Hale-building workshop set in Honaunau

Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club invites all interested community members to participate in a traditional Hawaiian hale-building workshop from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Honaunau Bay.

The workshop is the third in a series taking place monthly through June 2017.

Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club is in the process of restoring Hale o Ho‘oponopono, a hale halawai (meeting house) that served as the site of Hawaii’s first “immersion school” project in the 1970s.

The hale and school it housed were founded at a time of cultural revival and activism that included the birth of Hokule‘a and the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘ohana.

The school was formed with an intention to address the shortcomings of the western educational system in its interactions with and attitudes toward the Native Hawaiian community and culture.

With the sponsorship of Kamehameha Schools and the dedication and efforts of Joe Tassill, “Boots” Matthews, Herb Kane, Clarence Medeiros, Abraham Moses, Diana Aki, Tutu Clara Manase and others, Hale o Ho‘oponopono was built and served the community for many years until the hale structure fell into disrepair.

The canoe club’s goal is to revitalize and enhance the cultural landscape of Honaunau Bay for keiki, residents and visitors.

The Hale o Ho‘oponopono rebuilding process is led by master hale builder Walter Wong and his team of hale builder haumana (interns).

Participants will perform traditional protocols and experience the importance of laulima (working together) while restoring a traditional style hale halawai and learning skills such as pohaku (rock) dry setting, placement of pou (posts) and basic lashing techniques.

All ages are welcome, but children must be under the supervision of their parents at all times. Wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves. There is no charge for the workshop and lunch is provided.

For more information, email contact@keouacanoeclub.com.