On June 9, the focal point in New York was to commemorate World Oceans Day events hosted by the United Nations. The theme: Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet.
It was there that our Big Island team came together. Students of Kanu o Ka Aina, Sen. Kai Kahele, Mayor Billy Kenoi, County Council Chair Dru Kanuha and me, among others, who greeted the Hokulea in New York on June 5. We all ventured to the East to acknowledge and honor Hokulea and especially our Big Island crew, Kalepa Babayan, Kalani, the Bertelmans, among many.
It was important for us to be there. Our Hawaii Island is surrounded by water. We are dependent on the ocean for sustenance, recreation, solace and beauty.
Upon arrival of Hokulea at North Cove Marina, New York, the crew was first greeted by Shinnecock Indians arriving alongside Hokulea in their own native canoes. Awesome sight. Exchanging gifts, dances, treasured items, native medicines, and awa with Native Hawaiians were memorable moments. Our Hawaii hula dancers, and oli was provided by Manu Boyd (Kamehameha Schools), Kanu o Ka Aina, Keali’i Gora, and others.
William Ornellas, followed by Nainoa Thompson, hosted the event. Following the traditional protocols, captains and navigators Blakenfield, Babayan, Archie Kalepa (safety officer), and other members were honored. It was special to hear a presentation from the solar pilots who encircled the globe at the same time of Hokulea’s journey.
Other highlights of the week included (1) Lecture from professor Lilikala Kameeleihiwa on Hawaiian and Tahitian temples measuring the elements: (2) Evening with the navigators at the American Museum of Natural History; (3) The Hawaiian Legend of Eddie Aikau screening (4) Liberty Challenge Talk of Patagonia: Navigators talking story; (4) United Nation’s Day “Mission of Palau” chaired by Palau’s ambassador, which included ambassadors from 10 Nations honoring the mission of Hokulea and supporting the passage of resolutions to protect our oceans; (5) Reception featuring wine/hors d’oeuvres and entertainment provided by Hawaiian Airlines at the United Nations. (6) 2016 Liberty Challenge Canoe Race on the Hudson River.
Starting in the early ‘70s, I was a volunteer (sanding, food crew, securing appropriations) at the inception of Hokulea’s infancy and continued to kokua on the Hawaii Loa canoe. I also “crewed” on Hawai Loa from Waianae to Waikiki. I cried and almost died that day! There was no wind that October day and we had to pick up the Aloha Week Royal Court in Waikiki at a specified time. I remember fondly Uncle Pinky Thompson, Uncle Kawika, Uncle Mau Piailug, who, in my opinion, would all never have envisioned a “world” voyage. Mahalo, Nainoa.
The journey to New York was a tiresome one, as I was on my way to Western Samoa for business and made a slight diversion at the last moment to honor our Ambassadors of the Ocean, our Hokulea crew. Mahalo, Papa Mau Piailug for teaching our Nainoa what you know best. The ocean.
Lei Kihoi is a resident of Captain Cook