HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-23 Historical-Cultural Subcommittee Meeting NotesNorth Kohala Commununity
Cultural and Historical Preservation Sub -Committee
June 23, 2015
Kapa'au - Kohala Civic Center
Present: Faye Yates, Lucy Cipriani, Maydean Bowman, Mamo Shontell, Joellyn Tadio,
Lana, Lewis, Kalani Heinicke
Mission Statement:
"Identify research, register, and document history of Historic sites of North Kohala as
well as natural resources that support traditional cultural practices". Practice & share
cultural traditions with our community and Youth.
From April through June some of us Kupuna practiced riding horseback to prepare to
ride with the youth in the "Annual Kamehameha Day Parade" as Pa'u Riders. The
Kupuna rode to honor our Elders & ancestors and the youth rode representing each
of the Islands as well as honoring the Kupuna. Besides riding practices, each rider
had to learn to make their own personal leis as well as leis for their horses. Making
the horse leis was very time consuming and labor intensive, truly a learning
experience for all.
The history of the pa`u dates back to the 1800s following the arrival of the first horses
in 1803. Queen Emma was known to ride horseback. Pa'u is a type of culotte or skirt,
made of a single piece of fabric, usually nine or 12 yards in length, wrapped around
the rider in such a way as to flow over the stirrups and to the ground. The pa`u is held
in place with kukui nuts that are twisted inside the fabric, tucked into the waistband
for a secure fit. "The pa`u was originally worn as a protective covering to keep a
woman's fancy garment from getting soiled on the way to a party or gathering,"
"Since the early 1900s, Pa'u riders have brought a unique Hawaiian style to floral
parades across the state as well as many parades in Cities across the U.S. Mainland.
Approx. 15 Kupuna from our community have been working with P&R and Queen
Liliuokalani Children's' Trust on Tuesdays & Thursdays during Summer Fun. Children
ages 9 and older from Summer Fun have been the participants in this program. Some of
the classes included "hands on" experience in stenciling a kihei (cape) or (Kikepa-under
one arm, tied over other shoulder), making a (Mini) feather kahili, chanting (oli), hula
noho (sitting dance), songs, origami art, kite making, summer rolls & sushi preparation.
Submitted by Faye Yates, Chr.