Lokahi Antonio

Aloha Kākou!

Well, we’re off to a new school year and we have a new theme. This year’s theme is “E Maikaʻi a Paʻahana”. Now, I know that some of you out there ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and I know that some of you have a slightly cynical bent (Who me? No!), but the theme does NOT mean “Behave and Keep Busy”. (Oh, you guys are kolohe!) ʻAʻole! This is the will of Ke Aliʻi Pauahi, our Founder who has made all of this possible for the keiki o ka ʻāina nei.

“Be Good and Industrious.”

We all might have different ideas of what it means to be “good and industrious”, and that’s okay. What truly matters is if you ask yourself, “Am I good and industrious?”, you can say without hesitation from your naʻau, your heart, and your mind, a resounding “ʻAe! – Yes!”

If not, get busy!

Aia mākou ma Kapikohānaiamālama i kēia lā i ka hukihuki ōpū weuweu, ka ʻokiʻoki laʻalāʻau, ka halihali ʻōpala me ka pōhaku.

Aia hoʻi ka lā, ua kau i luna!

ʻO kēia ka lua wale nō o nā lā a mākou i hana lima ai, akā, ua hiki nō ke ʻike ʻia ka wā e hiki mai ana, ka wā hoʻi e uliuli ai Kapiko.

I mua!

Today we are at Kapikohānaiamālama pulling large clumps of grass, cutting shrubs, hauling ʻōpala and stones.

Oh, and there’s the sun up above!

This is just the second day that we’re out doing physical work but already we can see what’s up ahead, the day when Kapiko will be lush and green.

I mua!

Take a look at this kiʻi – this picture. Take a close look. From left to right we have: Kalama, queen; Alexander Liholiho, prince and future king of Hawaiʻi nei; Kauikeaouli, son of Kamehameha, King and Ruler of Hawaiʻi nei; Lot Kapuāiwa, prince and future king; and Victoria Kamāmalu, princess.

Take a good look at this picture and the aliʻi looking back at you. What do they possess? Attitude.

They were the rulers of Hawaiʻi nei, our homeland. The founder of their dynasty (and namesake of our school) did not happen upon the rule, oh no; it was earned. It was won at the point of the spear. Blood was spilled and lost on this side and that. In the end it was Kamehameha who stood at the helm of our Nation. In this picture is his son and grandchildren. They hold within their hearts the attitude of the founder of their dynasty, Kamehameha – Ka Lani Nui Mehameha – The Great Heavenly One Who Stands Alone.

Do you?

Aloha kākou e nā haumāna,

This Poʻahā – this Thursday – is our kuisa no nā Aliʻi.

Remember, I will be showing you their pictures up on the screen, and all you have to do is identify them correctly.

You: Kumu, do we need to know their titles?

Me: No. Please do not include any titles.

You: Do we need to spell their names correctly?

Me: Of course! Dumb question. Next.

You: They all look alike!

Me: Bite your tongue and study!

E hoʻomākaukau! Be sure you’re ready!

Today we all gathered at Keōpuolani Hale to hear of Rachel’s Challenge.

If you’re not familiar with Rachel, she was the first victim of the Columbine High school shootings that claimed the lives of thirteen innocent people. Her parents came and her father, Mr. Scott, shared how it was Rachel’s dream to change the world with kindness and how her dream is becoming a reality.

It was very touching and inspiring.

Do you accept Rachel’s challenge?

Well, we’re two weeks into the new school year and the time has come for our first big kuisa: No ka ʻĀina ʻana.

Ua mākaukau anei ʻoe? Are you ready?