In this Kūkahekahe, we celebrate ka lā piha makahiki he ʻumi, the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center and the realization of a long-awaited dream of Myron “Pinky” Thompson!
As one of the great community leaders of his generation, Myron “Pinky” Thompson served the lāhui, Hawaiʻi, and the Pacific with distinction, and his work continues to have an impact far beyond his lifetime.
Thompson was a pivotal leader of social service organizations like the Queen Liliʻuokalani Children’s Center, Alu Like, Papa Ola Lōkahi, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society. He served our Princess as a Kamehameha Schools trustee for twenty years, from 1974 to 1994.
Thompson believed that culture was key to improving all aspects of the lives of Hawaiians; from self-concept, psyche, health, educational achievement, to well-being. He had a vision for a gathering place of cultural learning and healing, which was inspired by a connection across Moananuiākea, the vast Pacific universe that was first explored and settled by our ancestors, who were among the greatest navigators on earth.
In 1985 as part of the celebrations surrounding the historic arrival of Hōkūleʻa to Waitangi, Aotearoa, Thompson observed the rich culture and pride evident in Māori youth at Te Tii Marae. He saw the marae as a gathering place for Māori families, as well as a place for cultural learning and healing. This inspiring experience led to his dream of establishing such a place for Native Hawaiians in Hawaiʻi.
After years of planning, perseverance, and dedication, Uncle’ Pinky’s dream became a reality on September 26, 2012 with the opening of the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center. His understanding of the strength of Hawaiian culture and a shared identity rooted in Moananuiākea has allowed his hoʻoilina, his legacy of aloha, to empower current and future generations to thrive and enrich those pages of our history which are not yet written.
VISIONS OF THE DARK
As Kaʻiwakīloumoku celebrates its tenth anniversary, our Kamehameha ʻohana is invited to learn more about Uncle Pinky. The film “Visions in the Dark” recounts the pivotal moments in his life, including the events which served as a catalyst for his dream of the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center.
My father said this is a place that you need to bring people together… That’s why this is a place that we know is a commitment not just to Hawai‘i, not just to Hawaiians, but to the Pacific. And that my father knew that in the end, Ka‘iwakīloumoku was ultimately supposed to be a place to heal.
Nainoa Thompson
TAGS
kaʻiwakīloumoku
CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Themes, Culture, Community, Newsroom, Department News, Ho‘okahua, Oiwi Leaders
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