Hanau ka uku koʻakoʻa, hanau kana, he ʻakoʻakoʻa puka
The Kumulipo is a Hawaiian genealogical prayer that speaks of life born from the darkness. This creation chant is more than two thousand lines and links the royal family of Hawaiʻi to the primary gods, to the stars in the heavens, and to the plants and animals on earth. This single line describes how the sea urchin gives birth to a baby sea urchin, completing the cycle of life.
This island and the ocean that surrounds us provide us sustenance and life. Symbols from our environment reiterate our dependence and our respect to nature.
HAʻUKEʻUKE:
SEA URCHIN
This motif is a popular decoration on kapa. It is valuable medicinally and as a food source. Its manner of clustering is a metaphor of community. Its use in our environment reminds us of the relationship with the ocean and the inspiration for nurturing each other.
ʻAKOʻAKOʻA KOHE:
MUSHROOM CORAL
The coral is the foundation on which an island grows. It is a social plant, assembled close to each other. The ocean commands strength and bravery. The use of this metaphor represents our valiant people.
HĀLAU WAʻA
The long house for the canoe echoes the foundation of our people. The protective walls include the practices of family and nourishment for the strength needed at sea.
A Cultural Responsibility
The practice of "halau" involves both within the walls of the physical building and the mental exercises in thought – wherever the person might be. The halau designates ʻohana, an extended family that requires protocol, rank, and certain behavior. Especially within the physical space, one is ask to respect the senior members as they are responsible for all activity of the group. An invitation for all members to be present, whether seen or unseen, demands respect in action and thought - full time.
Responsibilities are equal on both land and sea. In this duality, each member is accountable for the activity before entering, during the ocean immersion, and upon exiting. Knowledge of climate and currents, personality and humility, approach and attitude – values of caring for all things.
The responsibility of leadership is guided through knowledge. The practice of sharing this knowledge is two-fold: building strength inward and outward.
Logo Design
The Alakaʻi Nalu design honors ancestral ties in request for their guidance. It recognizes senior lines of families that have set the paths for us to follow. Providing the overall halau concept, each member is respectful in action and thought. Illustrating ocean and land dualities, the motif accounts responsibility. Overall imagery asks for protection and guidance. Alakaʻi Nalu logo designed by Sig Zane and Kuhao Zane.
