Read this article in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
By Hiʻilei Patoc, Grade 11, Hālau Kū Māna
The ʻōlelo noʻeau, “E kaupē aku nō i ka hoe, a kō mai,” translates to “Put forward the paddle and draw it back.” This year, while I am attending Hālau Kū Māna New Century Public Charter school, I am also paddling for ʻIlau Hoe (“To paddle together.”) Every day I see the collective energy produced by teachers, administrators, students, and coaches working together to achieve goals.
I hear kāhea extended to our lāhui to thrust our paddles into the water and pull forward. And I am grateful for the chance that I have as a haumana at Hālau Kū Māna to grow my knowledge and skill set so that I can answer those kāhea. Hālau Kū Māna has helped me build a foundation of knowledge. Not only have I learned what it is to be Hawaiian, but I have also been given the tools and resources I need to live as a Hawaiian and make it more common in today’s world.
Hula, oli, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and mālama ʻāina are such tools. With the support of my kumu and coaches, I know I am able to achieve any goal or dream of mine. The principles and concepts that Kumu ʻĪmai Winchester, Kumu Kaleilehua Maioho, Kumu Kaui Naniole, Kumu Kaimi Kaina, and coaches Reggie Keaunui and Dennis Naʻauao have taught me will guide my path.
One day, I will look back to see how far I’ve come thanks to everyone who has contributed to my learning. They encouraged me to plunge my paddle into the water and move forward.
