: Thurs Dec 11, 11am
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Final Intellectual Challenge by Kumu Keahi (student of Kumu Lake)
My Name is:
date: __________ {5pts/question, 2pts/kulia oi}
And I proudly display the depth and breadth of only my own individual intellect below:…. (A) Who are the two persons (A&B) and what is the significance of Their individual journeys - Leadership Quality Their single vision -Leadership Decsionmaking
Pai„ea/Kamehameha (Leader of Hawaii) & Paikea Apirana (Leader of Whitikeia/Hawaiki). Each of these two were faced with negative pressures not wanting them to be successful at that which they both seemed destined. Despite their several setbacks, they continued to pursue their vision. Separation (“alone”) and forward thinking for what was best for the whole community (cigarette smoking, warring fiefdoms). They realized that those who doubt/oppose their path won‟t stop their push in recognizing that the problems which need resolving requires a leader with “action” not apathy. Kulia oi: How is the whale and the person (B) below share a similar name? .Pai„ea/Kamehameha from Pu„ukohola (Hill of the Whale) is similar to - Paikea as a prophet on a whale who saves a community from a devastating fate - Kangahroa Meha (Kanaloa: God of the Sea) and (Meha: Lonely) was the whale
(B) Like Kumu Lake below, this leader had a destiny to fulfill. What were the many “signs” marking his journey and what significant people guided him (by name/action)?
(1) Kekuiapoiwa hungry for the eye of the mano (shark) will bear a child who will “eat” chiefs (2) Those born under the sign of the Hoku Koko„iki (Halley‟s comet) will conquer the islands (3) Lifting the Naha Stone declares mana of the Naha Clan and will unify the islands (4) Usurped the chief‟s kuleana by offering the human mohai at the Pakini Heiau (5) Was foretold by Kapoukahi to build/dedicate a heiau to Kamehameha‟s War God Kukailimoku at Pu„ukohola, to fulfill the unification prophecy. Note: (1) & (2) Was enough to make Alapa„i worried and order the killing of baby boys (3) & (5) derive from Kaua„i Mana Kulia oi: What was his anecdotal explanation of why he didn‟t When asked to convert to Christianity, convert to the religion of the Christian missionaries? Kamehameha stipulated to send their priest and his kahuna to jump off a nearby cliff. The one who returns, Kamehameha will join that belief. Priest refused. Kamehameha left.
(C) Paa ka waha, nana ka maka, hoolohe ka pepeiao, hana ka lima. How is this a learning paradigm?
“Shut the mouth, watch with the eyes, listen with the ears, work with the hands” This is an experiencial & “learn by doing” epistemological/pedagogical approach. Much different from the Western concept of acquiring degrees by asking lots of questions and questioning authority. This created a hierarchy of knowledge as well as a genealogy of learning. This can be easily seen in the learning lineage of Kumu Hula. They carry the knowledge of their respective kumu and thus are responsible to not tarnish their reputation. Kulia oi: According to Kumu Lake, What is “Hawaiian Time”? And what is an example where it is being perpetuated legally? “Hawaiian Time” is to arrive at the appropriate time, if at all. Sometimes it is days to hours early and sometimes it is NOT AT ALL. It is not a instrument of derogatory stereotyping and racial slurs. Not that the idea isn‟t deserved by some, but it is not an ethnic more than it is a personal accountability. An example of this concept was the Planet Hollywood blessing at the late arrival of Sylvester Stallone justified by the manager saying Mr. Stallone was on “Hawaiian Time” when Kumu reminded him that the “Hawaiians were here !!” Another example is the letter in the final blog.
Due Date: Thurs Dec 11, 11am
Name:
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(D) Describe a Polynesian proverb related to the image above? Why is it important
“Ho„okahi hoe, ho„okahi holo, h „okahi pae, ho„okahi wa„a, he „ohana” (One stroke, one journey, one landing/destination, one canoe, a family) - This is a metaphorical reference to working together and defined leadership to accomplish a singular mission while recognizing everybody is a contributing member of a larger community where all have individual responsibilities dictated by the circumstances. Kulia oi: What does a person who loses their paddle continue to do even if they can‟t paddle? To maintain the team rhythm and momentum, a person who drops their paddle should at a minimum continue to rock in keeping with the stroker and the rest of the crew
(E) Where does one look to find their “inner power”? !! This diagram is the familiar MANA Circle trifurcating the derivations of one‟s mana into three categories of representing aina/(your place), ohana/(your family) and hana/(your actions). The “hana” component allows you to create as large a mana and establish your own legacy despite what birthright you had or did not have and where you are from. You are inevitably in control of your own destiny/legacy. Kulia oi: How does this resolve the pervasive Once it is recognized that “hana” . problem of holding on to victimhood? provides the option to create your own destiny and legacy. Thus to fall into victimhood becomes a decision of relinquishing your own ability to recover and build with your own talents and resources actively. A victim is someone who passively moves with every ebb and flow of circumstances.
„Ohana (family)
„Āina (Land)
Hana (Action)
(F) Why is the KumuLipo such a significant piece of epic literature in Polynesia? What purpose does it serve? Who is served by this storyline? The Kumulipo is the Hawaiian Creation Chant which stipulates the genealogy of Polynesian Ancestry from the beginning of time which is approximately 2,300 lines in length and was committed to memory (since there was no written faculties at the time) in order to establish ascension to chiefly rank or comparative disputes in who should be next to rule by checking the lineage to the gods. Haloa-naka-lau-kapalili is found in the 8th (of 16 Eras). The Kumulipo completes its genealogy in Hawaii. Since all derive from this depiction, all “could” declare themselves of “chiefly” rank… but then one must chant their genealogy as proof of such standing. Those who forget face the same fate befitting all commoners. Kulia oi: What Christian literature is parallell to this? The Bible‟s Book of Genesis has What is the purpose of the Christian document? similar characteristics as the Kumulipo since Genesis lays out the lineage from who Jesus Christ is prophesized to descend and redeem mankind including King David.
(G) Easily recognizable and familiar symbolisms have benefits and drawbacks. Explain the various levels of understanding when it comes to native cultures Give examples of the positives and negatives of simplifications and iconisms. The Cultural Iceberg elucidates that culture evolves in any civilization at various depths and levels. Outsiders see superficial culture to help them categorize and stereotype in their context of knowing. “Locals” may experience some colloquial and obvious practices but they may not understand its derivation/purpose but they validate and authenticate its existence. They are the level just below the water line. Ancestors and deep practitioners of culture round out the remainder of the iceberg which Kulia oi: What „Olelo No‟eau speaks to seeking true knowledge? melts away everyday. . “Nānā i ke kumu” speaks to seeking Explain how it relates to the superficial perception of culture? a more truer and authentic knowledge valid in the eyes of those who would know, the kupuna. There is ubiquitous fabrication of “new” cultural concepts passed off as tradtional
HVB PCC Kupuna
Due Date: Thurs Dec 11, 11am Haloa
Piko
Huli
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(H) In all matter of Hawaiian cultural identity of genealogy, language, kuleana, kulana, and perpetuity, who is this and how is this here? Haloa-naka-lau-kapalili is the eldest (hiapo) of SkyFather (Wakea) and his Daughter (Ho„ohokukalani) born deformed (e„epa) as a possible indication of its incredible mana but it takes the role of 1st born Hawaiian (born in Aiea) and nested deep within Hawaiian culture and language. As the first born, it‟s responsibility (kuleana) is to feed the rest of the following generations. The method of replanting with cuttings (huli) means that every kalo plant is a regrown manifestation of the original Haloa, and is not a descendant. In terms of language sprouting give KUPU(na), food gives AI(na), and the side offshoots of the corm derives the word OHA(na). .
OHA Kulia oi: What does “huli ka lima i lalo e ola, huli ka lima i luna e make” relate here? __AINA__ . „AI (food) “Turn the hand down, live. Turn the hand up, die” relates to the work entailed with growing kalo as a staple and the work required. Industrious work ethic creates survivability, else you die.
(I) In navigating north to Hawai„i, what essential guiding point was the indicator that they had reached the proper latitude? The North Star (Polaris/Hoku Pa„a) only brings you north from southern locales, however, it is Hokule„a (Arcturus) which is the “zenith” star which when it passes directly overhead signifies having arrived at the proper latitude which the Hawaiian Archipelago is located. It can be located by arcing from the handle of the asterism of the Big Dipper‟s handle until reaching the center of Bootes. Kulia oi: What specific engineering discovery made Captain Cook famous? The watch was the once device What was this discovery good at determining? which Captain Cook possessed but none of his predecessors had. It was this item that allowed him to locate a reproducible LONGITUDE (timezone) of Hawaii.
(J) In oration and storytelling, what is a methodology to determine . if the orator is telling the truth? Factors of Authentication is a simplified
methodology to gauge the level of truth or conversely a skill of deception. They could be: - Multi-language/Body-language - Emotional - Self-Correction - Invoking Kupuna/Elders - Hyperdetailing - Self-Compromising/Shame - Relevance/Authority -
Kulia oi: What was at least one story which was shared in class related to truth? What „olelo no‟eau relates to promotes only the speaking of truth? (There were many stories) “I ka ‘ōlelo no ke ola, I ka ‘ōlelo no ka make” (In language there is life, in language there is death)
(K) Tell me a story about everything we associate with this long-standing . fruitful symbolism of spirituality The Coconut Tree is everywhere in Polynesia but can also metaphorically symbolize the FOUR. Kū : (“Stand” given by any upright fallic symbol) God of State (There are over 50 Kū gods Kane: Here given by the presence of “fresh water” (Wai) within the coconut. God of Wai Lono: Symbolized by the fertility/fruitful nature of the plants and the coconuts themselves Kanaloa: Ocean proximity of the coconut groves represents the presence of this God of the Sea Kulia oi: Where is an unusual locale from which migrations where established but since they are outside the Polynesian Triangle, it‟s rarely spoken of?
Research everyday clarifies the locations from which Polynesia had connections and lineage. However, the origins from South America seems to be given a less than glamorous attention. The cultural correlations with Native Americans and the Aztecs, Incans, and Mayans is clear.
Due Date: Thurs Dec 11, 11am
Name:
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(L) What is this greeting and what purpose does it serve?
Exchange of Hā here empowers both as they both give the other their mana. This honi is the protocol by which acknowledgement of presence and life force (mauli ola) is respected and validated. It is practiced in the exact protocol identically in both the Maori and the Hawaiian cultural settings.. Kulia oi: What is the correlation this has to the nickname, ALOHA State? .ALO (face) HA (breath) symbolizing a recognition and exchange face-to-face of mana
(M) When faced with dysfunctional and uncertain cultural identity, many people readily gravitate to whatever the mainstream pop-culture is. What Hawaiian Folktale might be shared to redirect their identity & why? Hinaakeahi & Hinaakawai was a story wherein Hinaakawai tries to emulate her sister‟s mana by replicating the exercise successfully used by her sister whose mana was fire (keahi). But by not using her own “talents” (mana) she befell a mortal fate. Don‟t be a poser, be real. Kulia oi: Though people always agree on all things, particularly with cultural concepts, What pearl of native wisdom promotes a humble deference to multiple ideas? „A„ole pau ka „ike i ka hālau ho„okahi (“All knowledge is not learned in one school”). We know that which was passed to us. We do not know all that is being passed to all.
Describe the scenario transpiring below in the final fulfillment of the destiny of Pai„ea? After completing the Heiau at Pu‟ukohola, Kamehameha invited his cousin (M)
(N)
Keouakuahuula, with whom he was at war to the dedication ceremony. He was killed by a spear thrown by General Keeaumoku despite Kamehameha‟s orders. Almost everyone was killed (except Kamehameha‟s first born son) the visiting party & were offered at Pu„ukoholā (anticipated by Keoua who earlier Kulia oi: cut his penis so as to defile the sacrifice that he was sure to become). In constructing this monument all were to help, except who? Why not? The only person exempt was Kamehemeha‟s brother, Keli„imaka„i in order to preserve the family kapu.
(O) “I ka „ōlelo nō ke „ola, i ka „ōlelo nō ka make” What is the deeper significance of such a paradigm?
“In the language, there is life. In the language, there is death” Since traditional society didn‟t rely on a written form, all the mana of one‟s words was brought to bear in personal accountability. Language was the essence of one‟s ability to convey life or death. Choosing and watching what mana is dispensed in the words (that can never be retrieved once it leaves the mouth) is a consideration not lightly pondered. Kulia oi: In addressing a sovereignty conference by the Native Hawaiian Bar Association, Kumu Lake asked a question wherein the result of his When Kumu Lake was the poll prompted him to say that without certain elements, keynote speaker at the Native we might as well be American. What did he ask? Hawaiian Bar Association, he asked them in Hawaiian “Who spoke Hawaiian”. Since only two in 60 raised their hand, he inquired what‟s the purpose of reestablishing sovereignty if we cannot put back into place the centrality of its language. “Just be American then”
(P) Confirm the depth of your understanding by describing this and the one other parallel scene in the movie to this one shown here.
This scene depicts the breaking of the rope (symbolized as an ancestral linkage) which was then trivialized by the grandfather but Paikea fixed it and renewed its functionality. The rope is also a metaphor for multiple strands to derive its strength. Also, the scene where they futility attempt to turn KangharoaMeha around when Paikea was the real answer. 1st scene she was able to salvage the connection (rope), 2 nd scene she realized the rope wasn‟t even needed. Kulia oi: As the cultural problems where ubiquitous, what is a method to solve them? The 5-part Leadership Problem Solution Algorithm Matrix. (1) Define problem (like any dummy), (2) Find the sources (HS), (3) Develop solutions (HS/College), (4) Choose the optimal solution (college), and (5) ACT (leaders) !!
Due Date: Thurs Dec 11, 11am
Name:
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.(Q) In the presence of cultural loss and degradation, what persons have what types of qualifications to resolve this? When culture is lost, forgotten, or discarded, a sense of degradation will set in. Restoration of such practices and knowledge must be reestablished by those who have a competent level of cultural contextuality. Kumu Lake was an example of someone whose breadth and depth of knowledge allowed him to develop cultural paradigms and a rare understanding of the cultural context. There are others also who, like Kumu Lake can “REWEAVE” into the missing place, a probable practice (the lauhala weave picture was a hint).. Kulia oi: What is an example of this action done by Kumu Lake ? .When the protocols for operating and governing the Heiau at Pu„ukohola was sought, few Hawaiian had the qualifications to research and develop where needed.
(R) List ONE lesson that I learned from Kumu Lake and passed to you: .
(S) What was the MOST Profound OR the MOST Mundane topic you learned so this semester? How or why will it be USEful or USEless to you in the future? .
(T) Don‟t forget to address the ubiquitous cultural concept in the Hawaiian Time Blog?
Mahalo to each of you for your time, attention, and dedication to those ideas which have become the center of my perception in all things Hawaiian, Polynesian, and me. Remember that even cockroaches can find a problem…it’s time to evolve beyond. We’ve seen and pondered many ideas, concepts, perceptions, and problems. Do not choose to relegate these ideas to do dusty bins of esotericism. It is always better to empower yourself by making use of the knowledge… not simply just remember it. The former will provide an opportunity for greatness, the latter for forgetfulness.
Nānā i ke kumu… Kūlia i ka nu’u… Ma ka hana ka ‘ike
Keahi Renaud