May 21, 2012
Contributed by ksinfo
The book is a collection of 25 chants from the epic tales of Pele and Hi'iaka, also receiving recognition with the Award of Excellence for Hawaiian Language, Culture and History, at the HBPA's recent Ka Palapala Po'okela ceremony.
"The voices of our ancestors reverberate through the brilliant insights of our foremost keeper of Hawaiian cultural knowledge," UH Mānoa Professor of Ethnic Studies Davianna Pōmaika'i McGregor said. "It's a timely reminder to respect and preserve the natural energy of the honua, or Earth, which our ancestors and we honor as the Pele family of living deities."
Ka Palapala Po'okela Awards recognize excellence in Hawai'i book publishing, as 70 entries from 55 separate book projects were nominated in 10 categories this year, including children's literature, special interest and natural science.
"It's an invitation to understand the intimate relationship between Native Hawaiians and the volcanic landscape of these islands," U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Geophysicist Jim Kauahikaua added. "Aunty Pua is a gifted storyteller."
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
