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Moloka`i Magic Captures HSGAby Marjorie Scott "It was the best day of the whole week," Lorene Ruymar said of HSGA's trip to the Island of Moloka`i on April 30. We went to present "Ke Ola Pono No Nä Kupuna", ALU LIKE's Seniors group, with the steel guitar which John Tipka had built for them, and to give them a concert. Sixteen of the HSGA members who come to Hawai`i every year for May Festival Week, joined by Alan Akaka, Bobby Ingano and your editor, climbed aboard Aloha Island Air's small "commuter" plane in Honolulu at 9 a.m. The flight attendant came by asking for our weights! What with steel guitars and `ukuleles carefully stored in the baggage area, we were a heavy load, Honolulu was chilly (for us kama`aina) and the sky threatened rain. Thirty minutes later, we landed in warm sunshine on what Hawaiians call their most sacred Island; what legend calls "the birthplace of the world". The magic of Hawai`i's "Friendly Isle" began at once. We were met by Jeanette Kahalehoe of ALU LIKE, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services program that reaches out to Hawaiian elders across the State. A whole group of folks came with her, and took us in like close friends and neighbors with big smiles, many hugs and warm greetings of "Aloha". A pick-up truck carried the instruments, and we boarded the school bus driven by David Robins to take us through the countryside to the Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai, where we were to spend the morning among the Seniors. Our "tour" started in the airport parking lot. "Oh, you have parking meters in the lot," someone said. "No matter -- most of `em don't work", David answered. There was a stop sign as the bus left the parking lot, but he didn't stop for it as no one was on the road. David waved greetings to the few motorists we passed, and pointed out historic places of interest as well as fields lying fallow because their crops are no more. These days, the peace and quiet of the countryside belies the ongoing struggle of too many unemployed residents. Moloka`i has only 7,000 inhabitants, most of them Native Hawaiians who were born and raised there; all of whom know each other. It is the most unspoiled of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands largely because, due to the strong current of the Moloka`i Channel, no seaport docks were ever possible. Thus, in the days when large steam ships were the only major transportation, Moloka`i was bypassed by visitors. Even today, it is not a primary visitor site. Unfortunately, most of Moloka`i's agricultural "dollar" crops have ceased to exist -- no more pineapple, their biggest crop, no more delicious Moloka`i watermelon. Even the experimental corn station had to lay off 200 employees, as one of the big corn companies pulled out. All staple goods must be barged to the Island, and folks wanting to make major purchases or shop department stores fly to Honolulu. The cost of electricity is said to be the highest in the United States, and with no new ways yet to make a living, many folks are struggling to produce a income, now. Many have had to turn to welfare. But the Hawaiian spirit which permeates this small island is intact. It captured us all: so much love, sharing and caring for others. We were greeted with it, the minute we arrived at the Center. The kupuna were playing and singing; each of us was presented with a lei of lauhala leaf disks and wiliwili seeds; "necklaces" that looked like tiny shells indespersed with colored beads, accompanied by a kiss and a hug. The Seniors had made the leis especially for us. (I still wear mine proudly, every chance I get, and always will.) Who played? Bob and Julie Waters, John Tipka, Art and Lorene Ruymar, Kimoe Fatiaki, Homer Bentley, Kimoe's nephew and a new member, Bobby Ingano and Alan Akaka. And, of course, Bernie Endaya on bass and HSGA's intrepid photographer, Paul Weaver on camera. (You can see his pictures in the Foto Gallery, pages ???) We brought our own cheering section too: Millie Tipka, Carol Fatiaki and Gracia and Jerry Mulligan. Add them to the nearly 100 enthusiatic members of Ke Ola Pono No Nä Kupuna and it was indeed an enthusiastic audience, especially when Alan (trying out the Seniors' new steel) and Bobby decided to jam together. The high point, however, came from one of Moloka`i's own. Standing quietly in the back of the hall, holding an instrument wrapped in a square of white cloth, was a younger man. Bobby Ingano had greeted him with surprise and delight when we first arrived. It seems that Raymond Kelly and Bobby had gone to grade school together on the island of Lanai. They had met again, several years ago when Bobby was visiting on Moloka`i. Raymond then told Bobby he wished he could play steel. Bobby's reply? "Go get a steel and just start playing!" Now Raymond, cradling his steel in his arms, listened intently to Bobby and Alan's playing. But not for long. You know how we are -- we don't let steel players just stand around and watch! A little urging, a little supportive push, another chair placed between Alan and Bobby, and Raymond and his steel were on stage. Showtime, folks. "Sand" was the selection, and Raymond not only played, with bridges and harmonies added by da kine, but he sang all the verses in a mellow voice! First time I ever heard the words to "Sand"! The room erupted in cheers (and I was close to tears of joy.) HSGA's concert ended with Alan playing and everybody in the Hall singing "Moloka`i Nui A Hina". It was a rousing finish. The beautiful lap steel John Tipka had made was now presented to the Seniors. Alan had added an engraved brass plaque dedicating the gift from HSGA. John and Millie Tipka had built a case for the steel, and Alan included extra John Pearse strings, picks, and a bar. Then it was time for lunch. Tasty sandwichs, salads and beverages had been prepared, and boy were we hungry. We ate with the Seniors, who then had to move on to their afternoon activities, even though no one wanted to leave, least of all us. Many more warm hugs, kisses and invitations urging us to come back soon. I think there's no doubt that we will. Several seniors with steel guitars of their own very much want lessons. Yes. HSGA is working on it. While most of the HSGArs stayed on to play some more, downtown, Alan, Bobby, Paul and I had to return to Honolulu on an early plane. As Alan and I stood waiting for Jeanette to drive us to the airport, Alan said "I could just stay right here. No stress, no hurry, no schedule, just gentle, friendly folks, carrying on as best they can together." I nodded in agreement. God blesses this sacred Island and its people. The magical spirit of Hawai`i is alive and well on Moloka`i. 
HSGA * HAWAIIAN
STEEL GUITAR ASSOCIATION Homepage URL: www.hsga.org (hsga@lava.net) Last updated: 07/23/02 by Gerald Ross (gbross@umich.edu) |