[ RELIGION ]
Celebrating the past ON THE CHURCH STAIRS, it's the usual talk-story time about sports, food and acquaintances. But when the processional music starts, solemnity is donned like a feather cape.
Rev. Abraham Akaka
started the celebration at
Kawaiahao Church
40 years agoRELIGION BRIEFS
By Mary Adamski
Star BulletinA glimpse of the pomp and protocol of the Kingdom of Hawaii -- or a wistful dream a century later -- it is Alii Sunday at Kawaiahao Church.
The caped Royal Order of Kamehameha and the elegant, black-clad ladies of Kaahumanu Society led more than 200 members of Hawaiian organizations into the sanctuary of Oahu's oldest Christian church for a combined celebration of history, culture and religious faith.
Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole was the focus of last Sunday's program, one of eight times during the year that a member of Hawaiian royalty is singled out for honors.
PAGEANTRY EVOKING Hawaii's past is predictable at cultural, government and social events today, but it was rare when, 40 years ago, the late Rev. Abraham Akaka came up with the idea of Alii Sunday."It was when the so-called Hawaiian Renaissance was coming to life and Hawaiian leaders talked about wanting more visibility," said the Rev. William Kaina, like Akaka a former Kawaiahao pastor. "He invited them to come to church."
Hawaii's monarchy is remembered nowadays in other venues -- including politically charged demonstrations staged at Iolani Palace across the way -- but the peaceful, dignified Kawaiahao tradition continues as a mainstay in marking Hawaiian pride.
Don't mistake the honors as bestowing divinity on the ancestors, Kaina hastened to add. "This is not to worship the alii. The alii are being lifted up. Kahu Akaka made that clear, this is part of our tradition, remember the culture we come from."
With the exception of Kamehameha I, the royalty honored responded to the teaching of the Congregationalist missionaries who founded Kawaiahao and became Christians.
Some modern Hawaiian activists decry the role of Christianity and the missionaries among the western influences seen as damaging the culture.
They were outnumbered in the crowd of Hawaiians Sunday, each group dressed in identifying colors.
"The namesake clubs see this as a way to bring back into focus, the lives of exemplary leaders," said Linda Delaney, a longtime Hawaiian activist and president of the Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club. "We recognize that they still play a role in our lives today ... in the programs and initiatives they started."
Kuhio's legacy includes the Hawaiian Homes Act, passed by Congress while he was a delegate, and the creation of Hawaiian civic clubs.
"There are too many Hawaiians who simply want to believe that government doesn't really affect their lives as Hawaiians," said Kina'u Kamali'i in a brief lecture Sunday. "There are even some who want to pretend that the American system of government and laws can't or doesn't exist in Hawaii because of the illegal nature of the overthrow."
But she said that rather than giving in to such feelings or becoming a prince in exile, "a romantic, futile figure," Kuhio chose to function in the system. He won elective office, and when he later lost, he helped found the Hawaiian civic clubs movement "to provide a forum for debate and discussion ... to acknowledge that a vote isn't the end of political participation, but just the beginning." Kamali'i said he set the example for Hawaiians: "We must not withdraw, but become more deeply involved with the political system."THE REV. JAMES FUNG, who returned to Hawaii eight months ago as Kawaiahao pastor, said he is deeply moved when he watches the participants' demeanor change from casual to regal as another Alii Sunday begins. "As they walk in the sense of pride, in remembrance of the kingdom ... it is a powerful statement of the aliveness of our heritage. They are honoring past tradition and they are honoring God."
"When I bless the Hawaiian organizations, I always recognize the powerful statement it was for our alii to take on the humility ... to recognize that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
Fung doesn't see Alii Sunday as simply a look back. "Here our history and our future come together," he said, referring to Kawaiahao Church.
"I feel the church has a valuable role in bringing together diverse elements in the Hawaiian community. Part of who we are is belief in a sense of community, and in being an instrument of reconciliation.
"This is a place where people can be heard, where we respect each other's opinions and perspectives."
[BRIEFLY]
Eight-day observance of Passover begins next week, marking the deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt
Jews in Hawaii will begin the eight-day observance of Passover next week with a ritual meal, the Seder, that has its basis in the Book of Exodus.The holiday marks God's deliverance of the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery and heathen influences 3,313 years ago.
The name recalls the Biblical story that God "passed over" the houses of the Hebrews, sparing them while he killed the firstborn of the Egyptians.
Retelling the story, in answer to questions, is part of the Seder tradition.
Chabad of Hawaii will sponsor community feasts, billed as "deluxe, gourmet Seders," on Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom in Waikiki. Services will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night, followed by the banquet.
For reservations, call Chabad of Hawaii, 735-8161. A higher price will apply after Monday. Kamaaina rates are available.
Kehilat haMelech, a Messianic congregation, will sponsor a Passover Seder April 8 at Pacific Beach Hotel.
Tuesday is the deadline for reservations. Call 236-0440.
Reservations are closed for Seder celebrations planned by Temple Emanu-El and Temple Bet Shalom.
Open Table Pilgrimage to visit Daijingu Temple
When the early Japanese plantation workers brought in their picture brides, the first place they headed was to a Shinto shrine to be married in the traditional religion of home.Their descendants still seek a shrine at New Year's time and whenever there is a new endeavor to be blessed.
The ancestral beliefs will be explained tomorrow as the Daijingu Temple of Hawaii hosts the monthly Open Table Pilgrimage tour of churches.
The 2:30 p.m. purification and thanksgiving service at the temple at 61 Puiwa Road is open to the public, to be followed by a lecture.
Community leaders to attend prayer meet
Top military leaders and state and county government officials are among more than 1,500 people expected to attend the annual Hawaii Prayer Breakfast Friday.Authors and attorneys Phil and Susy Downer of Chattanooga, Tenn., will be the keynote speakers at the 7 a.m. event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. The eight-member Torres Family of Molokai, who have won awards for their inspirational music, will perform.
This is the 22nd year of the breakfast which is patterned on the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Reservations, at $20 per person, may be made by calling 486-8986.
Holocaust survivor to speak in Honolulu
Ann Kazimirski, a survivor of the Nazi attempted annihilation of Jews, will speak on her experiences and lessons from the tragedy of the Holocaust next week in Honolulu.Kazimirski, author of the autobiographical "Witness to Horror," will speak at the University of Hawaii Wednesday.
The 12:30 p.m. lecture at the Art Building auditorium is open to the public.
Kazimirski will speak at the 7 p.m. Friday service at Temple Emanu-El, and to other community and school groups during her visit.
Born in Poland, she now lives in Montreal, Canada.