Genealogy Wa’a Chant Gifted to Laʻiʻōpua 2020

Situated on the grounds of Laʻiʻōpua 2020 is the first educational canoe constructed on Hawai’i Island in almost three decades.

Chadd Paishon, Pwo/Master Navigator and Cultural Advisor of the project, recently gifted a genealogy chant to the wa’a, named Laʻiʻōpua, ahead of the next community build on Saturday, July 10.

The chant, “Au ē Ua Hiti Ē” written in 1995 by Pua Case and Halau Hula Ke’alaonamapua, will be presented by Paishon at the community build hosted at Laʻiʻōpua 2020. The July 10th event, scheduled from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., is open to the public.

Rooting the culture deep in the land and supporting the community for growth and expansion are at the heart of Laʻiʻōpua 2020, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of Hawaiian homelands, the Villages of Laʻiʻōpua, the
Kealakehe ahupua‘a and surrounding areas. “This canoe belongs to the community, Laʻiʻōpua, and beyond; passing on the knowledge for generations to come,” said Kawehi Inaba, Board President, L2020.

For more information about the Laʻiʻōpua Wa‘a Project, visit www.laiopua.org or call Kawehi Inaba at 808-937-8907.