‘Oli Taught Ahead of Hōkūle‘a Homecoming

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs in partnership with Kaneokana and Kamehameha Schools is hosting a series of workshops to teach an ʻoli or traditional Hawaiian chant, that will be voiced as Hōkūleʻa concludes her historic worldwide journey during a homecoming celebration next weekend.

The chant will be voiced in unison as Hōkūleʻa pulls in to Kālia, Oʻahu (Magic Island) on Saturday, June 17, 2017.

The workshops are taking place across Oʻahu and are being facilitated by Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, in collaboration with kumu from across Oʻahu.

Hōkūleʻa is returning home after successfully voyaging across Earth and sharing the message of Mālama Honua.  Since departing Hawaiian waters in May 2014, Hōkūleʻa has sailed more than 31,000 nautical miles and made stops in 16 countries.

The vessel is now on her 31st and final leg of the journey, which has included participation from some 200 volunteer crew members

The ʻoli is being offered as a kāhea to hui, kula, hālau, and ‘ohana—everyone who supports the promise of Mālama Honua—to stand together as a lāhui.

Remaining Hōkūleʻa Mele Workshops include the following:

Papakōlea Community Center
Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 6:00 p.m.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs – Nā Lama Kukui
560 N. Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817
Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 6:30 p.m.

Waialua Community Association Gym (Across Haleʻiwa Post Office)
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 7 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/hokuleawwv/videos/1387339811348221/

The public is invited to a free homecoming celebrating Hōkūleʻa’s return to O‘ahu on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Magic Island in Ala Moana Regional Park. The event is sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu and the Polynesian Voyaging Society, with the support of federal and state partners.

The first canoes to greet the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will begin arriving at 7 a.m. The Hōkūleʻa and the Hikianalia will then sail in and dock at Magic Island at 9 a.m., with an official welcome ceremony to follow at 10 a.m. A musical Ho‘olaule‘a will begin at 1 p.m. and go until 5:30 p.m.

Parking restrictions at Ala Moana will be in place before and after the event. The Magic Island parking lot will be closed from Thursday, June 15 through Saturday, June 17 for event staging. The “keyhole” parking area next to McCoy Pavilion will be closed from Saturday, June 17 through Wednesday, June 21 for security and first responder staging. Parking in the makai lane of Ala Moana Boulevard, which is normally permitted on weekends, will be prohibited all day on June 17 between Kamakeʻe Street and Atkinson Drive. Ala Moana Park Drive will remain open for drop-offs, but police may close the roadway if overcrowding occurs.

Free parking will be available at McKinley High School, and paid parking will be available at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center. TheBus will provide regular service to Ala Moana and bicycling is encouraged.

The Ala Moana Regional Park tennis courts will be closed all day on June 17.

The Honolulu Police Department and Department of Emergency Management are coordinating security in the park. The U.S. Coast Guard, the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Services Department Division of Ocean Safety, the Honolulu Fire Department, and Polynesian Voyaging Society are teaming up to provide on-water safety and security for the homecoming.

Capt. Michael Long, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu said, “We recognize the incredible outpouring of public interest and support surrounding the homecoming of the Hōkūleʻa. Along with DOCARE, we want to ensure that this is a safe, enjoyable, and memorable time with our primary focus being on the safety of all waterway users and responders while we honor the cultural significance of this event.”

On Saturday, June 17, 2017, Hōkūleʻa is scheduled to sail from a mooring to Waikīkī and then up the Ala Wai Canal to Magic Island and transition to the Hawai‘i Convention Center June 18, where it will be on public display for five days. “For its transit to Waikīkī, water safety assets will be enforcing a 100-foot security perimeter around Hōkūleʻa,” said DOCARE Enforcement Chief Robert Farrell. All crossing traffic will be prohibited on Hōkūleʻa’s final approach to the Ala Wai Canal.

Additionally, DOCARE officers will be enforcing all applicable boating rules in ocean waters and in the Ala Wai channel. The Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor boat ramp will be closed on June 17 from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Only vessels returning to port will be allowed in the Ala Wai. All motorized traffic will be asked to turn around and stay out of the canal as the canoes and Hōkūleʻa transit up the Ala Wai to their mooring. Following the Hōkūleʻa’s mooring, all motor vessels wishing to transit will require an escort.

Additional reminders from DOCARE and the USCG are centered on keeping all waterway users safe during the homecoming. Operators are reminded not to boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol and to comply with all state and federal regulations regarding life jackets and other safety equipment. Capt. Long and Chief Farrell said their primary concern is the safety of all waterway users during this historic event.

City and County of Honolulu departments supporting this event include the Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Fire Department, Department of Emergency Services, Department of Emergency Management, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of Transportation Services.