We're more than just a club, we're an 'ohana...


Welina mai!

Mahalo for dropping in & welcome to BYUH Hawaiian Club's blog site. We hope you'll "surf" here often to check out the latest happenings with our H.C. 'Ohana!

Hawaiian Club Calendar

E Hele Mai! Please join us!

WHAT'S DA HAPS?...

WORLDFEST!
Weds. thru Fri., Sept. 23, 24, 25
10 am to 3 pm.
Aloha Ctr. Mall
Join our 'ohana for just $3 this semester.
Questions? Please email byuhhawaiianclub@gmail.com

Friday, January 30, 2009

Basic Hula Steps

STARTING POSITION - Hands on hips (guys, fisted/girls, open hands); chest out; back straight; feet PARRALEL (not in a V-formation) and shoulder-width apart; head looking straight ahead. Bring elbows forward if they are sticking out like "duck wings." If you were to split your body in half, the left side should be symmetrical to the right side. Symmetry is key in hula. We call this "pono," or balance.
HULI
- means "turn" (not a hula move; don't get it mixed up with the word, "hela"--which is a hula move). When "huli" is called, you finish the move (i.e. tap on your last kaholo or whatever move, THEN turn). So, if you were doing a kaholo, and I called "huli," you would say in your head: "step together step FINISH, TURN."
KAHOLO
- 4 steps right (step together step, tap); 4 steps left (step together step tap)
DIP KAHOLO - same as kaholo but with a dip on the first right step & a dip on the first left step (dip together step tap / dip together step tap).
DBL KAHOLO - 8 steps right (tap); 8 steps left (tap)
TURNING KAHOLO - left foot pivots while right foot steps back; all weight is on the right foot. Then, left foot turns forward and right foot returns to the front (feet should be shoulder width); repeat same concept with left side (right foot pivots while left foot steps back...)
HELA - both feet start at shoulder-width/parallel position. Right foot extends to the right 45 degree angle (right foot is flat, not pointed) while the left foot stays parallel, in place. Right foot returns to original position while left foot extends to the left 45 degree angle (left foot is flat, not pointed). Then left foot returns to original position. Repeat...
KALAKAUA - Left foot pivots left while right food steps forward on the left side. Right foot then steps back (your body should already be at a side profile). Right foot will then step forward again, and then left foot will pivot right so both feet can return to the starting position. Repeat on the right side with the right foot pivoting right while the left foot steps forward on the right side (when you do this move, your body also turns so you're at a side-profile). There is a level change while doing the kalakaua (down up down, return to the front, down up down, return to the front)
'UWEHE - using the front part of your right foot, step and place all your weight on the right side of your body. Then, pump out your knees at the same time and bring them quickly in. Imagine your knees pumping out like an umbrella that's opening and closing. Now transfer all your weight to your left side/foot. Step with the front part of your left foot and pump out your knees bringing them quickly in. Repeat on the right, then on the left, etc. Girls, there should be a slight swaying of your hips from L to R when transfering your weight on each side. Guys, no swaying but your weight also transfers from L to R. Remember to take small steps in place and to be light on your feet (like you're tip-toeing, but not really).
KU'I - right foot steps to the right while left foot kicks up to the knee (left heel to right knee). Repeat this move 4x to the right (pause) then 4 times to the left with your left foot stepping to the left while your right foot kicks up to the knee (right heel to left knee).
LELE (MUA) - step forward 4x (right, left, right, left) with your chest leaning slight foward but not hunch-backed (keep shoulders back and squared).
LELE (HOPE) - on your last step to the left (from the lele mua), your right foot will step back, then your left, then your right, then your left. Bring your chest up and your shoulders back as you step back. Girls, you should have a slight sway when taking each step. Guys, exaggerate a bit with the "big body" walk with your chest out, looking from side to side. On the last lele hope step (left), notice that you're now ready to walk forward again, starting with your right foot. This move repeats itself as you walk forward (lele mua) and then backward (lele hope).

I could go on and on, but these descriptions will suffice for now. Hope it helps!

Mahalo for your diligence,
Kale

If you have any questions, email us: byuhhawaiianclub@gmail.com


Sunday, November 2, 2008

Fall 2008 Hawaiian Club Shirts Coming Soon! Pre-Order NOW



Shirts are $8. Hawaiian Club SongFest Participants get 1 shirt at a discounted rate of $5 (each additional shirt will be $8). Pre-order your shirts now by clicking here

Mahalo for supporting our Hawaiian Club 'Ohana!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Welcome to the Family!


Aloha Hawaiian Club 'Ohana,

Congratulations on a successful WorldFest turn-out! 328 paid members is unheard of in BYUHSA Club history! In this regard, we say "mahalo a nui loa"--thank you very much for your unwavering support and aloha. I have an incredible Presidency who represents the rich diversity of this campus and who shares in our vision of uniting our hearts and minds in the spirit of aloha. Whether you're from Maui or Mississippi, Utah or Japan, what you will feel as you immerse yourself in our Club is that we're more than just a Club, we're an 'Ohana. We are family.

As your President, I want you to know that I am first and foremost here to serve you. I will work hard for you and for our 'Ohana, along with my officers and our Advisor, Dr. Isaiah Walker. We are invested in your happiness, and we are dedicated to the cause. You can count on us to make sure we do our part.

I wish to share with you a Hawaiian value called "kuleana." Kuleana means "responsibility, privilege, obligation, duty." Hawaiians would say, No'u iho ke kuleana, meaning the responsibility is mine. Now that you are a part of our 'Ohana, each of us has a kuleana, or responsibility, to help out whenever, wherever, and however needed, to support each other, and to keep our Club going strong. To operate a Club of this magnitude takes many helping hands and hearts. Because all the work we do is volunteer, we will need your help. You will have kuleana, as in any family, and when that kuleana is given, nothing but your best effort should be exerted. Therefore, when we send out an email asking for your help, please remember "kuleana." Please give of your time and talents so that we can all benefit from each other's gifts. Together, we can make this semester the best yet!

We are currently in the process of organizing over 20 activities for your enjoyment! Check your email daily for announcements about our Gospel Forum, Opening Social, and Cultural (hula) Workshops which are coming up next week already! Also, I'm calling on each of you to gear up for SongFest in November. Practices will start in October, but I expect all of us to be a part of SongFest and to represent our Hawaiian Club with pride.

It's an exciting and humbling time to be a part of our Hawaiian Club 'Ohana. Remember the words of Alma as we consider "kuleana" in our Club: "And it came to pass that he said unto them . . . and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in . . ." (Mosiah 18:8-9, 11). I echo these words from our VP, Jayson Meha, who is the spiritual backbone of our Club.

Again, welcome to the family! We're glad you're a part of our 'Ohana this semester.

Me ka 'oia'i'o (sincerely),

BYUH Hawaiian Club Presidency - Fall 2008

Advisor: Dr. Isaiah Walker
President & Cultural Specialist: D. Kale Kau'i
VP & Events Coordinator: Jayson Meha
Secretary: Puanani Maneha
Treasurer: Emiri Tsuji
Activities Co-Chairs: Jared Medeiros & Augusto "Bango" Gancinia
Communications Co-Chairs: Ian Nitta & Jacob Auna
SAA/SAC Representative: Sam Patterson

Friday, July 11, 2008

New Hawaiian Club Presidency Announced...

Aloha mai kakou,

I am pleased to announce the new Presidency for Fall Semester 2008:

Kale Kau'i, President/Cultural Specialist
Jayson Meha, Vice-President/Events Coordinator
Puanani Maneha, Secretary
Emily Tsuji, Treasurer
Sam Patterson, Student Alumni Activities/Student Advisory Council Representative
Bango Gancinia, Activities Co-Chair
Jared Medeiros, Activities Co-Chair
Ian Nitta, Communications Co-Chair/Photography
Jacob Auna, Communications Co-Chair/Videography

Together with Vice-President Jayson Meha, we feel these qualified individuals bring to our Hawaiian Club 'Ohana a level of organization, commitment, and dedication which will help us to build upon the strong foundation we have built thanks to you, our members. Much mahalo to outgoing President Jacob Nihipali, his 'ohana, as well as to our former Hawaiian Club Presidency members for your unwavering kokua (help).

I have full faith in our Presidency and ask for your continued support for our Club. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how we can better our 'Ohana, please feel free to email us, and we'll get back to you.


Me ka 'oia'i'o,

Kale Kau'i, Succeeding President
BYUH Hawaiian Club - Fall 2008

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Winter is OVER

The semester is at an end. I will keep this brief as I know many of you are studying for finals and papers.

1. $500 If you are interested in doing a work internship with 32 hours for $500 with Ho ala Na Pua Koolauloa, please let me know. There are three areas of need and they only have a few slots which they have offered exculsively to us. You may call me directly for more information, Jacob 387-4020.

2. KAU INOA If you are interested in learning more about Kau Inoa, we have someone on campus you can contact. Her name is Rowena Reid, she would like you to email her at reidr@byuh.edu. From what I understand about Kau Inoa, it is an organization which is encouraging people of Hawaiian ethnicity to unite. Please keep in mind that it is only for those of Hawaiian descent. This is strictly an invitation and is in no way an endorsement from our Hawaiian Club or BYU-Hawaii, it is simply an informational announcement.

3. IOSEPA HALAU WA'A DEDICATION Uncle Cy Bridges has called me and asked if there are members who would like to participate in dancing for the dedication for the Halau Wa'a for the Iosepa at PCC. He will be holding his first practice next week Wedneday, April 16, 2008 at 8:30 pm in the Dance Studio near the pool. They will be performing three numbers. Please keep in mind that this will occur in June and those who practice this dance cannot use it without permission from Uncle Cy.

4.T-SHIRTS I will be setting up a table in the Aloha Center next week to sell our club t-shirts( the blue version). Each shirt is $8 regardless if you are a member or not. I will put it in the student bulletin when the plans are finalized. At the table we will also have thank you cards to those who helped put culture night together.

5. CULTURE NIGHT I wanted to thank everyone who helped with Culture Night, it was a success. It makes me so pleased to see the Hawaiian culture being perpetuated. I know many of you put in countless hours of thought, work and sweat. Thank you. You are awesome you are what makes this club happen. Those who missed out, better luck next year!?

6. NEW PRESIDENCY As this semester comes to an end, so will my term as president. Kale and I are still working out the kinks. We are looking for leaders who want to get involved and serve. the sooner the better this way we can teach you the right way of doing things and line you up with some resources.

7. KULOLO I know I promised it this semester, but it will be deferred until Spring. I am thinking just selling Kulolo for foodfest which is on May 24th. Easy but a money maker. For those still interested and who will be around at that time please contact me and I will work with the schedule to hopefully accomodate everyone.

Eh, MAHALOS. This year has definitely been a learning one for me. I love you guys. You are awesome. I was intereviewed by someone concerning culture night today and I told them one of the things I will take from this experience is when the club knelt in prayer in front of the Aloha Center together. This is such a special place, I hope that you remember that. Remember who you are and that YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD. You have been placed here in BYU-Hawaii for a reason, I hope that you find that reason and do what HE wants you to. Be the change that you want to see in the world.

Jacob Nihipali
Hawaiian Club President
Winter 2008
387-4020.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Winter Semester Club Shirts

Aloha Everyone,
Just a quick note. I wanted to let all of our club members know that we do have blue shirts available for those who did not participate in Culture Night. We have tons and will reorder if necessary. We don't want exclude anyone this time. If you would like to place an order please email me the shirt size and the number of shirts and I can get it ready. After I reply to your request it will be ready in my office at the Aloha Center across the big screen TV. Here are the shirt designs:
Jacob at jacobnihipali@gmail.com or 387-4020.







Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Gospel Forum: "A Special Evening with Auntie Genoa Keawe"

We are, indeed, honored and blessed to have one of Hawai'i's living treasures open our Gospel Forum series this Sunday, January 20 at 7:30 pm in the McKay Auditorium. "Auntie" Genoa Keawe, known for her signature, sweet falsetto voice, will be our esteemed speaker at this historic devotional.

"Many accolades and awards have come to this celebrated singer of Hawaiian music. In the year 2000, Genoa Keawe was honored with the nation's highest honor in folk and traditional arts, the National Heritage Fellowship, presented in a Washington D. C. ceremony by the National Endowment for the Arts. She is the recipient of multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards, the Hawaiian recording industry's equivalent of the 'Grammy'. In 1987 the King Kamehameha Hula Competition was dedicated to her, as was the 1998 Prince Lot Hula Festival.

Auntie Genoa, however, considers her greatest award her continued ability to sing, her 'gift from God'. She says 'it's a gift I asked for... I wanted to be a singer, so I prayed every night, and thank God I still have it.' She does, and shares her very special gift every week in performance with her group at the former Hawaiian Regent Hotel, now the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort." (hawaiianmusicmuseum.org)

At 90 years young, Auntie Genoa is a testament to all of us of her unwavering faith in Ke Akua (our Heavenly Father) and of her love for traditional Hawaiian music. In 2001, she was recognized as a Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame Honoree. This Sunday, we will have the opportunity to listen to Auntie Genoa bear her testimony on sharing the gospel while maintaining the Hawaiian culture. We encourage everyone, if possible, to bring a lei for Auntie as a "mahalo" for sharing her mana'o (thoughts) with us.

Light refreshments will be provided in McKay 175 following Auntie Genoa's remarks.