News
Nancy Erger Musicians at 2011 Music and Talk Story, Kailapa Sense of Place: Music and Talk Story A special day of Sense of Place: Music and Talk Story occurred at Kailapa Hawaiian Homestead in Kawaihae on Hawaii island on August 28, 2011. The music and stories of Kawaihae were presented by its people revitalizing community pride in the place where they live. The venue, in close proximity to Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, offered a renewing of connections. "With this project, we will bring people together at gatherings that celebrate the past, present and future of each community and allow us to appreciate and continue to nurture our unique culture." said Aric Arakaki, Trail Superintendent. Elders and youth shared familiar and forgotten stories and names of places, some which are now no longer in existence. Musicians harmonized, playing songs that honored the area. Hula dancers gracefully revealed stories with their hands. All of the participants shared what was and is unique about their place. Kailapa Community Association, Hui Kuapa (The Friends of the Future), and Ala Kahakai Trail Association partnered to draw the community together for this event. Hui Kuapa brought fourteen years of experience doing similar gatherings across the island. Two other Music and Talk Story along the trail corridor are scheduled in Kona on October 9th and in Honaunau on November 6th. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is one of nineteen national park units across the country awarded the 2011 America's Best Idea grant by the National Park Foundation. This project was made possible in part through the generous support of Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, the Anschutz Foundation and the Ahmanson Foundation. National Park Foundation America's Best Idea grant Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is one of nineteen national parks that received a National Park Foundation grant to support interactive and engaging projects that will strengthen Americans' connection with their national parks. The project "Sense of Place: Music and Talk Story" will share stories and songs of places at three locations along the trail. Ways of the Ancestors The name of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail newsletter honors the ancestors whose paths are still followed today when trails are used. Living aloha in the same way the ancestors did is an important element now and for the future. The newsletter will be published quarterly and provide updates about what is happening with the trail and its people, all of you. 
NPS Photo Signers for Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail's Memorandum of Understanding. SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Representatives of the National Park Service, State of Hawai'i, and County of Hawai'i joined together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on Sunday, February 21, 2010. The MOU focused on establishing the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail and setting forth the roles and responsibilities of each partner agency to protect and preserve the 175-mile trail corridor. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail Superintendent Aric Arakaki, Pacific West Region Deputy Regional Director Patty Neubacher, State of Hawai`i Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr., State of Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources Chairperson Laura Thielen and Hawai`i County Deputy Managing Director Wally Lau gathered together at the table to sign the document in front of a crowd of about 120 community members, park partners, and park staff. The primary focus of the agreement will be the implementation of the Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which was designated by the U.S. Congress in 2000. The CMP, released in May 2009, establishes management guidelines needed to fulfill the preservation and public use goals that were the result of community input gathered at island-wide meetings. |
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Did You Know?
Did you know in Hawaii, stones played an important role in everyday life. They were used for tools, cooking, and building walls and religious structures.