OHA grants honor Hawaiian tradition

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees approved today $375,000 in community grants to the Bishop Museum, Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), and King William Charles Lunalilo Trust Estate for projects linking generations of Hawaiian Tradition across pre-contact, post-contact and modern times.

File photo/graphic.

The Bishop Museum received $100,000 for an exhibit featuring three Ku images from across the world symbolizing the Native Hawaiian pursuit of self-determination.  One image arrives from England and another from Massachusetts, completing the assembly of the representation of pre-contact times.

“Without OHA’s participation there is no way that this historic opportunity to bring about the re-unification of these three Kū images for the first time in 170 years would happen,” said Tim Johns, president and CEO of Bishop Museum.

The King William Charles Lunalilo Trust Estate received $150,000 to make whole the successful restoration of King Lunalilo’s royal tomb at Kawaiaha`o Church. King Lunalilo, first elected King to the Throne and sixth monarch in post-contact Hawai’i dedicated his assets and lands for care of Hawaiian Elders (Kupuna).  According to OHA officials, care of his resting place elevates his legacy to serve Hawaiian Elders.

“Going forward we have many, many things that we’re looking at doing and because of this grant, we’re going to be able to pursue these interests for the benefit of our Kūpuna,” said Harvey McInerny, Chairperson of King William Charles Lunalilo Trust Estate.

The Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts received $125,000 for a first-ever Nä Hökū o Hawai`i Music Conference and educational workshops enabling Native Hawaiian entrepreneurs whose products are music, performance and recording to pursue and achieve business success in modern times.

“OHA has always been a strong supporter of the arts and music, especially to our Academy, and we’re honored and encouraged to see this continuation,” said John Aeto, HARA board member.

OHA Board of Trustees Chairperson Haunani Apoliona said, “I commend the work of all three awardee groups who honor and elevate appreciate for Native Hawaiians, generations past and present.  I congratulate the OHA Board of Trustees for their support of these three awardees and countless other community change agents that have received OHA financial support over this decade.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher;  Supporting information courtesy OHA)