Photos by Kathleen Connelly
Ke Kumulipo-Ke Kuini-Ke Kuleana was truly a night of reflection, fellowship and inspiration. As the voices of four Kumu, supported by many of their haumāna, filled Punahou’s Thurston Memorial Chapel on Friday, Sept. 12, the night began in darkness and reverberating voices chanting the first lines of the skillfully crafted, 2102 line mele, Ke Kumulipo. As the lights came up to reveal the full pews of the Chapel, the Kumu shared their own genealogies and connections to the mele. Further conversation revealed the journey each has had with the study, the lessons, and the preparation of students to be able to perform the entirety of it.
As a part of Fridayʻs presentation, each Kumu prepared an excerpt of the Kumulipo that their own haumāna had studied and would have the kuleana of performing on Sunday. With each presentation, the audience was treated to an analysis of the chosen piece and various vocal stylings particular to both Kumu and meaning from the mele. After thoughtful questions from the audience, the evening wrapped up with each Kumu offering words of advice to our audience; read the Kumulipo, because the answer to every question you could ask is there; participate in elements of culture, because Hawaiʻi is the one thing we all have in common; and attend the event on Sunday, because it is important to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Surrounded by culture, food and community, the evening offered a glimpse into the wisdom and kuleana guiding Sunday’s historic recitation at ʻIolani Palace, and to the kuleana we all have to shephard and steward the knowledge of the past so that the lessons of ka wā ma mua-before, continue to ground, teach, and guide us today, and into the future.
If you were unable to join us in person, we invite you to view this recording of the event which was live streamed on YouTube, courtesy of Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition.