Facing Hawaii's Future: The Value of Hawaii

Fresh Café was the recent scene of a all-ages, all-day event, showcasing art and digital media workshops, slam poetry, bands, and multi-media installations.

Arts as a reflection of community values stood at the forefront of public discussion surrounding the newly released book, The Value of Hawai‘i: Knowing the Past, Shaping the Future.

I'm Not a Fan. Really.

Driving past He‘eia Kea Pier each day, I found myself increasingly transfixed by the quasi-pirate ship, its occupants, and the increasing waves of Pirate fans.

But, though my interest was piqued, I had fancied myself a writer of important stuff. No way was I going to waste my time with movies or movie stars.

However, after a few beers at a baby luau, I got bold and decided to check it out. Having convinced my girlfriend that “just one look” was enough to satisfy my curiosity, we headed out to the pier.

While there definitely was a buzz about, with police at the entrance and big dudes in yellow security coats skirting around like bumble bees, I had yet to see any Pirate cohorts – much less the infamous, Jack Sparrow, aka Johnny Depp.

Why Save Makua?

By Andrea DeCosta, Editor in Chief 

Photo by Megumi Abe

Ask many native Hawaiian activists about reasons for saving Makua Valley and it all comes back to one word. Kuleana.

In the Hawaiian culture, kuleana is often coupled with other cultural practices, such as ho‘oponopono, which allow individuals to find agreement with one another. Within the natural world, this balance has been sought in many areas of Hawai‘i – most recently, Makua Valley on leeward Oahu.

UH professor, Kahu Kaleo Patterson led his PACE485 class, “Topics in Peace and Conflict Resolution”, on a field trip to Makua Valley to demonstrate the value of ho‘oponopono within the larger community. In doing so, students are exposed to issues of sovereignty and reconciliation which have long divided the community.

Since 1943, the Army has controlled the valley, utilizing it for live fire training which many claim has undermined sacred cultural spaces and the fragile ecosystem. Militaristic use of native sacred lands has incited the ire of those families displaced by the military occupation.

Operating under a lease with the state through 2029, the Army appears intent on maintaining their position at Makua and improving their public image. Under the direction of Col. Matthew Margotta, the Army has formed a coalition of organizations and individuals that represent the community, with plans to work together toward a resolution. For many, this resolution cannot come soon enough.

Descendant of displaced residents and long-time activist, William Aila, points to a five-generation plan for restoration. Aila, a member of Hui Malama of Makua, refers to efforts which would turn the area into an economic engine for the Waianae coast, “They already made a promise to return it and we do want it back.”

In a recent AP release, Aila was critical of the coalition and frustrated at being left out of the process. “It’s great for PR,” said Aila, “to give the impression that things are hunky-dory here in Hawaii. But it doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground.”

That reality includes what some claim is the desecration of three heiau’s, a devastating “planned” brush fire in 2003 that consumed half of the 7-mile area, and the newly discovered human bones which are indicative of more burial sites. These factors form the underpinning of the conflict, as well as the source of "kuleana", or responsibility, so heavy on the minds of many within the community.

According to Aila, “Saving Makua is important to demonstrate our kuleana, honor our ancestors, and honor the generations that have yet to come.”

To learn more, visit http://www.maoliworld.com/group/savemakua

Editor in Chief : Andrea DeCosta

Political science and ethnic studies just weren’t interesting enough – so I thought I'd throw in a little journalism to practice my writing, and voila!

Like Alice falling into the rabbit hole, my latest decision (to manage a webzine on a lark) is full of twists and turns – I hope to find a friendly toadstool to rest upon when the trip is over.

When not rounding up contributors for the next issue, I can be found reading books by Said and Zinn on the beach...dreaming of distant shores.

Read more of Andrea's work here.

Depp soars with Babybird in music video directorial debut

by Andrea DeCosta

Honours go to actor, musician, and now, music director, Johnny Depp for reviving the iconoclastic and mostly dormant UK band, Babybird.

Lead singer and long time front man, Stephen Jones reflects back to when he was “summoned to…meet” Depp during the filming of Finding Neverland in 2003. England’s Islington Tribune reports Jones’ first encounter with Depp’s backside, as the start of making beautiful music together.

Working to promote the band’s newest offering, “Ex-Maniac”, Jones recently dished the details for reporter, Roisin Gadelrab - including acknowledging that there had not been another studio session planned when Depp stepped into the mix.

As if invoking the magic of the legendary playwright James M. Barrie, the musician in Depp appears to have found renewed inspiration and purpose: breathing life back into a deflated Babybird.

Aloha Monday!

Life on the web is certainly an interesting venue…so much content being offered, with businesses and ideas vying for your attention - and your cash.

But, as many have reminded us…all the best things in life are free.

The past four weeks have brought a myriad of changes to the look of Ka Lamakua, as we continue to work to improve our delivery and content for readers. The coming weeks will bring additional changes - a revamped layout, new sections, blog outlets for reader comment/submission, and a brand new staff of artists to inform and entertain you.

As a student run publication, the new staff represents the diversity and ingenuity that is the hallmark of our island culture. They come with willing hearts and a desire to enhance your day.

Best of all, they are dedicated to delivering a high quality experience at no expense to you.

I invite you, our readers, to continue following our progress…and no shame – tell us if you see something we need to fix!

Aloha and best wishes to all!

Andrea

Sharing stories of sisterhood and hope

by Andrea DeCosta

Kim Zipp on the job at UHFCU

Kim Zipp is a woman on fire. Just two years since being diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer, Zipp exemplifies the type of determination that perhaps only another survivor can understand.

Acknowledging her lax attitude toward breast examination, Zipp admits she was not as vigilant, performing only occasional checks. So, at 36, when Zipp discovered a lump on her left breast, she didn’t put it together with cancer.

Aloha World!

Working into week three of the new tenure, I would like to once again give thanks to our Ka Lamakua friends and extended family for their support and patience during this reorganization.

This includes a big shout out to Amanda Stevens, from Dream on Consulting, and photographer James Anshutz – these two have rocked my world! Dream on Consulting presented Chic in the City, a Susan G. Komen event to benefit breast cancer education and awareness.

Held Friday night at Dole Cannery Ballroom, organizers ended the cosmo driven evening well after midnight with a viewing of Sex in the City 2. And, while the sexy vixens of SIC are in top shape, perhaps its time to call it a night for the fab four.

Thanks to James and Amanda, a newbie (like me) was able to rub shoulders with up and coming fashion designers and UH graduates, like Sierra Dew and Jodi Salmonson. The fashion show was incredible – with some very interesting use of textures and materials taking to the runway for an appreciative crowd.

I had to thank my lucky stars, as I caught a quick chit-chat with Campbell HS graduate, and America’s Next Top Model 1^st runner-up, Anya Rozova.

The weekend closed with a long day at the Lantern Lighting Festival...too many goose bump moments to mention now - but all will be revealed soon.

Please check out future issues for stories about the Chic in the City, Susan G. Komen benefit event, Hawaii’s up and coming fashion divas, aspiring artists, lively discussion about cultural events, musical and poetic expressionists, and so much more.

Efforts are underway to better improve the look, performance and interactivity of our site – all intended to deliver an enhanced reader experience. Living doesn’t happen in a box…and definitely not within the confines of a digitized screen.

In addition to a professional delivery system, our aim is to provide news which integrates the arts and culture into daily living – demonstrating art as being fundamental to life.

During the process of updating our site and service, we will be expanding our reach and welcome suggestions, inquiries and contributions from all artists, of any genre. Be part of the change in this world – contribute to Ka Lamakua!

Aloha,

Andrea

Facebook faux pas

By Andrea DeCosta, Editor

Under fire from users and consumers advocates, Facebook has apologized for what they admit are flaws in their privacy settings that may leave personal information vulnerable.

Aloha Friday!

With the end of the first week as Editor in Chief coming to a close, I would like to thank all my friends -old and new- for their support.

This Aloha Friday is for all of you out there...whoever and wherever you may be.

Namaste,

Andrea

PacMan celebrates 30 years - from Google doodle to gaming history

by Andrea DeCosta

Long considered a cultural and gaming icon, PAC-MAN, along with gal-pal, Ms. PAC-MAN, and leagues of loyal followers, celebrates three decades of fun. A hit soon after its 1980 release in the United States, the Bandai Namco Games creation attracted the interest of gamers, young and old - many braving long waits for a chance to run the maze.

Evading the jaws of a punctuation eating parade of brightly hued gobbling critters, and their trademark tunes, was PAC-MAN’s main thrust. The Japanese video game boasted simple, easy to understand rules, and cute, colorful characters. The desire to attract an audience beyond the male spectrum is the primary rationale used by developers, who cite the main character’s yellow hue as an effort to promote the sense of a peaceful PAC-MAN.

Combining fun and quirky characters, unique visual and musical sound effects, and subtle humor, PAC-MAN propelled the gaming industry from dark, testosterone filled back rooms, into the forefront of international business and cultural prominence. Japan’s Toru Iwatami, the games designer, talks of sewing stuffed prototypes of merchandise himself – products ultimately destined for toy stores and the hearts of children worldwide.

With more than 100,000 games and 400 different types of related merchandise sold in the USA each year,  PAC-MAN has gone on to become one of Japan’s all-time best-selling games. In the United States alone, PAC-MAN received additional airplay with its own cartoon and adult programming. In 2005, PAC-MAN was acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as the “Most Successful Coin-Operated Game”.

The advances of PAC-MAN have created an entirely new market for gaming and video game platforms, from home gaming consoles, like Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo Entertainment System, to individual, hand-held versions. No Christmas list would be complete without the mention of a video game – or two.

Even those of us tethered to our cell phones can thank the amiable yellow chap for advances in what would become the seventh grail of mass media communication – mobile phone technology. Perhaps Iwatami-san was on to something – bringing together the forces of creativity, innovation, and social networking may well prove to be a universal design for peace.

2nd UNESCO World Conference on Arts Education

By Andrea DeCosta

Arts in education as key to international relations, is the latest UN pitch in advance of the 2010 World Conference being held next week in Seoul. 

The event, held May 25-28, 2010, in South Korea’s capital city, is sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). UNESCO, which sponsored an earlier 2006 conference in Lisbon, has built upon those original ideals, promoting shared goals, challenges and best practices in the area of arts education. 

Created more than half a century ago, UNESCO is the United Nations response to nuclear proliferation and militarism, answering the UN’s Constitutional call to defend mankind through enlightenment of the mind. 

This year’s theme focuses on how “arts and culture are connecting threads that weave into a global fabric” – touting arts in education as the 21^st century salvo for what ails our world governments. Who knew that the path to world peace was as close as a box of Crayola crayons. 

Through an adept pairing of creative expression and education, artists, professionals and activists seek to enhance global appreciation for cultural diversity. It is their belief that this dynamic duo will ultimately lead to improved international relations – and, yes, world peace for all of humanity.