May 20, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BISHOP MUSEUM’S KŪPUNA SERIES EXPLORES WHAT MAKES A MASTER OF TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN ARTS AND CULTURE

HONOLULU – Commemorating the fifth year of the program, Bishop Museum’s Celebration of Kūpuna will travel the islands with a very special presentation, Nānā I Ke Kumu, Look to the Source. The group’s first presentation is scheduled on Saturday, May 28, 2005 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Outrigger Keauhou in Kona on the island of Hawai‘i.

Noted Hawaiian cultural practitioners who will take part in this series are Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt-Padilla, ‘Olohe Lua Likeke Paglinawan, Kahuna Lā‘au Lapa‘au Levon Ohai, and Kumu Lawai‘a Eddie Ka‘anāna. All participants will share their experiences and cultural living practices that have been passed down by their own kūpuna. Whether it be the art of hula, Hawaiian martial arts, Hawaiian medicinal practices or traditional fishing methods, for each speaker it is more than just a practice, it is a way of life. The continuing and sharing of these practices for over 25 years is a dedication to all those who have gone before them.

In determining how masters are created, the panel will look at several important questions including:

What must one do to obtain the knowledge and ‘ike passed down from generation to generation?
Why are cultural disciplines important and what does it take to become a cultural practitioner?
What does a master look for in a haumana (student) and how do we master the qualities of our kūpuna?
How are traditional cultural practices affected by today’s modern world?

Following the Kona presentation, the panel will travel to Moloka‘i for a June 18th presentation at Kulana ‘Ōiwi. Future presentations are planned on Maui in late July and on O‘ahu in August. For more information, call 848-4191.

A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years, special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org