From Lehua

I first got involved with Iosepa because Namea and Miki wanted me to do the Saturday morning swim with them. Later (like February 2002), Kamoa‘e asked if I wanted to be a crewmember and go to the training on the Big Island. Actually, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get too involved. I was going to graduate in a couple of months, I didn’t know what I was going to do after that and I knew that I get motion sick easier than you’d think was possible.
I think I stayed because I felt such a strong connection with the other people on the crew. There was usually a really good rapport with one another and we had a lot of fun working, playing or making trouble with each other. Also, I felt like I would never get another chance to help and be involved with something like this. I mean, I’m from Nevada, the middle of the desert, no wa‘a kaulua over here.
Kihe ka ihu i ka ‘ale. I always visualized something surging forward, into the fray, you know. It makes me think of putting up the jib and sitting out on the alelo with your feet dangling over the ocean, the spray that hits your feet and the rush of water going under your feet through the hulls. For me, it meant charging into something unknown, but with a trust in something solid and reliable. For us, it was the ocean with the canoe as our “something solid”. In other cases, I think that the unknown is life and the solid, reliable support is the gospel.
To me, pono means to be centered, and right with yourself, others or your situation. I always felt that one should be pono when he or she came to the canoe. That meant that they should get over their issues before coming and working. I personally didn’t want to bring any negativity to the wa’a and in turn bring others down. I really think it helped me during that time, because I wanted to be at the canoe and if I had an issue, I hurried and got over it, so that I could go work.
The experience with Iosepa was physically, mentally, culturally and emotionally challenging. I enjoyed working on the canoe when it was on land, but as soon as it got onto the water, my enjoyment ended. Since I spent most of my time sleeping or throwing up, the sailing aspect was physically tough on me. Culturally, I learned a lot about being Hawaiian and understanding what that means. I had some interesting conversations with Kamoa’e about it. Emotionally, it was a struggle to balance home and canoe and work.
I think that being a crew member came with a lot of responsibility. You have each other’s back, whether it’s adjusting a stay line or helping at their wedding. Being part of the crew is a life changing experience. It is like having a whole other family. The memories that I made during that time will be with me forever. You can’t put it into words that would really do it justice, but I think that everyone that was involved probably feels the same way.
You know, I remember a lot of the little sayings everyone used to say, but the one that really pops out in my head is, “Shut-up, Lehua”. One day in Malama Kai, Kamoa‘e was reviewing his syllabus and in one section he had a mistake or something (“the many faucets of Malama Kai”), and I probably pointed it out or laughed, being the TESOL major that I was. Paliku really enjoyed repeating that one.
There are so many stories and memories, it’s like a flood thinking about them all. One memory that sticks out to me was when all of the wahine went for a training to the Big Island and visited with Aunty Marie. We were all piled in her house and it was hot and since we had been out in the sun, I was sleepy. I totally kept drifting off. All of a sudden, I heard my name whispered in my ear. The voice wasn’t from someone in that room. I think one of my ancestors (great-grandma or someone) was telling me that I better pay attention. It made me realize that my people were proud of what I was doing and that they were with me. I knew that I was doing something that was bigger than just us.
I miss it every day and I miss everyone more than you know! No matter where I am I will always feel connected to the canoe. I’m grateful for the time I got to spend there and all of the memories that I’ll always have.
Love,
Lehua

Some Notes from Elder Ballard's Blessing upon Iosepa

Aloha Kakou,
I have some notes that I have taken after reading Elder Ballard's Blessing of Iosepa. Here are some few highlights of his blessing. My intent for sharing this is to inspire all those who have been or will be associated, in Elder Ballard's prose, with the Wa'a. Im sure some of you will also remember how Elder Ballard was very happy about the name Iosepa. Truly the name of the canoe is not Hawaiian only, but is representative of the Pacific 'Ohana. I hope these few notes help you on your voyages.

---------------------------------------------------------
-A blessing upon all who have directed this work or participated in anyway with the canoe’s construction.

-Bless Thy work here in the islands and around the world.

-Pronounce a blessing upon it that it may be seaworthy at all times.

-Those who will have experience upon it may be watched over, protected, and kept safe.

-That the lessons that need to be learned by those who seek to know more about the sea and its tremendous power and capacity, may be inspired and enlightened and may learn lessons that will help them in life and throughout all eternity.

-Bless the Teachers and Anyone who gives instruction that they will be inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit, that even in the midst of serious moments when decisions must be made quickly, that by the power of the Holy Ghost they will know exactly what to do and what not to do in order to sail the seas in this canoe safely.

-Much thanks to Heavenly Father for the privilege of being present together.

-This canoe is dedicated by a priesthood blessing and upon all those associated with it.
---------------------------------------------------------

Feki

May and June 2008 for the Iosepa 'Ohana

April 17, 2008

Aloha Kakou,

We just had a meeting for all the Hawaiian Studies Majors and Minors called by Kamoa'e, and we watched the documentary done in 2005 by Brother Lau about the sail of Iosepa to and from Kawaihae. Uncle Bill shared so much of his mana'o about the sail in that film. It was great to see him in that film. We are all asked to keep Uncle Bill in our prayers as he is in the early stages of his chemotherapy. Kamoa'e said that Uncle Bill was eating a little better and that that was a good sign.
He also spoke about Iosepa's plans to sail later this month (April) and into May and June. He said President Wheelwright is presenting the sail plan to the Brethren and hopefully if allowed, Iosepa would sail for these next few months. This would continue to show safe sailing of Iosepa. Kamoa'e mentioned plans to sail around Ko'olauloa, O'ahu, and back to Kawaihae and inbetween at Kalaupapa. These plans have the objective not only to teach students, but also build a base of experienced crew members so that Iosepa has a larger base of experienced crew. This is very exciting and can truly see how Iosepa is moving forward. Apparently Iosepa will come out of the water and be placed in the Canoe House towards the end of June.
Kamoa'e also mentioned that there would be space to have "veteran" crew members kokua with Iosepa near Hukilau.

Just some information for everyone!
Here is a copy of this email he sent:
----------------------------------------------------
Aloha mai kakou a pau e na haumana a'o 'ike Hawai'i,

He kono keia ia 'oukou e hele mai a halawai pu e ho'olohe mai e pili ana i na
mea hou o Ka Halau Nui a Hawai'iloa, a me na papa o keia kupulau a'e nei e hiki
koke mai nei.

Please attend a meeting to hear the latest news concerning our Hawaiian Studies
Department, and the Johnathan Napela Center for Hawaiian (and Pacific)
Languages and Culture(s) Studies. We will also update everyone on the exciting
new course offerings for this spring term.

McKay 177 (Just down the hall from the Hawaiian Studies offices)
Thur. April 17, 10:00 a.am.

* If you know any other Hawaiian Studies majors/minors whose names are not
listed on this email, please invited them to come also.

Me ka 'oia'i'o no

Kamoaʻe Walk
Assistant Professor/
Assistant Director
Ka Halau Nui o Hawaiʻiloa
Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian Language & Cultural Studies
Brigham Young University Hawaiʻi
55-220 Kulanui Street, #1970
Laʻie, Hawaiʻi 96762
(808)675-3370 / Fax (808)675-3888
----------------------------------------------------

>>>I also learned about the name that Kamoa'e was asked to pule about for the Hawaiian Studies Program. The name he received is Ka Halau Nui o Hawaiʻiloa. Apparently the Jonathan Napela name came after, so it has been interesting that the name Ka Halau Nui o Hawai'iloa is like the name for the Hawaiian Studies Department, but the Johnathan Napela Center for Hawaiian (and Pacific)Languages and Culture(s) Studies. Also, the Hawaiian Studies Program has reached out and incorporated the Pacific Island Studies under the umbrella of the Napela Center.<<<

Malama Pono Kakou

Feki

Aloha 'ohana,

I don't have too many pictures of us on the wa'a. In fact few of them record the skills we learned and practiced on the decks of Makali'i and Iosepa. I think we can all agree that when we were on deck our hands were far too busy to take in photo ops. The few that I do have of us on the pola were taken by Monique.
Interesting, that the majority of the photos are of us with wa'a people (not necessarily on the wa'a). The wa'a brought us together. I remember Uncle Clay telling me that it was the people we meet while caring for the wa'a that is the important thing. In caring for the canoe we learned to have stewardship for one another too.
Don't get me wrong. There are photos that exist, images in my mind, of the things we learned and accomplished on board that will never fade.
I have a few more pics of us during sea trials. I'll post them soon.
Malama pono, Noe

Pics from Noe

Luther, Kamoa'e, Aunty Marie and Uncle Clay



Uncle Kawika presenting gifts to our Maori 'ohana


Jason, Noelani and Haki at Kawaihae, Sweet!


Hawaiian Studies, Iosepa, Kahua Ola would not exist without
the vision and dedication of one man, Uncle Bill Wallace.


Captain Chadd Paishon checking our main sail before as we
ready for sea trials.

More pics from Noe

Waiting for the sunrise at Pololu.


Noelani and Keaka at Mahukona.


Na wahine u'i!


Aunty Marie Solomon, a true steward of the wa'a
and all things hawaiian. This lady was full of strength,
grace and wisdom. We were blessed to know her
and learn from her.


Aunty Marie holding Uncle Sonny's picture

Pics from Noe cont.

Jude, Paliku and Kanale original crewmembers.
Eh! Nice the leis, no?


Master carver Tuione Pulotu and Paliku


Elder M. Russell Ballard and I believe Uncle Ira Fulton in
the background, helping to launch Iosepa.


Elder Ballard addressing the hundreds who showed up to
celebrate the launching of Iosepa.


Jamelyn, Uncle Bill, Niva and Noelani, Iosepa in the
background. This is soon after the launching.

Ko makou kuleana ka huki pono `ana

Being a part of Iosepa is one of the greatest experiences I've ever been a part of. The time period from February to November of 2001 will always stand out in my mind as a kind of dream. Of course, a lot of important things happened from November to the present day as well and also have an important place in my heart.

I remember that when the massive Dakua logs arrived from Fiji and were unloaded in Laie, I could tell that something incredible was happening right in front of me and if I didn't take advantage of the opportunity, I was going to miss out. At that point in time, I had decided that although Hawaiian issues and Hawaiian studies was important to me, it wasn't going to be my focus. After all, I was a history major and Hawaiian studies undergraduate student and I was a writer for the school newspaper. I planned to graduate in December 2001 and leave Laie and look at some kind of graduate school or law school.

But when the logs landed, my plans changed. It was like one of the loving slaps to the back of the head that Tuione used to give us when we weren't paying attention at the canoe site. The logs landed and there was a blessing ceremony that I was invited to participate in, but I didn't go to because my girlfriend at the time wanted to go to her friend's wedding party. I remember really regretting that I missed that ceremony. Tuione didn't waste time getting to work after that either. In a matter of weeks, he had the logs cut open and had them hollowed out. I would go to the site to help here and there, but I felt like I was really missing out because so much progress was made so quickly. Soon after that, I started working less hours at the newspaper so I could work at the canoe and I broke up with my girlfriend.

I remember some of the guys that were there at the very beginning were there every day. I remember a lot of their faces, but not all their names. Uncle Keawe Enos was there, an old fisherman from Hau`ula would come, Chuck Andrus, the surfboard shaper would come now and then, Lono Logan and a whole bunch of people from Laie that had ties to the ocean would come. There was also a big group of young guys that would show up - some guys that had full time jobs, some guys that didn't have any jobs and of course a lot of the students and occassional tourists. It was a pretty diverse group of people. Tuione would make imu a couple times a week to attract community people that he would unwittingly put to work. Whenever he had a big group of people he would have them push big pieces of the logs to this side or that side or rearrange them. During the first few months that the logs were becoming hulls for the wa`a, he needed a lot of brute strength to unite massive pieces of wood together and to dig them out with the adze (ko`i). After that he needed strength in spurts, but he needed a thousand hands to do a lot of patient sanding and finish work. Of course, Kawika was on board with the project from the beginning, but he was still transitioning from his old job to work full-time for the program.

My first impression of the canoe was that it was a great community project. Tuione made the wa`a site an open exhibit for anyone and everyone to come visit. Tuione would show up at 7 a.m. and leave some days after 10 p.m. at night. The sound of one of his many chainsaws or his high pitch screaming was always a welcome sound. Although Tuione was always criticizing us and scolding us for messing up this or that, he did it in a way that was never offensive. He was fair in his criticism and spread it out equally between the workers and leaders.

My previous experiences in those types of projects is that there are those on the inside that are welcome to be there, and there are those on the outside that are not welcome. For Tuione, there was no out or in. Everyone was in whether they were there for ten minutes or every day for ten months straight. I remember Tuione talking about that when the wa`a was blessed. He told a story about some Chinese students that came one night when he was working there all alone and they brought him a cheeseburger from McDonalds. It was those kinds of things that made him feel like the canoe was a success. It was a community that was created, united behind a goal, a dream of building a canoe. Every hand that went into the building of it added to its mana.

When the canoe was later driven through Laie to Hukilau beach, the people that were on the canoe were some of the people that had helped build it, but were mostly the people that were going to help sail it for the first time. That journey was a new journey.

I was lucky to be part of those first two groups of the canoe. I met so many awesome people and some of my best friends to this day.

Andy was like Tuione's adopted son. Andy literally gave %100 to the wa`a and the program. He spent way more hours there than he was paid for. He was the go to guy in the beginning. Andy was also always available when we needed something.

Paliku and Jude started coming to the canoe together. Paliku had just gotten off his mission and I think Jude had just started at BYUH earlier that year and was living with Paliku's family. Both of them would come in their big trucks.

We would just hang out there at the canoe like we were little kids and it was our clubhouse or something. I remember sleeping over there more than a few times with those guys and waking up really early in the mornings to do this or that. Things were always so much fun with those guys there. I'm sure we did a lot of work, but it hardly seemed like it because we were always laughing.

It's funny, I know by fall 2001 we were all in school full-time and all working and all doing canoe stuff and extra stuff like cultural night, but we were still at the canoe every spare minute. That last stretch was extra busy getting all the preparations together.

I remember Uncle Cy Bridges coming to the wa`a and composing a chant for the wa`a. There were a lot of dignitaries and even apostles and President Hinkley that came as the canoe was being constructed or shortly after its completion.

The canoe was basically constructed and had all the riggings and the basic outfittings for sailing a few days before it was launched. All the riggings and outfittings were later redone and adjusted for rigors of real sailing.

John Ka`imikaua oversaw the `aha `aina to celebrate the birth of the wa`a and its entry into the ocean. It was an amazing ceremony and I was so glad to be a part of that when I had missed the first one before construction began.

Elder Ballard blessed the canoe. He discussed the name Iosepa that is linked to his great grandfather Joseph F. Smith, former President of the Church and famous missionary in Hawai`i. Elder Ballard said he felt that the project of building the wa`a had inspiration from both sides of the veil.

I really feel like that was the time when I needed to be at the wa`a. Everything in my life had opened up and pulled me to the wa`a at that point in time. It was a lesson in kuleana for me. It made me so appreciative for the tremendous work ethic, community spirit and courage that our ancestors had as they mastered the art of canoe building that allowed them to voyage out into Ka Moana Nui. Building a canoe is a voyage in itself before the canoe even touches water.

It was a spiritual journey for me and very personal. That experience affected me in ways that will always be a part of me. I ended up enrolling in more school and getting a dual major in Hawaiian studies and I'm so glad I did. I needed to feel kuleana towards my culture and my ancestors to give my life guidance and Iosepa gave me that.

Looking back on it, I realize that there was a period of time when there was an amazing group of people that came together to build a canoe. Uncle Bill, President Shumway, some of the donors like Ira Fulton, President Ballard, John Ka`imikaua, Clay Bertlemann, Chad Paishon, Tuione, Kawika, Kamoa`e, Ka`umealani....plus all of us students, a thousand community members and all of our ancestors. All of us were needed for our talents at that moment in time. Some of that group are no longer around, physically...none of us will physically be around forever, but just as our ancestors helped guide our individual spiritual development and the Iosepa project in particular, our spirits will always be part of and support the good journey that Iosepa represents. Tuione was talking once in a small gathering and I remember him saying something about how Iosepa will continue on to bless a lot of people. He said that there will be a day when he would be gone, when Uncle Bill would be gone and I think he said President Shumway, but he said that there would be a next generation of people (he was basically saying us...the students at the time) that would come in and would continue to do the things that he did and that Uncle Bill did and that President Shumway did.

It seems almost impossible in a way. Tuione and Uncle Bill are like two guys in my mind that cannot be replaced. Nobody can do the things that they do in the way that they do it so well, but I think I'm kind of learning what he meant. We won't replace them and be able to do everything the same way that they do, but we will be able to learn things in our own way, but with guidance from the other side of the veil we will be able to continue to carry on traditions like Iosepa.

When I first got involved with building Iosepa, I thought the goal was to sail somewhere so I could say that I did what my ancestors did the way they did it, but I realized later that it wasn't about me and it wasn't about arriving at a final destination to know that something had been accomplished. Instead, the lesson was that the destination was not as important as undertaking the journey in a way that is pono.

After the wa`a was constructed, there was a little break. Everyone needed a breather to recoup and catch up from all the time that was dedicated to that project.

I was able to participate in several canoe crew trainings in Laie and on the Big Island. I learned so much in that process even when it seemed that a lot of times we failed to reach the destination I had in my head. Those experiences strengthened me as a person and taught me so much about teamwork, ho`oponopono and the self-sacrifice and lack of ego that is so vital to make voyaging work. There is only room on the canoe for one voice. That of the captain.

I learned as much off the canoe as on. One of the greatest lessons was from Auntie Marie Solomon. We were at her house in Kohala. I asked her to tell us a story in Hawaiian. She wanted to hear from us speak in Hawaiian. Nobody stepped forward except for Keo, the only non-Hawaiian in the group. He was the only one with the courage to speak our native language. I can't remember exactly what words she spoke, but she scolded us, the Hawaiians, for not knowing and not taking the kuleana to learn our own language. The shame I felt that day was pretty unreal. I wanted so bad to speak Hawaiian, but couldn't. I told myself that one day I would learn.

Today, I'm still learning Hawaiian and one day I will speak it with a level of fluency. My son attends Punana Leo and I'm learning new words each day and still taking a class one night a week.

I'm so glad I met Auntie Marie before she passed. Same for Cap and everyone else that is still alive.

Kuleana to do the things to preserve my culture is a great lesson that I will never forget. If I don't take the time to show that my olelo makuahine is important enough to put the time into learning it, how can I blame anybody else for not valuing or respecting it?

I'll also never forget all the great people we met in training. Our Maori braddahs (Haki, Jason, Nick) and sister, Cap, Chad, Pomai, Ludda and all of us from BYUH (sorry, if I forget someone - just going off memory): Uncle Bill, Uncle Kawika, (Uncle) Kamoa`e, Ka`umealani, Thomas A., Derek L., Lono and Anna L., Andy and Maria, Noelani, Paliku, Jude and Namea, Feki, Miki, Lehua, Keali`i, Tyrone, Sir William, etc....

As a sidenote, I vaguely remember Kamoa`e explaining Kihe i ka ihu i ka ale to describe that time when the manu ihu or the bow hits the water and it splashed up it in a spray it was a spray like a sneeze. However, the saying didn't have as much significance to me until one of my friends that paddles talked to me about it. He got it tattooed on his arm in memory of his friend passing away. Apparently, his friend was a little bit of a daredevil and did a lot of things that people thought would be reckless and I think he died in Iraq. Anyways, he got that olelo no`eau tattooed because he says according to Puku`i the saying has the symbolic meaning of "looking at danger with indifference." My friend, as a paddler takes that to mean that the person who is on the front of the wa`a will take the brunt of the punishment as the ride is rockier whereas the guy in the back can cruise a little bit. So the guy in front looks at danger with indifference.

Going to law school and getting married put a end to my time at the wa`a, but I'm sure someday life will bring me back. If not, all the life lessons I learned at BYUH and with Iosepa will continue with me.

Aloha.
(Kanale)

Our Place

There she was. Right in front of me. The girl that I have been seeing around campus, running on the roads, and in my dreams. If I was going to make a move, now would be the time. Nervously, I walked toward the food table where she was and asked, "what are these", pointing at the calzones which I was already familiar with. I was trying to make conversation but with a simple reply "calzones" she turned around and walked away. At that moment, the thought of "O.K. you want to play like that" filled my mind. I felt feelings of determination and thought if she doesn't notice me by now, she will in the next week.

And so it was that in the next week that I saw her in various places (mostly at the canoe) that I tried my best to be noticed. Eventually being obnoxous paid off. The one word conversations soon turned into a couple,, and then to a few more. Soon my infatuation with this girl changed into deep respect and admiration as we shared stories of life and the canoe. I was fortunate to hear of the many sincere and unique feelings and experiences that this girl was having at the canoe and was happy to know that I was a part of some of them. The canoe seemed be the one place where our friendship and eventually our love flourished.

I am grateful to the canoe for bringing Namea and I together. Grateful for the many quiet moments that we were able to find to develop our love for each other. The place where we learn about each other; about our dreams, our goals, our stregnths, our weaknesses, our fears, and our joys. A place where I could see the girl, that visit me in my dreams, in real life. A place where I could steal priceless glimpses and smiles when no one else was looking. And a place where I could go to ponder and know that this girl was the right one for me, the one that would someday bear and nurture my children and spend eternity by my side. Mahalo Iosepa for fulfilling my life.
From Jude

From Mikilani

The wa'a Iosepa has played such a great role in my life and it is still a great part of my life today. I had the privilege of helping with the building of Iosepa. I was working at the Hawaiian Studies Office as an oral historian/secretary. While working there, I decided that I would help in any way that I could. A lot of my friends were chosen as crew members and I was never asked to be a crew member.

Lehua and I decided that we would just be there to help and then we got more involved. It was only after the dedication of Iosepa that we became crew members. Aunty Ka'umealani told us that all we had to do was be dedicated to the canoe and the program. I am so glad that we decided to stick around and help because we were able to train on the Makali'i. I learned so many things about the Hawaiian culture that I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have learned if it wasn't for the Iosepa.

We did not only learn about navigation and sailing, but I believe being on the crew of Iosepa helped us all to become better people. We learned what it meant to be pono, not just with others but also with ourselves. We also made lasting friendships. We still try and get together or stay in touch whenever we can. I know that the reason we are all still close is because of the life-changing experiences that we shared together.

Training with the Makali'i crew was an awesome experience. Working closely with Captain Bertelmann and Uncle Luther was such a growing experience. A humbling experience. They knew so much and we just wanted to learn it all. They gave me the nickname of "Mighty Mouse." Uncle Luther said he called me that because I was short but strong. On one occasion, Noelani and I were given the responsibility of re-lashing an area under Makali'i's deck. We hung onto an inner tube as we, along with Uncle Luther, tightened the lashings. It was challenging trying to stay afloat and pulling the lines at the same time. Uncle Luther told us that he probably could have asked some of the other crew members to do what we did but he knew that they would have complained because of the restricting area we had to work in.

I also remember being scared of Cap. He was always yelling and telling us what to do next. None of us wanted to be on his bad side. I do recall the time that the wahine went and sailed on Makali'i. That's when we all grew a lot closer with Cap. He was tough on the outside but a big teddy bear on the inside. I am so grateful for what he taught us and I hope that I can help teach it to others. I know that it meant so much to him and that he wanted what he passed onto us to be passed on to others.

As of right now, I am teaching Hawaiian Studies at Pomaika'i Elementary School on Maui. The students here are so much into worldly things and they don't appreciate the simple things of life or their culture. I was able to show the grade 2-5 classes part of "The Birthing of Iosepa" video. The majority of the students were really interested in Iosepa and voyaging canoes. I was so excited to see that they wanted to see more and learn more about the canoe. I want them to know how important it is for them to learn about their culture and their ancestors. I hope that they will be able to do that through learning about Iosepa.

I am a firm believer of Iosepa being a "floating classroom." That was it's purpose. I do not see how that would be possible if the canoe would be on "display" at the PCC. I hope that the halau at PCC will serve its initial purpose as a place to be dry-docked and not a place for the canoe to stay and be forgotten. The W. Kelloggs Foundation would be very disappointed to hear that we have been wasting their funds by keeping the Iosepa out of the water and not fulfilling its purpose for the Native people of Hawaii.

From Jude

Day 1

Fear and excitement filled my mind as I walked towards the two hauls that that were united to form the canoe called Iosepa. I was excited because I could feel the presence of ancestors around this site and because I knew that this was a place where I could find myself, my identity as a Hawaiian, and the meaning of why I was attending Brigham Young University. I was fearful because I knew this project would consume me and my time. Time that I did not have as I was a full time student with a full time job. I was also fearful because I knew, like everywhere else on campus, I would be surrounded by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that would pressure me into joining their church. Yet all these fears could not and did not overcome the excitement I was feeling and I continued to make my way towards the canoe.

As I reached the canoe I saw my best friend Paliku and he immedietly introduced me to a short, fair guy with his long hair pulled back in a buya. His name was Andy and my first thought was "man this guy is weird." Paliku also introduced me to a tall, broad guy (Kanale) with messed up hair that looked a little intimidating but talked with such sincerety and welcome that I immedietly felt accepted. On this day I didn't realize it but these three guys would would not only become my friends but my closest of Iosepa brothers. In the next several years we would sail together, face challenges together, and express our true love for our canoe and canoe family.

I do not exactly remmeber what day this was but it is a day which I charish in my life. This day would mark the start of my journey into love, friendship, the church, hard work, sweat, humility, integrety, pride, and self identity. As I look back on this day, I am grateful that fear had not caused me to retrack my steps and that excitement lead to experiences that I will never forget nor never regret. Iosepa was a means of finding myself and what I valued.

Posted by Jude Sells at 8:32 AM

0 comments

<http://sellsohana.blogspot.com/2008/04/my-15-min-of-fame.html>>

Sunday, April 6, 2008

My 15 min. of fame

A friend posted this picture on a blog that I opened yesterday and it brought back memories of our former beloved Prophet Gordon B Hinkley. This picture was taken when President Hinkley visited the canoe (Iosepa) that Namea and I helped build and sail. At this time I wasn't a member and was quite irratated by all the people making such a big deal over seeing this old man. I was appointed to follow President Hinkley and help him around the canoe as there were a lot of obstacles around the site and a big staircase to get up on the deck. At the time I never knew how big of a priveledge I was given and to whom I was helping. I am grateful to have had this memory of the Prophet as he was the first living prophet I have had as a member.

Posted by Jude Sells at 11:09 AM

From Noelani

* What got you started with Iosepa?

I was going through a divorce. I was trying to get back into school part-time and learned that BYU-Hawaii was finally offering a Hawaiian Studies major (don't get me started on this topic). My Mom, daughter and I attended a ceremony for the wa'a while it was still at Laniloa park. If I remember correctly it was to wed the female and male hulls. Kamoa'e approached Mom and I and he learned that I was ma'a with the water. I was invited to come back, and it felt right, so I did. When I think about it, it's one of the best decisions I've ever made in connection with my education.

* What made you stay and help?

Aside from the invitation to come and participate I was already taking Hawaiian studies classes and after the Mālama Kai and Mālama 'Āina trip to Molokai, I felt like it was the right thing to do.

* What does Kihe ka ihu i ka 'ale - (the sentence on the t-shirts) mean to you?

If I remember correctly it refers to the sea spray created when the face of the manu connects with oncoming waves. I think it also refers to the sensations one has when they sneeze. It emphasizes this positive forward movement which cannot be held back, you are totally committed to this forward direction and the result is this resounding spray which can be seen and felt by all. When this spray falls on you it brings relief from the burning sun and hot deck, it also gives you chicken skin (the kind where you shudder because the falling spray brings on this exhilarating feeling).
It's a pretty powerful statement, if you take the time to contemplate its meanings. This can be applied to not only our journey in identifying ourselves culturally as Hawaiians but also defining our spiritual potential as children of God. We should be bold, we should be fixed upon moving forward and always stay in tune with the feeling of wonder, hope and awe that this phrase inspires.
To me this is a really appropriate phrase for Iosepa because of the purpose/motivation behind her creation. When we stood on her deck we the crew became an integral part of the wa'a and her mission.

* What do you remember and interpret Elder Ballard's blessing upon Iosepa to mean?

Honestly, I don't remember much about Elder Ballard's blessing. I do remember dancing the hula created by Uncle Cy Bridges for Iosepa. I can remember swaying (not only during the dance) but all throughout the ceremony that day in complete exhaustion. I spent close to a whole day and night making lei haku for myself and about eight of the dancers. (Three of whom I really felt I needed to help because they were not only participants in the Culture night that year but were also part of the first crew for Iosepa - they had next to no time to make their lei). I'm talking head, wrists & ankles, neck and for the kane the full body side swept leis. I remember my back felt broken, my hands and fingers were throbbing and just being physically drained but determined to dance well for the wa'a.

* Do you feel his blessings have been realized?

I think there was some reference to Iosepa reinforcing this connection between our family that have passed beyond the veil, our kupuna, ourselves and the future generations. I also seem to remember something being said about the type of impact this wa'a would have on our community as well as on those from without who would be gathered together to care for the wa'a. That we would all witness the power/mana of this wa'a. Iosepa would be a missionary [tool].
On some levels I feel like Elder Ballard’s blessings have come to pass and on others I think we need a little more time to see the fulfillment of certain blessings.

* What does being pono mean to you?

Well, yes, pono means being righteous. But I think it also refers to everything that existing in this state of righteousness would involve. (Obedience to correct principles, humility in learning, patience in teaching, being ever observant and quick to perform/serve when called upon, taking care of responsibilities, loving each other (charity - not only for family and friends but enemies too), yah, pretty much all that good stuff. Pono means being right with everything and everyone you come across and leaving it all in a good way/ or hopefully even better than it was in it's original state.

* How important is being pono to you?

As a single mother, daughter of God, daughter of good parents, sister, member of the church, friend, and teacher, it's pretty important. I take all of these relationships seriously and do my best not to take them for granted.

* How did the canoe experience challenge you?

Wow! What's the word limit here? Watch out, here I go.

I think the canoe experience was taxing but rewarding on many different levels. I learned to be a better communicator and listener. I learned you need to be watchful and alert at all times. I learned to be sensitive to the experiences my fellow crew members were involved in (whether wa'a related or not) as well as to the promptings of the spirit. I learned that with privilege comes a responsibility. I witnessed the burden and blessings of leaders in their stewardship for the wa'a and her crew. I witnessed the individual sacrifices each member made to be a part of the Iosepa crew and the resulting blessings of their commitment. It was emphasized again and again that we had to be pono physically, spiritually and mentally as members of the crew. I saw people at their strongest most admirable moments and I also saw people stretched beyond limits.
I guess I don't feel adequate about speaking about my personal challenges as a crew member because it would seem ungrateful. When reflecting upon the difficulties I faced the fatigue, lectures, humble living quarters, overcoming physical weakness or inadequacies (i.e. I always struggled on the main, never felt like I was strong enough to really contribute as much as the others were), occasional annoyances with crew, missing my daughter, the challenge to be always observant and attentive, to study and understand the vast amount of knowledge that our leaders and captain tried to pass onto us, even the minor things like awesomely bad sunburn and the brutally hot deck. It was all necessary, in order for the tremendous amount of growth that took place. The challenges were essential, for the growth of this particular group of individuals who came together, extended themselves and learned to care for the wa'a and each other before themselves. For the missionary work which took place and spiritual growth which occurred. It was necessary to go through these challenges in order to see the fruits of our labors.

* What does being a crew member mean to you?

Being a crew member is both a privilege and a responsibility (this is something our leaders reiterated time and again). It is an honor which requires sacrifice and commitment. It is in no ways a simple calling, it's an all encompassing at times overwhelming experience. Very demanding. And yet, despite all of the hardship, in my opinion it was, is, absolutely worth it.

* How has being a crew member affected your life?

I'm stronger for it. My identity as a Hawaiian woman and as a member of this community is stronger. My strength and knowledge as a Hawaiian studies major was increased. My testimony increased exponentially because of faith-building experiences with the canoe. My abilities as a mother were enhanced because of the things I learned about myself as a member of the Iosepa crew.
As a side note, at times it was hard to put other responsibilities behind my devotion to the canoe. It was difficult to work, care for my daughter, go to school and be a crew member at the same time. Being crew, at least in this first crew meant sacrificing a lot of time. It was time I found I couldn't surrender after a while because it was affecting my earning abilities and time in care giving for my daughter. I felt guilty for not being able to keep pace with other crew members (they gave up a lot too) and stopped going to the wa'a. A demanding but truly wonderful experience.

* What were some of the best one-liners or sayings you remember?

'5 dowla', 'Hiki nō', 'On the wa'a think land, on the land think wa'a', 'Good one' (this was said in sarcastic or doubtful tone), 'Be 'i'ike' - Kamoa'e would say this, 'Supa man'- Kanale, 'Pooh-bear' - Feki, Matua/Cap - title of respect and affection for Uncle Clay Bertelman, 'Luda' - boys called Uncle Luther this behind his back, 'Hema! or Akau!' - referring to duty on the hoe, 'One hand for you, one for the canoe' - safety precaution, basically don't slip into the drink. 'Sweet! or Che bro' - picked up after long exposure to our Maori brothers and sis.

* What were some memorable stories you can share with us?

Any conversation I had with Uncle Clay holds good memories. I love the one where during the sea trials we almost grounded Iosepa on the reef between Malaekahana and Goats. If one of our kupuna and fisherman from the area Uncle Reuben Pukahi hadn't been with us, auwe! I hate to think of what might have happened that day! It's a good reminder that our kupuna know way more than we do, they've truly 'been there, done that' but aren't going to brag about it or let on unless conduct proves it's necessary. I think that quiet humility comes from that generation. They're doers not talkers.
Swim tests were my particular favorites, anytime we could get into the water I was loving it. In the water I felt like physical strength didn't matter. I felt like my abilities in the water helped me to watch over my crew. I can remember watching their faces to make sure everyone was doing okay and watching 'below' to make sure nothing bigger than us was in our vicinity at the time! Ha! Like I could have done anything about it if niuhi really did swim by!
I remember seeing koholā (humpbacks), honu and mālolo (flying fish) off the side of the deck of Makali'i.
I remember standing on Iosepa's deck and seeing the islands as our ancestors must have appreciated it on Iosepa's first voyage where we took her to Kawaihae to meet her elder, Makali'i.
I remember the day Uncle Clay didn't let on that we were about to be broadsided by a gust of wind and seeing Uncle Kawika's sandwich fly out of his hand (he pretty much threw it in his surprise) and his hat flying off his head as we all scrambled to secure the main and sails. That image still makes me chuckle when I think about it.
I remember Uncle Clay teaching me to how to throw the tow line a Wahine method since I wasn't making it on my first few attempts. I remember being trusted to bring the main down on my own (usually it's done by close to 10 people) - wow! [I] still can't believe I was given the opportunity to do that!
I can remember cooking fish at the warehouse and serving it to Papa Mau Piailug (Master navigator and father of the restoration of Hawaiian seafaring). I was so nervous! I can remember thinking, as I cooked the fish, I hope it tastes good! - I can count on my hand the number of times I've cooked fish, yah, that was kind of stressful!
My first time at Kealakekua bay. Learning how to drive Alaka'i, seeing the sacred pool and sites there across the bay.
Getting my hand smashed between the two hoes. Auī ! That's something I don't ever plan on repeating.
Plenty memories! Too many to write about!

* What were some inside jokes you remember?

Some of the one liners I wrote earlier. I'd need to sit with the crew again to remember some of the better ones though.

* Do you have particular feelings about Iosepa having a halau at PCC?

I'm so grateful to Uncle Ira Fulton and Uncle Dale for their generosity, vision and love for the Hawaiian studies program. I am relieved that there will be an actual structure for Iosepa to call home. I like that it is close to Laniloa park it's appropriate because it's close to where the wa'a was born.
I am concerned that the wa'a will become more of a museum piece at the PCC. In order to fully appreciate what this wa'a has to offer you need to participate in dry dock and if given the privilege sail her. There is only so much you can learn while she sits there in the halau.
I know there are also concerns that the wa'a will not be as accessible behind the gates of PCC to the community. I hope this will not happen.