After nearly two years of hard work, the East Hawaii Cultural Council has released “Aloha Aina: Big Island Memories,” a 288-page collection of stories, essays and poems authored by nearly 80 kupuna recalling their memories of life on the Big Island during the past century.
After nearly two years of hard work, the East Hawaii Cultural Council has released “Aloha Aina: Big Island Memories,” a 288-page collection of stories, essays and poems authored by nearly 80 kupuna recalling their memories of life on the Big Island during the past century.
The book will be introduced to the Hamakua public at a reception at the Hotel Honokaa from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. Copies may be purchased at this reception, $25 for the black-and-white edition and $45 for the color edition.
“Proceeds from this book will support the arts and culture of East Hawaii Cultural Center,” said Dennis Taniguchi, EHCC executive director.
There will be readings of selected stories by Jackie Pualani Johnson and Randal McEndree. Light refreshments and homemade snacks will be available while enjoying the reception.
Over 70 kupuna responded to the call for contributions for the project of stories, poems, essays, photos and artwork depicting the treasures of Big Island Memories. About 80 submissions in prose and poems were selected to represent Big Island memories sectionalized by Hilo, Hamakua, Waimea and Kohala, Kona, Ka‘u and Puna. Also, 53 artworks by 12 local artists were included.