June 29, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BISHOP MUSEUM PRESS BOOK RELEASES
FEATURE STORIES OF HAWAIIAN GODS, THE HISTORY OF
HUAHINE ISLAND , AND THE LEGEND OF PUA POLŪ
HONOLULU – Add to your summer reading list “Akua Hawai‘i : Hawaiian Gods and Their Stories,” by Kimo Armitage, “Huahine, Island of the Lost Canoe,” by renowned Bishop Museum anthropologist Dr. Yosihiko Sinoto, and “ Pua Polū: The Pretty Blue Flower,” by Nona Beamer. All three Bishop Museum Press books will be available at Bishop Museum ’s Shop Pacifica and other fine bookstores on August 15, 2005 .
“Akua Hawai‘i : Hawaiian Gods and Their Stories” is an introduction to more than 30 Hawaiian gods. Readers of all ages will enjoy exploring the history of these gods and their legendary powers. The book reveals the relationship between mortals and their gods, and reflects on times in history when gods were called upon for their powers. The book offers stories of creation, duty, love, and hope that provide a better understanding of the gods and demonstrate important lessons about life. Written by Kimo Armitage and illustrated by Solomon Enos, the hardcover book retails for $18.95.
“Huahine, Island of the Lost Canoe” details the first methodical field survey of Huahine in French Polynesia conducted by Dr. Yosihiko Sinoto. It features over 100 historical and present-day images of people, sites and the temple of Huahine . Sinoto’s archaeological digs and his study and restoration of traditional marae (sacred lands and structures) continue to play a significant role in the understanding of pre-contact Polynesian culture. Co-authored by Rick Carroll, the soft cover book retails for $12.95.
“Pua Polū: The Pretty Blue Flower” is a story about family and the cycles of life told from the point of view of a koali, a morning glory bloom. Author and Hawaiian elder Nona Beamer brings together her experience of the natural world of Hawai‘i with songs and insights from her life. The book includes a special Hawaiian CD by Beamer and her son, Keola, performing a musical version of book’s story. Written in English with Hawaiian translation, Pua Polū serves as a Hawaiian language primer for keiki. The hardcover book is beautifully illustrated by renowned block print artist Caren Loebel Fried and retails for $14.95.
Founded in 1892, Bishop Museum Press is the oldest continuous publisher of books in Hawai‘i, and one of the first scholarly presses in the Western Hemisphere . Proceeds from sales of Bishop Museum Press books further the Museum’s efforts in research, education and collections care. Bishop Museum Members receive a 20% discount on all Bishop Museum Press books, when purchased at Bishop Museum ’s Shop Pacifica. Call (808) 848-4159 or e-mail shop@bishopmuseum.org.
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 (808) 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org