Hali‘a ke Kumu Hala
Na Kumu Keala Ching
Kaulana ke kumu hala o Puna, ‘o Puna wahi paia ‘ala i ka hala laha‘ole. Eia ka hali‘a ke kumu hala o Puna, ‘a‘ohe hala ‘ula i ka pō ala. He ‘i‘ini ka lehua me ka hala o Puna, punahele ka hala puni o Puna. He mana‘o hali‘a i ke aloha puni o Puna, puhalu ka ihu, nānā i ke kāʻao. ‘O Puna kahi kumu ‘ike o ka hala, like nō nā kūpuna ‘ulana lauhala!
Famous is the lauhala tree of Puna, Puna an abundant wall of scented hala. Honoring the hala tree of Puna, where beauty is enjoyed when seen. Desired are the lehua and hala of Puna, famous indeed surrounding Puna. Remember the love of Puna, honor before it is gone. Puna, a source of lauhala knowledge, like our lauhala-weaving ancestors and practitioners!
Honoring Puna as the source of lauhala knowledge has been passed down to enhance our lives. This chant honors all lauhala weavers who are inspired to share the beauty of lauhala in gifts given and received. Mahalo nui loa e Vivian Ontai and your
kumu lauhala.
Resources: ‘Ōlelo No‘eau: Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetic Sayings by Mary Kawena Puku‘i, published by Bishop Press.
Contact Kumu Keala Ching: kumukeala@nawaiiwiola.org
Kumu Keala Ching
Kumu Keala Ching is a Hawaiian cultural educator, composer, song writer, and spiritual advisor to many Hawaiian organizations. He lives and breathes aloha into his Hawaiian heritage with his strong presence and great heart. Under the tutelage of Loea Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kumu Keala spent many years learning and building his knowledge. He is fluent in the Hawaiian language, which he uses as the foundation for teaching all of his students. Kumu Keala lives in Kailua-Kona, where he is Kumu Hula for Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola (the ancient waters of life) and co-founder and executive director of Na Wai Iwi Ola (NWIO) Foundation.
