Lohe I Ka Leo – A project of the Kalihi Palama Culture & Arts Society (KPCAS)
The H.T. Hayashi Foundation is proud to be counted among this project’s earliest supporters. When the idea was first conceived by KPCAS’ Executive Director, Guy Sibilla, no one was sure how it would work or if it would work. The foundation believed in the vision, saw the importance of what the project was trying to accomplish, and committed to taking a risk. Preserving Native Hawaiian culture, history, language, and traditions is one of the foundation’s focus areas. The reason stems from the family’s belief that Hawaii’s future cannot exist without an understanding, appreciation, and healthy respect for those who were here before us. There is also a sense of urgency to preserve the records and capture the stories before they are lost.
When the pandemic took away the ability for KPCAS to host an in-person Keiki Hula competition, they produced a four-part film. It was beautifully done, and won a 2021 Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Northern California chapter!
Click here for the piece on Lohe I Ka Leo that was included with the film project.