Two Kamehameha Schools graduates have teamed up to honor the memory of KS founder Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in a very special way.

Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musician and composer Chad Takatsugi, who moonlights as KS’ Advertising and Direct Marketing manager, recently released his debut solo CD titled “Ahuwale.”

Takatsugi, who was a member of the popular Hawaiian musical group ʻAleʻa from 1997 to 2005, composed the music for “He Wehi No Pauahi” (An Adornment for Pauahi) with lyrics written by Kahikina de Silva, a Hawaiian language kumu at the University of Hawaiʻi and a kumu hula as well.

The song is the first single released from the CD and is now playing on local radio stations.

“The vision was to add to the library of mele that honor the name of Pauahi and to bring a new composition to Hawaiʻi’s listening audience that will remember the importance of her contributions,” Takatsugi said.

“Pauahi has been a central figure for me for as long as I can remember. My mother is a graduate. I am a graduate, a scholarship recipient and now a staff member as well, so I owe more to Pauahi than I could ever repay. Honoring her name in mele and hula is a good start.”

“Chad and I are both – pua a Pauahi – children of our beloved aliʻi – and he had wanted to create a new mele that would put her name back in the music mainstream,” de Silva said. “I am always inspired by Pauahi, not only for her foresight in seeing how to help generations of Hawaiian children long after she passed into pō, but also for the fortitude of spirit that she showed in seeing her vision through.”

De Silva said the former KS tradition of having each graduating senior offer a single red rose to Pauahi on her birthday – placing that rose in vases or baskets on her tomb at Mauna ‘Ala – was the inspiration for the song’s lyrics.

“My family has long been involved in the decoration of Mauna ʻAla for Founder’s Day, so I have witnessed many classes of seniors giving that hoʻokupu,” de Silva said.

“Each year, there would always be a handful of students who were obviously affected by that moment, giving a honi to the rose before placing it in the vase, uttering a word of thanks, or sharing a teary moment with their aliʻi, reflecting on their relationship with her.

“That was always the most beautiful expression of makeʻe aliʻi for me, and thinking of it again gave life to this mele. That is why the fourth verse begins ‘Pua rose kaukahi kaʻu i aloha’ – it is the single rose that I love.”

There are other KS connections featured on the album, which has six original songs and seven “classics,” as well.

In the song lineup, “He Wehi No Pauahi” is preceded by and paired with “Nākolokolo Ka Lani” written by KS Executive Culture Officer Dr. Randie Fong. That is the chant that was written in 1987 in celebration of the centennial anniversary of Kamehameha Schools. The chant is now a standard part of the choral repertoire and performed every year at Founder’s Day by the senior men.

“He Aloha Nuʻuanu,” another original song, was co-written by Takatsugi and his wife and fellow Kamehameha graduate Dr. Lisa Takatsugi, who is a KS data analyst.

The CD was produced by KS graduate Shawn Pimental and other graduates contributing to the musical production include Ryan Gonzalez, Zachary Lum, and Glenn Mayeda Jr.

“This project was important to me because I wanted to build upon the concept that other haku mele (composers) have established before me – that the stories and songs of our people are now, and will always be, dynamic, alive and relevant,” Takatsugi said.

“The audience that will respond most to this project are those with whom the stories will resonate. The songs are about love, caution, trust, betrayal, history and the future. Hula practitioners should also respond favorably because of the hula-friendly approach to the music that celebrates the innate bond between mele and hula.”

“I am so excited for my friend, and for the boost his work is giving to our music and our Lāhui,” de Silva said. “It takes guts – naʻau – to put one’s own haku mele skills out in public with new compositions. It takes guts to rely so much on one’s friends and compatriots in music to create, collaboratively, a beautiful and stirring work of art.

“And what Chad has shown us of his musical naʻau makes me at once proud and humbled to be Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). I look forward to more.”

On Oct. 7, 2015, “He Wehi No Pauahi” launched on iTunes and hit No. 2 on the iTunes world music chart. “Ahuwale” is available online and at music stores everywhere.

Pauahi has been a central figure for me for as long as I can remember. My mother is a graduate. I am a graduate, a scholarship recipient and now a staff member as well, so I owe more to Pauahi than I could ever repay. Honoring her name in mele and hula is a good start.
Chad Takatsugi, KS Advertising and Direct Marketing Manager

“He Wehi No Pauahi” lyricist Kahikina de Silva and her daughter Kaʻili were among the more than 200 friends and family members who attended musician/composer Chad Takatsugi’s CD release party. Takatsugi also serves as KS’ Advertising and Direct Marketing manager. View the journey of creating the hit CD in the video below.

The album cover art for “Ahuwale” (exposed, conspicuous, prominent) is Takatsugi's way of embracing the composite of himself, flaws and all.

“He Wehi No Pauahi” lyrics. Click to enlarge.

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