by Herman D. Lujan Ph. D. (Author)
This is the story about an alliance between two families that saved the land and preserved the living 'ohana by heroic commitment to what it is to be Hawaiian. Over two centuries, the continuity in family leadership and the persistent use of education and partnership are woven into the 'Ohana's tapestry of life. What emerged is an uncommon alliance that endures to this day. The kanakas overcame illness, an austere new religion and the loss of their lands and birthrights, in the Great Mahele of 1848. Many feel the Hawaiians are a dying race. The future challenge for the Hawaiians and the goal is to pass on the culture and empower today's kanakas to not lose their identity in the face of changing social and economic processes. The 'ohana and the 'aina are the tools kanakas have, to give lyrics to the silence of hope. Education is the tool for that hope.