On July 24, WCC’s new hale for the
Hawaiian Studies program received a traditional blessing.
The 19-by-40 foot thatched wooden structure located next to Hale A‘o near the campus entrance is now part of the mahi‘ai kalo (kalo cultivation) class taught by Hawaiian Studies lecturer Liko Hoe.
Hanalei Marzan, a kumu kaka‘ōlelo (master of chanting) from Hālau Mele performed the ceremony. Chancellor Doug Dykstra, Hawaiian Studies assistant professor Kalawaia (Peter) Moore and kumu Palani Sineci, the head of Hālau Kuhikuhi, a guild of Hawaiian builders, also participated in the ceremony.
“The hale will be our home base for expanding the Hawaiian cultural garden out here,” said Moore. “The hale will be used as a teaching tool for the māla (garden) of about two acres behind the hale.”
by Patrick Hascall, Ka ‘Ohana Staff Reporter
