An annual community meeting was held in the Heber J. Grant Building to plan for a Ho‘olaule‘a, an event intended to showcase the spirit of the North Shore. Community organizers from Turtle Bay, Laie Community Association, and BYU-Hawaii attended on Oct. 28.At last month’s meeting, the council decided on two main themes for an event: ‘Aina, Hawaiian for of the land, and Na‘ike, culture. Upon further discussion, the council decided to combine the two themes for a Ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) of the earth and culture that stems from it.At this month’s meeting, the council went over the “hows” and “whys” of such an event.The Ko‘olauloa region is the area of towns between Kualoa and Waimea. The Laie Community Council is striving to “Malama,” or preserve, the cultures within this region by planning an event that celebrates them and is all encompassing.Nainoa Logan, the spokesperson for the Laie Community Council, said they started in February of this year with about 15 members putting into action their own business ventures. Due to the productivity of the original 15 members, the council made the switch to planning an annual event merging local economy and community revival, hoping to spread their own personal success.Aunty Keala Miller, of the Laie Community Association, countered an argument the event might drive away those not in the Ko‘olauloa when she said, “There’s not going to be a feeling that ‘Oh, we shouldn’t go over there, since we’re not apart of it.’ No, it’s not going to happen like that.” She continued, “It just signifies that this is where we need to Malama and take care of our own moku (land district).”In Hawaiian tradition, one recites their whole genealogy upon arrival in another district, explaining where you are from, why you were there, etc. But in this event, the council is striving to invite all from across the island to come and aid in the preservation of all cultures and people.The council meeting closed with a brainstorming session to sort all the needs to launch the event.Council meetings are held the last Tuesday of every month, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.
Writer: Morgynne Tora ~ Multimedia Journalist
