Community Gathering January 18th

There were approximately 20 people at the Community Gathering regarding Affirmative Action on January 18th. While it would have been ideal to have more people attend, those that were there were able to get clarification on what Affirmative Action is and see the potential widespread ramifications should this bill go through.

It was unfortunate that more community leaders were not in attendance, and hopefully the follow up gathering on February 4th draws more people. The follow up gathering will be held on Friday February 4th at 6:30 at the Hawaiian Cultural Center, potluck.

Mahalo nunui to Belinda Saltiban for all of her kokua and to Susan Porter who so generously shared her time and mana'o to help increase awareness amongst our Polynesian community.

FUNDRAISERS!!!!! SUPPORT YOUR HAWAIIAN COMMUNITY!

Aloha kakou!

We are gearing up for two great fundraisers, the first is for our civic club, with the proceeds going towards scholarships and cultural activities for our community.

We're selling Char siu chicken plate lunches, consisting of Char siu chicken, fried noodles, rice, deep fried pork won tons and almond cookie for only $8.00. The pick up date is Saturday, February 19th, from 11 - 3 at the Columbus Center.

Second fundraiser is for KALEA, which will be a laulau fundraiser, $5.00 ea or 5 for $20.00. Pick up date is Saturday, February 26th, with two locations available for pick up! Please see flyer for pick up locations and times.

Also, KALEA is getting ready to start their 2011 paddling season!!! Make sure and follow their blog to receive all the latest information!

Don't forget!

Okay, don't forget, there is a Community Gathering tomorrow night at the Hawaiian Cultural Center, 741 Smelter St. in Midvale, at 6:30 in regards to the proposed amendment to ban affirmative action in the State of Utah. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with affirmative action, we can all agree that an INFORMED COMMUNITY is a STRONG COMMUNITY. Please join us.

ALSO...the deadline to apply for Kamehameha Schools Ho'omaika'ika'i program/Explorations is February 28th. You can download the application here.

CELEBRATE!!

Today I am reminded of the scenes in the very first Harry Potter book where everyone is celebrating joyously, making toasts, because of Voldemort's defeat and an end to that oppressive state. Why? BECAUSE THE MILITARY HAS STOPPED LIVE FIRE TRAINING AT MAKUA VALLEY, that's why!! And as such, I feel like celebrating joyously!! Having grown up there and hearing the training, feeling the vibrations that came with it, and experiencing the hurt and devastation every time there was a fire, a bomb, live fire...ugh. And now it's free. And now the healing and restoration begins. Amama...ua noa. Read all about it here. And rejoice!

COMMUNITY GATHERING JANUARY 18TH!

Please join us! It has recently come to our attention that many in our Hawaiian and Polynesian community are unaware of the proposed amendment to the Utah State constitution to BAN Affirmative Action. This bill is positioned to go on the ballot for 2012.

This gathering on January 18th will be about getting the information regarding this proposal to our community in order to empower them to make informed decisions. We will have special guest speakers from the University of Utah to share what the proposal is, the possible ramifications and how they impact us as a community and as individuals. Please plan on attending! Mahalo nunui to Lei Aloha O Ka `Ohana through the Hawaiian Cultural Center for all of their kokua with having the gathering there. Mahalo!

GET SET, GO!!!

We are EXCITED for the many fun, culturally engaging, exciting things we have planned for our community in 2011!! We are blessed to be able to bring cultural education, family oriented activities to our community while partnering with other Hawaiian and Polynesian organizations. The resources within our Polynesian community here in Utah are immense and we are blessed to be able to partner with each other for the betterment of our community.
Our first gathering for 2011 starts us off with a cultural presentation. In our traditions, when a name is bestowed, it serves to activate that which is being named. It serves to breathe life into it, to animate it, serve as anchor to its life. Come and explore what our Native Hawaiian traditions are for bestowing a name, and who knows? You may just learn more about YOUR name, and who YOU are. All the information can be found on the flyer below.

To balance our activities, February will find us with a fun ACTIVITY/WORKSHOP for the whole family!! Want to know what it is? Make sure you come to January's gathering, and follow us here for more up to date information!!!

Also, make sure and follow KALEA'S blog, as they'll have their membership, practice schedule and race schedule for 2011 posted on the blog soon!!!

We hope all of you have had a terrific 2010, we're excited to share 2011 with all of you!