HCUCC represented in statewide vigil, Kīpuni Aloha no Maui

Communities all across Hawai‘i joined together for a one-day statewide vigil, Kīpuni Aloha no Maui (Embrace beloved Maui), in support of Maui on Friday, September 1. This day was centered on emotional and spiritual healing that is rooted in Native Hawaiian practices with leaders from diverse faiths.

The Kīpuni Aloha no Maui ceremonies were held in a variety of locations including:

Hawai'i Island

• Four Corners at Kumukahi in Puna at Sunrise. Pule by Uncle Keone Kalawe.

• Lili'uokalani Gardens in Hilo, at Noon. Ceremony led by Rabbi Rachel Short in partnership with Interfaith Communities in Action. Jonathan Roach, President of Interfaith Communities in Action, and Eric Anderson, Pastor of Church of the Holy Cross, represented the Hawai'i Conference. (Photos below courtesy of Cara Ann Maeda)

• Old A's Pavilion 3 & 4 (75-5500 Kuakini Highway) in Kailua-Kona, at Sunset. Ceremony led by Kumu Ka'ea Lyons.

• Pu'u Huluhulu, Saddle Road, All Day. Kumu Hula Dr. Noenoe Wong-Wilson led the day-long vigil along with the Kanaka'ole ‘Ohana and cultural practitioners. The sunrise, noon, and sunset vigils were live-streamed through Nā Leo, 'Ōlelo and other media partners.

Maui

• UH Maui Campus, 310 W. Ka'ahumanu Avenue, Kahului, at Noon. Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt led the noon ceremony in partnership with kumu hula, cultural practitioners, and leaders from diverse faiths.

• Ala Kukui, 4224 Hāna Hwy, Hāna, at Noon. Reflective of East Maui's diverse faiths and rooted in Hawaiian place and practice.

Moloka'i

• Kapuāiwa, Kalaniana'ole Hall, west end, 605 Maunaloa Highway, Kaunakakai, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Kumu Hula Mikiala Pescaia led the sunset vigil in partnership with kumu hula, cultural practitioners including Walter Ritte, and leaders from diverse faiths.

O'ahu

• Kawaiaha'o Church, 957 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, at Noon. Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne led the noon ceremony and processional with leaders from diverse faiths. Conference Minister David Popham and Amy Butler, Intentional Interim Minister of Community Church of Honolulu, also participated in the service which can be viewed on YouTube.

• Thomas Square, 925 S Beretania Street, Honolulu, at Noon. Kumu Hula Mehana Hind led the noon ceremony in partnership with kumu hula, and cultural practitioners.

Recordings of various Kīpuni Aloha no Maui ceremonies are available on YouTube.