KIRC Collaborates with UH Maui's Institute of Hawaiian Music for its Final Mahina‘ai Night

IHM

The KIRC is proud to collaborate with UH Maui's Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM) for its (final) Mahina‘ai event on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 5:30-7:30 PM.

An exemplary program that mentors and trains aspiring musicians in performing, singing, composition, repertoire development, recording techniques, and marketing of Hawaiian music, IHM comes to us through the leadership of Dr. Keola Donaghy. Here, we learn a bit more about Keola and IHM's involvement with Kaho‘olawe.

Donaghy

Why are you volunteering your time for Mahina‘ai?
I grew up in Kama‘ole myself, in the 1970s, when the bombing was still going on, and first visited Kaho‘olawe in 1993. Today's generation and those who have moved here need to be reminded of the history of the island, the damage that was inflicted not only to the island but the Hawaiian people because of its abuse.

We have drastically scaled down access and operations on Kaho'olawe due to the results of this year's legislative session. How do you think these Mahina‘ai events can help garner more support for the 2016 session?
I think that events like these are crucial to raising awareness of the dire situation of KIRC, and the pressing need for ongoing financial support in its effort to rehabilitate the island. People cannot see the damage that was inflicted on the island from our vantage point on Maui, so they do need to be reminded that there is an incredible amount of work remaining to be done.

KIRC staff and IHM student Kui Gapero

Why is it important to gather community in recognition of this cause? How can music play a part in that process?
Music played a huge role in the Hawaiian Renaissance, documenting what was going on and being a voice for social and political change. It still does, and I try to instill in my students the importance of using their talents to support their community and to contribute to social causes such as this.

Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Regarding the Institute of Hawaiian Music, people should know that we are always looking for new students. We have students from late teens to their sixites, some who have recorded CDs and others that know just a few chords and songs. Hawaiian or not, long-time residents, or malihini. Whether they speak Hawaiian or not now, they will learn. We invest a lot of effort into our students and simply ask that they invest as much in them selves, their studies, rehearsals and performances. The next semester is less than two months away, so anyone interested can contact me. Feel free to share my email and phone number 808-769-8133.

Ocean talk at Mahina'ai night

Keola is a prolific haku mele (composer of Hawaiian poetry), whose compositions have been recorded by Keali‘i Reichel, Kenneth Makuakāne, Kainani Kahaunaele, Amy Hānaiali‘i, The Pandanus Club, The De Lima ‘Ohana, O’Brian Eselu, Patrick Landeza, and Steven Espaniola. He has received numerous nominations for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards as a composer, producer, and liner note annotator. Keola is the Faculty Coordinator of the Institute of Hawaiian Music, coordinates music studies at UH-MC, and teaches Hawaiian and world music, music theory and applied music. He holds a B.A. in Hawaiian Studies and M.A. in Hawaiian Language and Literature from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, a Graduate Certificate in Telecommunications and Information Resource Managmement (TIRM) from UH-Mānoa, and a Ph.D. in Music (ethnomusicology focus) from the University of Otago in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Additionally, he is a  voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (“Grammy Awards”) a former member of the Board of Governors of the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts (“Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards”), an active member of The Recording Academy, Society of Ethnomusicology, International Council of Traditional Music, the British Forum for Ethnomusicology - and - currently serves on the Board of Governors of PBS Hawai‘i.

Part of a series of full moon events geared to raise awareness of and access to Kaho‘olawe, Mahina‘ai nights offer a guided tour of the KIRC's new walking trail on its 8-acre Kihei, Maui property, live Hawaiian music, food vendors, an opportunity to talk story with experts in Kaho‘olawe history, restoration and culture and more. Through this program, we have met hundreds of individuals that may not be able to commit to the physical, time or financial commitments incurred by an on-island volunteer work trip, but are eager to be involved with Kaho'olawe. We see this as an important step in ensuring that the people of Hawai'i have access to Kaho'olawe, and in involving the broader community in developing the forthcoming Kaho'olawe Education and Operations Center.

Join us!
Thursday, November 19, 2015
5:30 - 7:30 PM | FREE
RSVP's Requested here or at 808.243.5020 

NOTES: Park at the Kihei Boat Ramp and follow signs for the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) - just a short walk to the boat house site (2780 South Kihei Road). Flash lights and closed-toe footwear are strongly recommended as you will be walking on a mulch-lined path amongst kiawe. Because there are no ATM's on site, please bring cash or checks if you plan to purchase food, beverages or to make a contribution to the Kaho'olawe Rehabilitation Trust Fund.

Kaho‘olawe

This program is made possible by a grant through the Maui County Product Enrichment Program (CPEP). Visit http://kahoolawe.hawaii.gov/home.php for more.