`AINA
Notes From the Land
The News Letter of Hui `Aina o Hana
Special Issue for the
5th Annual East Maui Taro Festival
April 4-6, 1997
Special Issue for the
5th Annual East Maui Taro Festival
April 4-6, 1997
President's Message
The East Maui Taro Festival is only five years old and already it is recognized as one of the premier cultural attractions in Hawai`i. From its humble beginnings as a one day event in 1993, the festival has grown to become a three day celebration of Hawaiian culture, food, music and art. The Governors, staff and advisory council of Hui `Aina O Hana wish to congratulate the East Maui Taro Festival directors, committee members and volunteers for making the festival an occasion of Hawaiian culture at it's finest.
As the celebration of kalo honors the very roots of Hawaiian culture, we are reminded that our beginnings trace back to Tahiti in the Society Islands and the many other island chains and groupings known collectively as greater Polynesia. Many of these ancestral homelands are still in accord with the ancient ways. Cultural knowledge is preserved in the daily practice of a traditional way of life in many of these islands, much like we attempt to practice here in Hana.
At the same time telecommunications has linked together even the most remote island peoples; common cultural influences are infusing with one another like never before. We explore in other stories in this special issue of `Aina: Notes from the Land ways in which culture is bridging the community of Hana with other Pacific Island peoples.
Mahalo nui loa to the many who have responded to our first newsletter with contributions, comments and suggestions. Our second regular issue of `Aina: Notes from the Land will be distributed early this Summer. If you would like more information about Hui `Aina o Hana or wish to make a donation, please contact us. Remember, He ali'i ka `aina, he kaua ke kanaka -- the land is a chief, man is a steward.
Mahalo,
Robert K. Malaiakini, President
