Kalaupapa featured in Kapolei exhibit
A multimedia exhibit about often forgotten chapters of the history of Kalaupapa will be on display at the UH-West O‘ahu Library in Kapolei through March 10. The exhibit, “A Source of Light, Constant and Never-Fading,” was created by Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to remembering each of the estimated 8,000 people who were taken from their families and forcibly isolated at Kalaupapa because of government policies regarding leprosy.
The exhibit, made up of 12 double-sided panels, emphasizes the strong relationship between the ali‘i and the people of Kalaupapa along with other historical events often left out of traditional histories.
Over the past several years, the ‘Ohana has helped more than 700 family members learn about their Kalaupapa kūpuna. Descendants are also invited to attend a family discussion on March 10 from 10 a.m.-noon in the library to share memories of loved ones sent to Kalaupapa or how they learned about their ancestors who were sent there.
The library is located at 91-1001 Farrington Highway. For more information, contact Kawena Komeiji, Hawai‘i-Pacific Resources Librarian, at (808) 689-2711. – Submitted by Ka ‘Ohana o Kalaupapa
Explore ‘Iolani Palace via mobile app
A new app for iPhone and Android allows users to take a virtual tour of the ‘Iolani Palace grounds on their mobile devices.
An interactive map gives users the ability to navigate to various landmarks, from the barracks to the throne room. Those who want to learn more about what they see can hear stories about the palace and take an audio tour led by Puunui Wong that describes the lives of the last reigning monarchs.
“We’re always seeking new ways to elevate the guest experience at the Palace since locals and visitors are already drawn to the Palace’s charm and appeal,” Friends of ‘Iolani Palace Executive Director Kippen de Alba Chu said in a release. “By partnering with Guidekick, Inc., a company that has also developed apps for notable historic museums around the world including Hearst Castle and The Frick Pittsburgh, we’ve freshened up the experience by introducing a technological tool while still giving them a glimpse back in time.”
The ‘Iolani Palace app is free for download from your device’s app store.
Sproat named director of Native Hawaiian Law Center
Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law has named D. Kapua‘ala Sproat its new director.
Sproat is an associate professor at the William S. Richardson School of Law, with expertise in Native Hawaiian law, indigenous rights, and natural resource management and protection. UH’s announcement of the appointment points out Sproat is also an authority on Hawai‘i water rights and played major roles in the law school’s environmental law program, as well as Ka Huli Ao. She received an Excellence in Teaching award from the UH Board of Regents in 2014.
Sproat succeeds Ka Huli Ao founder Melody MacKenzie, who will be updating her 1,400-page “Native Hawaiian Law: A Treatise,” while working on other projects and teaching.
Associate faculty specialist Susan K. Serrano will be associate director.
‘E MAU’ exhibit inspired by Lili‘uokalani
PA‘I Foundation commemorates the 125th anniversary of the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom by opening an exhibit showcasing the perseverance of indigenous artists.
E MAU celebrates traditional practices and mo‘olelo that have continued to be shared in the face of imposing challenges. The exhibit is inspired by Lili‘uokalani’s “He Mele Lāhui Hawai‘i,” with a hui that proclaims “E mau ke ea o ka ‘āina.”
The exhibit is the final installation for PA‘I Arts Gallery at Kälia at Ala Moana Center, which is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m daily. A Pā‘ina Panina closing event will be held Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located on the second floor of Ala Moana’s mauka wing.
Maui-based internship develops conservation leaders
Applications are being accepted for Nā Hua Ho‘ohuli i ka Pono, an internship program that aims to develop a new generation of conservation leaders on Maui.
Four positions are available for college students interested in integrating conservation into their future careers. Host sites are Maui Invasive Species Committee, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project and The Nature Conservancy.
Interested candidates should be available 40 hours a week from June 11 through Aug. 3, and are responsible for their own accommodations and housing. Interns will earn an $800 bi-weekly living allowance and are eligible to earn an AmeriCorps Education Award that can be applied toward higher education costs or student loans. Interns will also attend the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference on O‘ahu, with all expenses paid.
The competitive application process includes a formal application, criminal history check and interview. The deadline to apply is April 13. For more information, visit www.nhhphawaii.org or contact Serena Kaldi at serena@nhhphawaii.org or (808) (808) 727-2184.
Mana Up supports companies with Hawai‘i roots
The island-based Mana Up initiative is supporting the expansion of 10 local businesses, including six owned by Native Hawaiians.
Kamehameha Schools is the title sponsor of the program designed to attract a global audience to products grown or sourced locally. The first cohort was picked from a field of 85 businesses that earn at least $100,000 in revenues annually. The 10 selected businesses are:
Hawaiian Pie Company,
Hawaiian Rainbow Bees
HawaiianVanilla Company
Kunoa Cattle Company
Mamalani
Manoa Chocolate
Manulele Distillers
Monkeypod Jam
The Tea Chest
Voyaging Foods
“We want to see Native Hawaiian businesses thrive and enter into larger markets here in Hawai‘i and around the world. This accelerator is important for our state’s economy and for Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs looking to start, grow and diversify their businesses. KS is excited to support Native Hawaiian businesses to operate at higher levels of revenue generation and give back to the lāhui,” said Stacy Clayton, executive strategy consultant in the KS Strategy & Innovation Division in a release.
