Homespun Honolulu

Preservation and protection seem to be strong themes these days. We’re protecting our land, our landmarks, our culture, and our health. We’ve got interesting items to pull together this time.

We love home and we love the icons that have grown up around us.  I’m just so amazed that so many others feel what I’m feeling.  With that said, I would like to welcome our newest Carnival blogger!  She’s been out there a while but she’s new to us here!

Margaret Wille presents a Success Story for Our Island: Mama Banyan and Other Special Trees at Reed’s Bay Park (Banyan Drive) Saved! | www.margaretwille.com posted at Kohala Blog.  Margaret says that this post was “the success story following preceding blogs on this subject.”  If you’re taken by this story, you can see more of the story here and here.  Thank you, Margaret, for joining us!

We need to run down to the shoreline and Ryan is going to help us with the running skills we need as he shares a piece of an event that is near and dear to my heart.

Ryan Suenaga shares the outcome of The Great Aloha Run 2010 posted at The Athletic Diabetic.  I haven’t talked about it yet myself, but I will.  We have a lot of similarities, Ryan.  I’m right there with you!  Thank you for sharing my friend!

Let’s run back over to the Big Island now as we let our emotions take in the impact of the shoreline.

Bobbie asks a loaded question!  “What do you think when you see the ocean?”  My oh my!  I could go on for hours with that question!  Think about it and then go tell Bobbie what you’re thinking, if you haven’t already!

Going back inland, Sheila is going to show us what happens when we care for and protect what we have.

Sheila presents Visiting Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden posted as always, while giving Hawaii Vacation Advice at GoVisitHawaii.com.  I am amazed at the different ways that people write about things and Sheila’s viewpoints always come in on a fresh breeze where nothing is taken for granted.  Hats off to you, Sheila, for always putting a fresh spin on things as you see them through fresh eyes.

We have more to preserve and protect.

Evelyn (me) shares a bit about the birthday gift for King Lunalilo when she talks about Historic Events Repeating Themselves and follows up with a few notes about the preservation of the Hawaiian language.

That’s it for this time! Please join us and submit your blog article to the next edition of the Carnival of Aloha using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.  Guidelines can be found here.

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Carnival of Aloha, blog carnival.

King Lunalilo’s tomb was blessed with new kahili a few weeks ago as part of the King’s 175th birthday.  These kahili were beautiful new additions to replace the old ones that were not in the greatest of shape after all of these years.

Apparently the making of the new kahili was orchestrated by Paulette Nohealani Kahalepuna which says to me that these kahili were not only crafted of feathers but that they were done correctly, carefully, and beautifully.

The gentleman pictured here on the left is Kamehameha Maertens.  He is quite familiar with the kahili in King Lunalilo’s tomb.  Back in 1938 an article in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin listed him as one of the kahili bearers back then. Mr. Maertens’ grandson took him to the new kahili event to celebrate Lunalilo’s 175th birthday on January 31st at the King’s tomb on the grounds of Kawaiaha’o Church.

That, in my opinion, is certainly something worth talking about — a man revisits a part of history that he himself was a part of.  I’m not sure how many of us will be around long enough to see history repeat itself or to say we actually had a hand in it!

In the Star-Bulletin article, Kamehameha Maertens was listed incorrectly as a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha.  His first name may have been the reason for the reporter’s confusion but he was certainly an important part of the royal procession paying tribute to the memory of a man who was once a very popular monarch.

After all of those years gone by, I can’t help but wonder if he ever dreamed that his own grandchild would push for the preservation of the Hawaiian culture through the protection, perpetuation, and restoration of its treasured language.  In case you can’t get into Facebook, here’s the meat of what’s on the other end of this link:

“After the unlawful overthrow of the Hawaiian government by white supremacists, four generations of Hawaiian people endured cultural genocide beginning in 1896 when the Hawaiian language was banned as a medium of public instruction. 30+ years have passed since the 1978 Hawai’i State Constitution nominally restored Hawaiian as an official language along with English, yet speakers of Hawaiian cannot vote using their language. Without public information readily available in Hawaiian, the current policy of English-only community services is indeed tantamount to ethnic cleansing! Will you please join with us to implement Hawai’i’s Official Languages Act to put this unfortunate era of cultural genocide against Hawaiian speaking people behind us for good?”

I’ve talked about this before and, while it is a touchy subject, most people will agree that it is a terrible thing to cut off a people from their own language.  It is a wretched behavior for a country claiming to be “civilized.”  Make no mistake about it, I’m an American and proud of it, but there are times when I just don’t know what we were thinking!  But I digress.

There are quite a few of us who missed the Hawaiian-language boat in school and are now trying to learn.  This is where Mr. Maertens’ grandson comes in.  Michael Malulani Odegaard is trying to help us do just that.  Some students are doing better than others.  I have to admit that life, as usual, gets in the way of that too.  Mahalo, Kumu, for all you do and for your infinite patience!

For those of you looking to learn ‘olelo Hawai’i or looking to brush up on your skills a little, there are small classes available on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 PM.  Follow this link for more information about the Wednesday evening class and for contact information in case you have questions.

For those who try to call it a dead language, I’m very happy to let you know that you are sadly mistaken!  It’s alive and well and getting stronger every day!

Comments left on Facebook will be copied and shared here on Homespun Honolulu so everyone will be able to listen to your thoughts and input.

Welcome to the February 1st Chapter of the Carnival of Aloha! This Chapter we’ll just take a leisurely cruise down stream and visit these stories of interest!

As everyone knows, as we trickle downstream, we’ve got to have something to eat.  That’s usually my first stop and this time will be no exception as we welcome our newest Carnival participant!

Trailblazer Hawaii assures the Pineapple Princess, Maui still loves you posted at Trailblazer Hawaii.com asking that we follow their tracks to Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Hawaii the Big Island, saying, “Maui Gold, wishing you the best, way to go!”  They want to be sure our Carnival trip is a sweet one with the pineapple from Maui.  The sweetness of Maui’s pineapple is hard to beat!  Thanks, Trailblazer, for joining us and providing such sweet sustenance!

Andrew Cooper wrestles with Defining the Sacred posted over on A Darker View.   I was all warm and fuzzy reading his post and then it actually did become a bit of a “darker view” as he was accused at worst of misunderstood at best.  Read it and you’ll see what I mean.  I understand but, in this case, Andrew did not fit the crime.  Sorry Andrew and thank you for sharing information about a heiau that I never knew existed.  I like the “take only photographs and leave only footprints” motto, very much!

We’re all concerned with conservation efforts and, now that we’ve ruffled a few feathers, let’s put some of that energy to use.

Bobbie tells us about the Hawaii Marine Debris Action Plan: Much needed program is the first in the nation posted at The Right Blue, saying, “the Marine Debris Action Plan was a long time coming, and very much needed. (Beach goers/ocean users still need to be mindful about bringing home their trash and disposing of it properly.)”  Andrew’s motto fits here as well — take only photographs and leave only footprints, not your opala!

As we care for and love our islands, one of our Carnival regulars takes it a step further!

Sheila sends A Love Letter To Lanai and shares it with us over at Hawaii Vacation Blog - GoVisitHawaii.com, saying, “As Valentine’s Day is approaching, I thought I’d write a love letter to the island of Lana’i. Though it’s one of the least visited islands, it’s full of beauty and Aloha spirit.”

It’s not hard to see why the islands are loved so much, even our President loves his home.  We can investigate why the President is so comfortable.

Aloha Tony shows us Obama’s $10 million Hawaii vacation home over at Hawaii real estate, saying, “President Obama’s $10 million Hawaii vacation home.”  Wow, Tony, thanks for getting those pictures and sharing them with us so we can get an idea of the comfort we provide.

Of course, with those prices, it’s scary to watch and see where the real estate market will go!

Pua is talking about the Hawaii Real Estate Market 2010 over at Best Hawaii Vacation with Hawaii Vacation Blog, saying, “Hawaii real estate still enjoys a buyer’s market. But who knows for how long.  Not even our Hawaii realtors can predict for certain. Here is an a interesting article from an experienced Hawaii realtor. Will there be a return of the Hawaii seller’s market in 2010?”

What will the commercial real estate market do?  That too remains to be seen.  There are, believe it or not, commercial properties that have had a place in the hearts of many.

Most recently, Evelyn (me), expressed some concern that there will be No Cars or Hearts Racing Anytime Soon as we wait to see what will happen as the property that was once many people’s darling, Hawaii Raceway Park, goes up for foreclosure auction on Tuesday (that’s tomorrow).  Evelyn asks, “is anybody listening?!?”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Carnival of Aloha using the carnival submission form. Past posts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: carnival of aloha, blog carnival.

It’s baaaack!  Again the view of the mountains is blurred by the vog carried over from the Big Island of Hawaii.  Kauai is probably the only island that is free and clear of the air smog vog floating over the rest of the smaller islands.  The Big Island’s Kilauea volcano is obviously very busy!

Here’s hoping that the tradewinds will return soon and carry all of that bad air away, quickly.  In the mean time, I’m hoping that the Big Island and ALL the other islands will send in their posts for the upcoming Carnival of Aloha scheduled to go live on Monday, February 1, 2010!  Send in those posts about anything to do with the State of Hawaii.

Consider yourselves reminded!  The deadline for submissions is this coming Wednesday, January 27th.  Come join us!

Since we’re going to be doing quite a bit of traveling with this Carnival I thought it might be a good idea to find a nice comfortable tree with a lot of shade.  Pull up a folding chair or a beach mat and find a good spot under this beautiful, old tree and enjoy the ride!

Now we all know how much we need food to sustain us on our Carnival journey!

SVB talks about Cutting Food Costs: Consumers Switch To Spam posted at The Digerati Life.  While SVB chuckles at the Spam mania, Hormel is adding up their income; they have got to love us over here!  Anyone remember the crowd of campers waiting for Mililani WalMart to open with their sale of Spam at .99 cents a can?  Oh my!  Only in Hawai’i!

With a meal like that we do need our exercise.

Ryan Suenaga helps us with that when he talks all about the Great Aloha Run 2010 posted at his blog, The Athletic Diabetic.  He’ll get no arguments from me!  I can’t wait!

But, that’s in February.  We’re just a little anxious.  Let’s finish up with our New Year’s celebration!

Susan says Happy New Year! to us from the poop deck of the Falls of Clyde.  This is one of the Notes from the Wooden and Iron World.  I’m excited to have Susan join us, and from the poop deck of my boat no less!  I hope she joins us often!  We need more maritime “rides” for our little Carnival!  I know the Falls has already been labeled a Carnival “ride” but Susan has a little bit more of the inside scoops!  There is more wood and iron sailing around out there too!

We need to dry our feet a bit so we’re going further inland.

Kris takes us to the Big Island of Hawaii to visit the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden posted over at Big Island on the Cheap.  It’s always good to find bargains that are breathtaking!

There’s the beautiful that Kris shared with us and then there’s the historical with its emotional impact.

Sheila tells us about Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor posted as part of the Hawaii Vacation Advice at GoVisitHawaii.com.  This is good advice too — many of us, self included, that have lived here all our lives are yet to visit this part of American History.  Sheila is doing way better than I! 

We’re getting our feet wet again so I think we need to get a little bit of elevation before our toes wrinkle up too much!

Andrew Cooper shares a schedule of Sky Events for 2010 posted at A Darker View.  I still like that name.  This schedule is something new to me.  I didn’t know events such as these could be predicted with such accuracy!  Cool stuff for those of us who are astronomically inclined.

Too much elevation?  Are you dizzy yet?  Too high?  How about a clean, clear glass of cool water?

Aloha Tony tells us how to get America’s top 10 best tap water - Honolulu is #6 posted at Hawaii real estate. I think Honolulu should be #1.  I’m not biased or anything you understand.  If you want to live with all of this beauty and clean water, Tony might be able to help you with that too!  Maybe he can find you an awesome place to live.

Concerned about the community and the neighborhoods?

Evelyn (that’s me) right here at Homespun Honolulu looks at not only the beauty of the island but at the concern and camaraderie of its community members while talking about the Magic of Community and the Majesty of Nu’uanu.

Now, while your feet may be really dry, we may have wet your appetite for a vacation in the sun.  If so, be sure to start thinking about planning your 2010 vacation very soon!

Pua blogs all about that at her Hawaii Vacation Blog.  Pua wants to know if you’re Planning a Hawaii Vacation in 2010 as she tells us about things on land and on the sea that can be part of your vacation’s agenda.

If you’re not here now, what are you waiting for?  Happy New Year everyone!

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NOTE: I got so excited about getting this published that I forgot to include information for everyone to join us for the Carnival of Aloha next month!   Submit your blog article for the next chapter using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.  It has been brought to my attention, more than once, that people have been having some difficulty with the submission form.  If this happens, feel free to send the link for your article directly to me via email.  Don’t worry, we’ll throw a lei around you and pull you in! 

So many times while headed uphill I have the uncontrollable urge to just take pictures of the mountain side — so green, so majestic.

Even with the vog it is still a beautiful sight! The foliage is always so green and the variety of trees makes it interesting.  Some of the trees are so old and regal that they add to the historic charm of this area.

Fallen Trees Can Be Fascinating

The trees, while charming, can also be very dangerous.  It is fortunate that nobody was around when this one cracked and fell!

One of those very old, and large, trees actually closed the street and made the news.  This one required some heavy equipment to move it all out of the way.

Ultimately, it required some cutting to clear it off the road.  I must admit that the pieces of this once lovely old tree held my attention and curiosity for quite some time.

What made it fall?  Wind, with what I believe was the assistance of termites.  I’m not sure what a termite-eaten tree looks like but maybe a termite expert can help us out with this.  I’ll see if I can connect with one of our friends at Terminix to fill us in with some of their knowledge.  Sounds like another post to me — I’ll keep you post-ed!

This was an interesting find while I was driving very early one morning.  A relatively smaller tree wrapped tightly by a very thick and leafy vine.  I moved what I could off the road just in time for the driver of a Mercedes to fly by on their way to work.  Whew!  I realized that I couldn’t do it by myself and called 911 (non-emergency, of course).  While I waited and watched for speeding cars, a father trying to get his kids to school came by and stopped to lend a hand.  We were able to move more of it off to the side.

It was interesting to see who would stop and help with something so small yet so obtrusive.  There is a sense of community here.  Another exercise enthusiast came by and we were able to clear away just a little bit more!

Officers finally arrived on the scene and between three or four people, we managed to drag and/or push the rest of it out of they way.  We did it!  No equipment needed.  Well, the City & County guys will have to clean the trash off the side of the road eventually I suppose.

What follows is another example of that sense of caring for the neighborhood.  I’ve been waiting for a way to share this and I think a door just opened!  This is the same street, just about a half mile down the road, different day, I walked past this gentleman standing on his car trying to clean graffiti off of a road sign.

I asked him if it was working and, yes, it was.  Passing by and thinking about it, I knew I had to turn around and get a picture!  Obviously there are others who feel the same way that I do about our little community.  Even a speed limit sign is not something we like to have defaced!  I have forgotten his name now and I can only hope that he sees this and leaves a comment to share his name with us. 

Happy New Year Everyone! 

Two Carnival Announcements:

Carnival of Aloha - If you’re still thinking about submitting your article and you’re worried about the deadline, I’ve changed the deadline to tomorrow (Sunday) at noon.  So, send your posts in you guys!

Carnival of Cities - The Carnival of Cities was the guide by which the Carnival of Aloha was set up.  When Homespun Honolulu began, the Carnival of Cities started at the same time by the same organization.  Every once in a while I think about the Carnival of Cities and send in an article that means a lot to me, which I just did recently.

Oh my!  I got nervous when I saw this!  Twenty-three (23) entries in this particular edition of the Carnival of Cities.  Kudos to the host of the Carnival this time!  Roaming Tales — I like that name!

While acknowledging that I have been just a bit out of the loop on a lot of things recently, I decided that my poor, neglected, little blog was in need of something festive!

So, I’m publishing a special Carnival of Aloha with the assistance of some of our previous Hawai’i visitors!

Some I begged and some I just “forced” to join us.  I didn’t really think they would mind. Besides, there isn’t a blogger or a writer that I know who doesn’t appreciate a little link love from time to time!

By invitation, or my begging, please join me and our Hawai’i visitors for a special carnival and help me bring everybody back into the loop for the next Carnival scheduled to go live on January 4th!  Come with me and let’s go visit them all!

Now, those who are familiar with our usual Carnival journey know we always have to have at least one contributor who feeds us.  Most people know how much we all love our food!  This time, we’re in very good shape!  In fact, we’ve got us a real live chef!

Chef Mark Tafoya over at the Culinary Media Network (I love that name) always makes sure his readers have sustenance!  Chef Mark said I could take my pick.  I tried but I couldn’t!  So, you have to choose your favorite!  There were a couple that stood out for me.  I love the products from Alii Kula Lavender so that one struck a chord.  The other one was about a place that, while thinking about it for a long time, I have been a little apprehensive to cover.  The Honolulu Fish Auction!  Thank you, Mark, for covering that while you were here!

Shira, one of the editor/contributors at Jaunted, was kind enough to also share her stories with us.  Of course I had to be partial to anything that says Honolulu Me Please!

I wanted to share this one too!  Shira also shares a video about how they went Dipping Into the Queen’s Bath on Kauai.

Still thinking about our visitors, I knew where I wanted to go!

I went to Sheila over at Go Visit Hawaii and asked for something to include.  I couldn’t forget mine and the Carnival of Aloha’s own Hawai’i-loving, travel darling!  Now that my brain seems back on track, I have to pay attention when Sheila says, Don’t Miss the Nuuanu Pali Lookout on Oahu.

Everything Sheila says is true and, depending on the weather, the wind up there can be very, very strong!

Jim Turner, who doesn’t know I’m doing this, needs to get some extra credit for his blog.   In case you’re still hungry, Jim shares his visit to Macadamia Nut Heave at the Mauna Loa Factory.

I’ve never seen this before and thought it was so cute!  Obviously their commercial is working because I started singing their jingle, “Maunaloa macadamias…”

I owe a huge apology to two bloggers who just missed the time cutoff for the last Carnival published here.  It’s amazing to me how these two posts remain timely even six months later!

Ryan over at Uncommon Cents asks his readers, “Fourteen Percent — Could You Cut Your Budget That Much?” as he shares the story of our State’s furloughs.  It remains timely as we still struggle with it and the battle continues between the Governor and the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

No wonder that our finances are in a mess!  Can any of us handle it?  Well, we can tell by other parts of the economy as we can see with our next blogger.

Pua over at Best Hawaii Vacation with Hawaii Vacation Blog asks, Will Hawaii foreclosures help your dream of living in Hawaii?  I’m not sure how many are willing to brave our economy right now but this is certainly indicative of how well a lot of us are doing.

It’s interesting to note that even with the financial crunch that so many of us are feeling right now, many individuals and companies, while nipping their holiday spending, have opted to give their funds to the Hawaii Food Bank, the Lokahi Giving Project, and other charities like these.  The joy of giving is still there and, finances be damned, we’re still sharing the Aloha!

Mahalo to all of the bloggers/writers in this special edition!  Heartfelt gratitude goes out to those who waited forever and to those who answered my plea to let me bring them back to the islands, virtually.  Please share with your fellow travelers and blogger buddies!  If you’re on Facebook, please come back here to leave comments so the other participants can see your reactions!

Merry Christmas everyone!  ALL bloggers, please be sure to join us for the first Carnival of Aloha of 2010 — it is scheduled to go live on January 4th!  The deadline for submissions is this coming Wednesday, December 30th.  Hope to see you all there!

This month, we’re flying high as visiting bloggers from across the country come riding in on the surf for a visit!  I got so excited when I saw this!

Ryan opens things for us this month by letting us know that The Bloggers are Coming posted over at his Hawaii Blog.  Ryan describes it as “an experiment by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau to reach beyond the traditional media and professional travel agents to see if bloggers and vloggers can help spread the appeal of the Aloha State to a new audience.” If you’re on Twitter, search for the hashtag #hawaiihta to see what they’re up to and you can follow what they’ve been up to that way too!

Once we get through Ryan’s post we’re going to need some sustenance to keep our energy up.  As much as “I’m lovin’ it,” we’re going to drive right on passed McDonalds and follow one of our seasoned Hawaii visitors and Carnival bloggers to see what she’s got waiting for us.

Sheila takes care of our hunger this month with Liliha Bakery Coco Puffs: A Must Try On Your Oahu Vacation posted at Hawaii Vacation Blog - GoVisitHawaii.com, saying, “Mahalo Evelyn for putting Liliha Bakery’s coco puffs onto my radar. We did get to try them and they ‘broke da mouth’!”

Before you eat too many of those I have to say, first of all, that it’s not my fault, and then suggest that you follow the advice of our next blogger before you eat too many of those!  Did I tell you it’s not my fault?

Kris Nelson strongly suggests Having Vacation Portraits Taken – Creating Personalized Memories posted at Ka’anapali Dreamin’ Blog, saying, “Hoping this post helps encourage people to consider having vacation portraits taken while in paradise as we did earlier this year. I’ve been hard pressed to find a more special way to leave the islands with such a personalized memento of Hawaii, and one that will have people talking about (and missing) the islands every time they see those photos.”

That part — talking about and missing the islands — that is our fault!  :)  Memories, history, and traditions are important to us too. Read on and see!

Neenz rejoins us this month and shares a piece of that history  with a post written by a guest blogger called “Talking Story with Hawai’i’s Living Hisotry”: Helen Hiroko Hongo posted over at a blog that’s new to me called Hawaii Traditions.  I love that title!

I’ve missed Neenz recently but I’m left scratching my head as I’m wondering how and why we have felt such a very strong push to visit and embrace the history and culture of our home — simultaneously it seems.  Separate and apart from each other.

Evelyn (that’s me) has been concerned more and more with Preserving Hawaiian Language and Culture and has been talking about related topics here at Homespun Honolulu quite a bit recently.  I’m not complaining about this rekindling of the aloha for our history and culture, far from it!  :)  I’m just pleased and intrigued that I’m not alone in this.   

Are you still thinking about your next vacation?

Pua can give you 3 Reasons to Visit Hawaii this Summer.  She posted them over at Best Hawaii Vacation with Hawaii Vacation Blog and explains that “as the Economic Slowdown is challenging the Mainland and Hawaii, a trip to Hawaii has actually never been as affordable during the recent years as NOW. A vacation in Hawaii may help visitors to leave worries behind, to rejuvenate and replenish their energy.”

That’s it!  Whew!  A huge “Mahalo!” goes out to our visiting bloggers with hopes that they will join us for next month’s Carnival of Aloha with their favorite stories from their visit!   Submit your blog article for the next chapter using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: carnival of aloha, blog carnival.

I think most of us tend to be curious about a place marked “National Historic Site,” especially when it has a gift shop too!  I was nosey and went in to see the little gift shop and man did I find some really cool stuff and some really cool staff willing to share their knowledge!

I discovered connections to things I had seen elsewhere, I saw books with names I recognized, and there were books about things that had already become a focus for my insatiable curiosity about the history of our home.  In future posts I’ll fill you all in as I get through the items I bought at the gift shop.

The setting of Queen Emma Summer Palace is so peaceful.  It is a piece of Hawai’i’s Royal history that sits for all to view.  All can hear that history as told by those who give guides through the summer home of one of Hawaii’s very special Queens.  Queen Emma is the queen who founded The Queen’s Medical Center which remains until today as a non-profit hospital and the trauma center of Honolulu.

While the Queen Emma Summer Palace is frequented by tour buses and visitors with inquiring minds, I just found it alluring  because of its quiet beauty and its little gift shop that held so much in store for the culturally hungry.

Another thing that was drawn to my attention by the ladies in the gift shop was something known as the Daughters of Hawai’i.  This organization “maintains and operates two palaces to promote the history and culture of Hawai’i.“  The only problem was that to officially become a “Daughter” I would have to be able to trace my family’s Hawaii residence back to years prior to 1880.   Well, I’m fairly sure about 1920 or slightly earlier but 1880 might just be a bit too far back.  But, I can still be a Calabash Cousin!

A “calabash” family member is one who has grown up around you and/or shared a close friendship with you.  Well, that fit!  So, I sent in the application and was pleasantly surprised to soon receive a welcome letter.   In the body of the letter was written,  “The “Calabash Cousins” was established in  1986 as a support group to the Daughters of Hawai’i whose mission is “to perpetuate the memory and spirit of old Hawai’i and of historic facts, and to preserve the nomenclature and correct pronunciation of the Hawaiian language.” 

Funny they should mention that!  Did I tell you guys about H2O and the recent decision by the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents?   Such a coincidence!  See?  Now it’s my duty! 

If you have not visited the Queen Emma Summer Palace, you should add it to your to-do list.  You’ll find it an educational endeavor and one that was very worthy of your time!

Queen Emma Summer Palace
2913 Pali Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: (808) 595-6291