Defending Native Practices

Catherine Lo, Florintino Duterte, Juanito Gonzalez, Laurie Kelekoma, Dale Matsuura, Angelino Pegeder and Ben Alayvilla at Hanamaulu. Photo courtesy Mary Daubert

I just received an email from my aunt-in-law, who was the cultural expert on a case that has now been appealed to the Hawaii Supreme Court. It was inspiring, because it’s obvious she has faith in the system and looks forward to things righting themselves, as if she knows they will. She says: “Keep writing positively, informatively and factually. The public will be appreciative of the positive and critical of the negative.”

Well said, Aunty Davianna! Thank you!

I do enjoy getting to laud people in a world of bad news. Of course, I’m proud of her association with the case in question because it weighs Western law against Hawaiian cultural practices, and because she helped provide expert testimony demonstrating that Lloyd “Ikaika” Pratt had the right to practice these traditions following his citations for camping in Kalalau Valley. It’s encouraging to see the case has made it to the high court despite the Intermediate Court of Appeals upholding a lower court’s ruling stating Pratt’s actions weren’t customary. The case has been taken by the Supreme Court thanks to the petition of attorney Dan Hempey (yes, the one who took on Superferry). It will be interesting, if not historical, to see how this plays out at its court date slated for May 19 …

22 Degrees North’s award-winning logo. Tsunami Marketing photo

Kudos to all those who spent early Saturday morning April 16 helping clean up Hanama’ulu Beach Park – including Kaua’i County employees. Eddie Sarita, Kaua’i County Adopt-a-Park coordinator and organizer of the event, says volunteers donated nearly $10,000 worth of hard, manual labor, including painting, landscaping and pressure washing. Parks and Recreation director

Lenny Rapozo says the park is ready to be enjoyed. Thanks also to Alibi Motorcycle Club, American Medical Response ambulance service Hanama‘ulu Neighborhood Association, Kapa‘a Missionary Church, Kaua‘i Drug Court, Kaua‘i Visayan Club, Koa Puna Motorcycle Club, the Philippine Island Hawai‘i Island Cycling Club, Kaua‘i Police Department and Ernie Pasion. For more information about the county’s Adopt-a-Park program, email esarita@kauai.gov …

It is in the spirit of inclusiveness that Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. will host a day of prayer to begin at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, May 5, in the Lihu’e Civic Center Mo’ikeha Courtyard. Though spiritual in nature, the event is nondenominational and all faiths are encouraged to participate. …

Kapa‘a Library student helper Serene Hope (left) and former county councilwoman Lani Kawahara. Photo courtesy Lani Kawahara

I knew since the first time dining on ono, high-end sustainable food at 22 Degrees North that the restaurant was onto something, as its “Farm to Table” concept was branded in everything from its recycled wine bottle water glasses to fleeting daily menus. But apparently it’s also all in a logo, as the innovative eatery was just awarded top honors from the Hawaii Advertising Federation for its clever logo (designed by Tsunami Marketing), and silver and bronze awards acknowledging its print ad campaigns at the BIG Show 2011 Pele (ADDY) Awards …

Celebrating good times doesn’t have to be done with drugs or alcohol, and “May Day by the Bay” aims to prove just that. Hanalei Hawaiian Civic Club will host the event from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday at Wai’oli Beach Park. It will include ono grinds, a silent auction and music by Ku Halele’a, Local Breeze, the Makaha Sons, slack-key guitar great Nathan Aweau, Kanak Attack and Jonathan Ho’omanawanui. The celebration also offers hula workshops at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., with ‘ukulele workshops at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Workshops cost $25 …

Naomi Yokotake. From Friends North Shore Library

It’s that time of year again, when funnel cakes and enough flying saucers to make your head spin mean the ladies of the Kapa’a Saint Catherine Parish have been cooking all week long to donate food for the annual carnival at the church, located at 5021 Kawaihau Road. The carnival, from 5 to 11 p.m. this Friday, May 6, and 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 7, helps subsidize tuition for local keiki. This year’s carnival also will include silent auction items ranging from the much-talked-about Kanani American Girl Doll to must-have Vitamix blenders, sunset cruises and Zipline tours …

Friends of the North Shore Library just celebrated Princeville Library’s 12th anniversary. Entertainment included Naomi Yokotake and her Halau o Hanalei, and John Kaneholani and his keiki ‘ukulele players. Happy 12th, Princeville Library! …

Speaking of libraries, former county councilwoman and Kapa’a Library branch manager Lani Kawahara asks that we thank Priscilla Leong of Kapa’a who recently donated $5,000 to Kapa’a Public Library. Leong, a longtime president of the Friends of Kapa’a Public Library, is a former Kapa’a Elementary School librarian. Kawahara says the money will help purchase materials for youths, adding that thanks to Leong the library’s collections will continue grow …

Brian Barretto of the Kaua’i Motocross Riders Association wants us to congratulate his talented keiki, including Art Rosqueta and Eddie Silliman, 3, (who recently finished his first race). He also wanted to recognize participants in the April 17 event, including first-place finishers Chris North, TylerHirakawa, Randall Osakoda, Talan GoiasArzadon, Puna Gallardo, Teagan Amorin, ChavaGreenlee, David Amorin and Treysen Barretto …

Kaua’i UnderGround Artists director Lila Metzger, who heads the local nonprofit with the mission of planting seeds of creativity through dance, music and lyrics, has been working to help effect positive change on-island. KUGA’s efforts include promoting a drug-free culture and trying to put a dent in on-island. The third-annual Love Life Creative Festival and All-Styles dance showcase will take place from 4:30 to 10 p.m. May 26 at Kaua’i War Memorial Convention Hall. The born-and-raised Kalaheo girl says it’s amazing to see how members of the community come together to put on this inspiring event, which encourages participation by local dance groups, fashion designers, artists, photographers, poets, jewelry makers and business owners. She notes the “event and those involved are set on reminding Kaua’i there is so much of life to be loved, and it comes through discovering a passion and a purpose bigger than oneself.” Nice …

Last but not least, what would May be without the tradition of recognizing our mothers? Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! Of course, many mothers appreciate flowers on such a day, and in honor of that tradition, the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Po’ipu will host a free open house in its garden, with trams beginning their sojourn at 9:30 a.m. and ending 1:30 p.m. The event will include live music and a plant and crafts sale, rain or shine. For more information, call 742-2433 …