HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0707.001 2020-2022 e �2a22
COUNTY CLURK Comm.7
tCOUNTY OF IN N'7 1 i
HUAMAKAxIKINA Z012 P 51 4 e 7
April 3, 2022
RE: Testimony in Strong Support of Resolution 362-22.
Aloha mai, e na L"ala o ka `Aha Kuka o Hawaii Mokupuni,
Huamakahikina is a coalition of Kumu Hula, open to all Kumu Hula and representing the breadth
of Hula Lineages, standing together for the purpose of organizing and advocating on behalf of
Kumu Hula and the `oihana of Hula itself. Huamakahikina formed and ratified the
"Huamakahikina Declaration on the Integrity, Stewardship, and Protection of Hula" on August
21-22, 2021, at the Kupukal"ala Kumu Hula Convention, which brought together 201 lineally
acknowledged Kumu Hula from across the Pae`aina o Hawaii, 10 states of the United States of
America, and the countries of Japan,New Zealand, French Polynesia, France, and Spain. The
Huamakahikina Declaration has already been adopted by the Maui County Council through
resolution CC 21-484, in November, 2021.
Hula—a constitutionally protected traditional and customary practice—is not only integral to
Kanaka Maoli,but to the local culture and identity of the entire State. Although Hula is a
tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Kanaka Maoli, it is nondiscriminatory in that its
traditions and knowledge are available to all who would dedicate themselves to it. Halau Hula
and Kumu Hula have contributed to the County of Hawaii for decades. As experts in traditional
knowledge and leaders of our community, Kumu Hula uphold and instill the importance of
environmental stewardship; we educate `ohana from keiki to kupuna; we tell and celebrate the
stories of our home, and sing of its beauty; we bring both joy and pride to our island; and, Hula
events are important contributors to the island's economy.
On page 3 of the Huamakahikina Declaration, the 201 ratifiers delineate historic challenges to
Hula—specifically those regarding its abuse, ignorance about it, its lack of protections, lack of
equity for its masters and practitioners, and deficits of government-sourced resourcing and
funding.
Recognizing that existing laws and policies are inadequate for the protection and support of
Hula, Huamakahikina calls upon policymakers to develop and implement policies and practices
consistent with this Declaration, in full consultation with Kumu Hula. In accordance with pono
and the kuleana of Kumu Hula, through consensus and without reservation, and as is consistent
with the"HO`ALA: Call to Action" of the Declaration, the Membership of Huamakahikina calls
upon the Council of the County of Hawaii to embrace the letter and intent of the
"Huamakahikina Declaration on the Integrity, Stewardship, and Protection of Hula"through
Resolution 362-22.
Me ka `oia`io,
The Membership of Huamakahikina
t
HUAMAKAHIKINA
Co: n-a. No
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eAFN — 2022