I inhale the fresh, tropical aromas which cast a warm spell over my body while the sweet sounds of lazy melodies ease me into a mellow trance. I am kissed and hugged by the locals of the towns who have a unique, joviality toward the essence of life. Life on the islands is not flying by at warp speed as it does on the mainland. The precious fillings of life are sacred to these people. The land, language, history, music, food, and 'Ohana (family) are so rich with pride. It is a rainbow melting pot where one can be at harmony with her/his soul, disregarding the skin one lives in.
The islands of Hawai'i are truly paradise-the promise lands. I struggle with the thought of departing from this utopia's romantic charm and natural beauty, in returning to the mainland. However, I know that the spirit of Aloha is present, practiced, and thriving in my town.
San Jose is brimming with colorful cultures and communities within its massive population and area. In opposition, the islands are 1/25 the
size of California. As a result of being 3,000 miles away from the
mainland, the people who inhabit a "rock" of Hawai'i are isolated to
live their own lifestyle and culture in their own little world. Their
environment is smaller in area, which allows a physically tighter
community
of people to be in touch with. The concept of an extended family is
rooted
into the network of this culture and most of the locals know one
another and
have the time to connect on a personal level. Hawaii's unique language,
music, foods, and traditions are treasured and preserved as well. The
natives take great pride in their homeland that leaving these enchanted
habitats can cause great homesickness. For economic and educational
factors, many of these people must migrate to the mainland; for
example, the
Silicon Valley provides greater financial opportunities. The fast
paced
system of San Jose may be a shock for some people of Hawai'i and they
need
to find a way to connect with their island culture. San Jose's Hawaiian
community is flourishing through organizations such as hula halaus
(dance
troops), festivals and competitions, music and radio, a specialty
store, and
the warm spirit of Aloha.
The Hula
I enter the buzzing dance studio where students scramble to review
the Hawaiian vocabulary, chants, and dances. I traditionally make my
round
to greet every person with an "Aloha" or "Hello", a warm smile, and a
kiss
on the cheek; it is custom. A vast collection of photos lace the wall
of
mirrors and there is a brilliant hand painted sign that reads, "No Ke
Aloha,
No Ka Hula" (For the Love of Hula). This is the philosophy of the dance
troop, Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani located in Santa Clara, CA of which I am a
part. My kumu hula (master or instructor of hula), Auntie Linda Danek
(her
maiden name is Pi'ilani) has been promoting the teachings of the
Hawaiian
culture for 28 years (Denik, 1998). Auntie Linda is not related to me by blood; it is
part of Hawaiian tradition to refer to your elders as "Auntie" and
"Uncle".
The clock strikes six, Auntie pounds two beats on her pahu (drum), every
dancer statuesquely lines up with hands on her/his hips and is ready to
work. Hula is taken very seriously by the students and by Auntie Linda
who
originally began dancing when she was five years old in her hometown on
the
island of Kaua'i. She teaches in a very strict manner and instills in
the
students with her wisdom of ancient Hawaiian chants, dances, and the
language. The sacred hula is a prevalent way of connecting people of
all
ages to the Hawaiian culture and to Hawaii's history.
Discipline, rules, and respect for this sacred form of dance are
being perpetuated throughout San Jose. The hula was and is designed to
do
three things: instruct, inspire, and entertain. In ancient Hawai'i
hula was
used in religious ceremonies, to excite the warriors before battle, and
the
chants and dances were utilized to teach the history and customs
(Stagner, 1985)
. Presently, the hula has shifted more toward entertaining as
well as
educating. Auntie Linda claims, "A dancer must learn both the Hawaiian
language and the dance movements and also must feel the harmony and
power of
the hula." She is well known throughout the Hawaiian community as an
excellent instructor and promoter and was chosen in 1990 by the San Jose
Unified School district and to work in the school system to speak about
Hawaii's history, language, culture, and the hula. It was a way for
her to
get in touch with the San Jose community and educate the children upon
the
fascinating islands and spread it's heritage. Auntie reminisces, "I
taught
the language, culture, spoke about the Gods, beginnings of Hawai'i, and
the
hula. Those kids were tough to teach, but it was worth it."
Currently
she
teaches hula and Tahitian dancing six days a week at her studio with all
levels of classes for all ages of females, males, and children. Tahitian
dancing originates from Tahiti and has a different language, dance
motions,
and drum beats than does the hula. Tahiti is a part of the Polynesia
ring
of islands and has influenced the sacred dances of Hawai'i as well. She
also offers ukulele and drumming lessons. Another classical form of
musical
entertainment is to sing Hawaiian songs accompanied by the ukulele, a
small
guitar-like instrument. Drumming, which is the heart of Hawaiian
chants,
not only has been passed on to future kumu hulas, but to students and
essentially any one who desires to keep these divine beats alive.
Auntie
Linda's daughter, Kanani was trained and went through the course of
becoming
a kumu hula. Auntie said, "...she is slowly taking over the halau and
I am
so proud to leave this creation within her hands."
Auntie and the halau perform at local festivals, competitions, and
personal events. Everyone is welcome to join the halau and experience
the
true essence of authentic hula and Hawaiian knowledge. Auntie Linda
Danek
is truly an icon for the Hawaiian community of San Jose as well as for
the
Bay Area. She tells me in her sweet choppy voice, "Hula is my life and
my
life is hula!"
Festivals and Competitions
The excitement of a festival and competition is enlightening. Space
for many to gather and share with one another, foods, arts, and
performances
of one's culture is engaging. I have performed in and wandered around
numerous Hawaiian festivals and competitions in San Jose. A growing
gathering that takes place on the campus of my university is the annual
Tahiti Fete, which is currently held in the San Jose State Events
Center.
About two summers ago I experienced my first Tahiti Fete. I walked
into the center to find arts and crafts imported from the islands:
Hawaiian
print shirts, music, chocolates, jewelry, and paintings to name a few.
The
crowd was jolly and "talking story" while munching on lumpia (egg
rolls) and
fresh pineapple. The most incredible aspect of the event was the
vibration
of excitement. The arena was packed with observers of all ages and
supporting halaus enticed in the powerful Tahitian dancing, rapid drum
beats, and chants. The crowd was energized by the thrill of
competition and
the echo of the tones. Supportive whistling and cheering for each
performance displayed the love and support for their fellow competitors
and
for their culture.
I contacted Pua Tokumoto, who is virtually the founder and producer
of the Annual Tahiti Fete held in San Jose (Tokumoto, 1998). She raved about how
successful
the competition has grown and informed me of the upcoming big ten year
anniversary of the fete. About ten years ago the Arts commissioner in
San
Jose wanted to reflect a multicultural image. He organized a gathering
called The World Festival and many Tahitian performances were entered
and
became a popular portion of the show. A Santa Clara University
graduate and
past member of the school's Hawaiian club, Pua became very involved
with the
Hawaiian community in San Jose and took it upon herself to coordinate
the
Tahiti Fete. She traveled to Tahiti for nine days to observe and study
the
people, culture, and dancing. When she returned to the mainland, she
was
inspired to cultivate the Tahitian and Hawaiian culture and create a
space
for competitions and interactions. She recalls, "It started out in the
Civic Center of downtown San Jose, but the crowd increased so much that
four
years ago we decided to hold it at the Events Center. Hotels in the
downtown region were booked and we were thrilled when Channel 11 became
a
sponsor." The success and growth of the fete continues and for the
anniversary competition, many halaus from Canada, Japan, and Mexico will
participate. The Annual Tahiti Fete is one of the various events held
in
San Jose where everyone is welcome to experience the Hawaiian and island
food, dancing, the warm Aloha Spirit and feel the power of the music.
The Music
Many associate Hawaiian mele (music) with Don Ho's mainstream
classic, "Tiny Bubbles" or the ancient "Aloha Oe." The unique lyrics
and
melodies of Hawaiian music are a primary part of the culture and
history of
the islands. The sweet strum of a steel guitar and the folkloric
wailing of
Hawaiian chants are very nostalgic for the locals who have moved away
from
the islands. Many of these natives have created bands to keep the
charming
sounds alive and popular in their new homelands; a few incredible
musical
groups were born in San Jose. The Island Riddim Band, Shorebreak, and
Island Blend are three groups who emerged in San Jose from their
Hawaiian
influence and their love for the music. After interviewing the San Jose
State University 1986 graduate and guitar/vocalist, Vini Ka'imi Joy from
Island Blend and reading the booklet in their c.d., I discovered that
guitar/ukulele/vocalist, Dwight Tokumoto is the spouse of Pua Tokumoto
(Creator of the Tahiti Fete). It is truly "a small world", and in the
Hawaiian community the connections are endless. The group recorded an
enchanting song called "Ku'uipo (sweetheart) Mine" that is written and
performed by Dwight for his "lovely wife, Pua."
I was also thrilled to read that the touching song, "Children of
Polynesia" is "a song for Polynesians around the world over. It was
introduced by Island Blend at the annual Tahiti Fete of San Jose, three
years ago and remains the theme song for the annual Polynesian event."
The
mele is a beautiful harmony of such lyrics:
"Children of Polynesia"
Children of Polynesia, children of the sun,
We'll travel afar to search and to find,
The soothing mele is incredibly touching and sends chills through my
body
each time I hear it. A native of Kailua, Oahu, Vini states, "The band
has
been together for four years. We play for the love of Hawaiian music
and
enjoy each other's company. We play all over the Bay Area and thrive on
perpetuating the culture and of course, the music."
Many of the songs include the notable tones of a ukulele, steel
guitar, and percussion. But Hawaiian music is also a wonderful tool for
learning the Hawaiian language. Mostly all of the meles incorporate
common
Hawaiian words, if not sung in full Hawaiian. Some common examples
written
in meles are: Aloha (love, welcome, hello, goodbye), ku'uipo
(sweetheart),
pua (flower), and ha'ina (to tell the story). "The language permeates
the
life and culture, connects you to past and future," said William Pila
Wison,
co-director of the graduate Hawaiian program at the University of
Hawai'i at
Hilo (on the Big Island). "It creates a connection with people
throughout
time" (Tighe, 1998). The word "connections" is a great theme for the
Hawaiian community. A huge force for connecting the community to the
music
is through radio.
Back in Hawai'i, there are radio stations that play soothing
Hawaiian music continuously-endlessly. But where in San Jose can we
tune
into the classic and new sounds of Hawaiian music? KKUP-FM 91.5! Every
Friday morning from 7am-9am (alternate Fridays until 10am), "Auntie"
Rena
Kalehua Nelson is behind the husky, Hawaiian accented voice who deejays
the
"Pau Hana (end of work) Friday Show" (Nelson, 1998) Born in Kalihi, Oahu, Auntie and
her
family moved to San Francisco in 1958 because it was difficult for her
father to find work in Hawai'i after the war. As she grew older and
retired
early, she became bored and wanted to become involved in the community
and
promote the Hawaiian culture. Auntie knew that the Hawaiian community
was
"homesick" for their music. She has been deejaying for over 12 years
and
"is extremely grateful to have her job." She proudly tells me, "KKUP
is a
'core' of the Bar Area for information regarding events. Because
people of
the mainland are so spread out, as opposed to the tiny islands of
Hawai'i,
these people need a central station." Throughout the show and between
songs, she will announce the Hawaiian events calendar which informs
people
of upcoming festivals, concerts, lu'aus, and happenings mainly within
the
Bay Area. Auntie effervescently concludes with, "One can listen to the
music everyday to energize the soul and keep one in touch with the
culture
and style."
Sun Jose, Hawai'i
As I step into Sun Jose, Hawai'i located on 410 West Capitol
Expressway & Vista Park Drive in San Jose, I am overwhelmed with the
variety
of bright and colorful products imported from Hawai'i. The store is
loaded
with guava jellies, Hawaiian print apparel and cloth material, books,
cards,
silk and shell leis, mu'umu'us (Hawaiian dresses), music, and more; it
also
has one of the largest selections of c.d.'s in the Bay Area (Parungao,
1998). However, Magdalena Parungao, owner and creator of the store
explains
that the birth of Sun Jose, Hawai'i began with the special tee shirts
only
found within the islands. Screened tee shirts with logos of Hawaiian
warriors, Hula dancers, surfers, and various Hawaiian mottoes are the
top
sellers in the store. Magdalena's son, Jesse, explained the origin of
the
store, "Mom bought some tee shirts from Hawai'i for gifts for family and
friends, but others asked to buy them. When she sold out of them
rapidly,
it clicked and it was her inspiration to open up a store. She felt that
there was such a lack of being in touch with the Hawaiian community in
San
Jose, and that the demand for the products was so high that we decided
to
create Sun Jose, Hawai'i. The store is also very soothing for the local
Hawaiians. When they become homesick or miss the food, clothing, or
music,
Sun Jose keeps them in touch."
Just as the Hawaiian events calendar on KKUP keeps the community
informed of happenings, Sun Jose is a headquarter to purchase tickets to
Hawaiian and Polynesian concerts, lu'aus, competitions, and festivals.
The
store always occupies a booth at all of the current events in the Bay
Area,
advertising and selling their products. This family owned store also
provides donations and lower prices to events for charities and
non-profit
organizations such as hula halaus and Hawaiian clubs. The atmosphere
of the
store is just as warm and friendly as the islands of Hawai'i display.
I am
always greeted with a kiss on the cheek every time I see the owners-and
those folds are constantly working. Magdalena stresses the fact that,
"Hard
work and honest are what keep the store successful." This dedicated
family
definitely keeps the Aloha spirit prevalent in San Jose.
The Warm Aloha Spirit
I have a bumper sticker on the back window of my car which reads,
"Live Aloha." It is a true reflection of how I live my life. Many
interviewees had similar responses in defining what the "Aloha Spirit"
means
to them. Auntie Rena from KKUP stated, "You are a part of Hawai'I,
maybe
not necessarily Hawaiian in blood, but it's a part of all cultures in
Hawai'i that influences you as a whole. Understanding their culture
becomes
a part of you. When you leave the islands, the unexplainable feeling of
Aloha sticks with you. When you see others from Hawai'i, you instantly
feel
the connection, recognition, and bond." Vini Joy from Island Blend
declared
that, "It is a way of life. It is willingness to help and share with
others, friendliness, respect, openness, and love" (Joy, 1998).
Roxanne Kelley, an extraordinary dancer in my halau remembers
feeling the true spirit of Aloha in San Jose back in 1992 (Kelley, 1998). On September
11th, 1992, Hurricane Iniki created havoc and turmoil in the lives of
the
people of Kaua'i (Yee, 1998). There was extreme damage and it was
difficult
to send volunteers over to the islands to help restore the destroyed
areas.
Roxanne reminisces about the benefit concert held at the Hilton Hotel in
downtown San Jose. The event raised donations to send to the people of
Kaua'i during this disaster. She recalls, "The Aloha Spirit was so
strong
during that concert. Everyone was so supportive and really connected
through love and hope for the island of Kaua'i."
This phenomenal power can be an awesome force within one's life.
Again, because the Hawaiian islands are small and secluded, there is
time to
enjoy one's neighbor's company or spend moments helping others. Unlike
the
speedy way of life in San Jose, the people who reside in Hawai'i live
by a
slower paced system. There is free time to smell the tropical flowers,
bask
on the beaches, and share good energy with others.
The Hawaiian community in San Jose is expanding and becoming well
appreciated. My mother, who has been teaching 3rd grade for 29 years,
teaches a segment of the Hawaiian culture in her class. She feels that,
"Hawai'i has such a fascinating history and way of life that my students
deserve to experience a lu'au or some of the music associated with the
culture" (Ranoa, 1998). Many people are devoted to promote the Hawaiian
culture in San Jose through the hula, festivals, music, stores, and
through
living Aloha; then keep the spirit alive. Through the rapid economic
development and urbanization in San Jose, the stress of such transitions
will be eased by the sacred Hawaiian charm and traditions. Live Aloha!
Return to Projects
References
Danek, Linda. Personal interview, 1998. [back]
Joy, Vini. Personal interview, 1998. [back]
Kelley, Roxanne. Personal interview, 1998. [back]
Nakao, Annie. "Everyday is a Luau." San Francisco Examiner, Sunday September 27th, 1998.
Nelson, Rena. Personal interview, 1998. [back]
Parungao, Jesse and Magdalena. Personal interview and http://www.sunjose.com,
1998. [back]
Ranoa, Janis. Personal interview, 1998. [back]
Stagner, Ishmael. Hula! The Institute for Polynesian Studies, 1985. [back]
Tighe, Michael. "Hawaiians Delve into Past to Find Future." San Jose Mercury News, Tuesday August 11th, 1998. [back]
Tokumotu, Pua. Personal interview, 1998. [back]
Yee, Rodney. http://www.places.com/hanapepe/firstucc, 1998. [back]
Return to Projects
The time has come, to live in harmony,
Helping one another, in times of need.
Reach out for your sisters; hug your long lost brothers.
Let us join together and sing in harmony.
Wherever you may roam, remember we are one.
You're not forgotten; our prayers are with you.
Children of Polynesia, may God be with you.
Free as a bird, reaching for the sky.
We are of one race; it's here we belong,
Children of Polynesia forever as one.