Pumanamana. The Hawaiian word means “to branch out” and that is the kuleana, or responsibility, that the Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings is taking on.
The Conversation talked to Noah Haʻalilio Solomon, president of the center last week. He had just come from the Hawaiʻi State Archives to see the 10,000-piece collection donated by the late Michael Scott of Canada. The Hawaiian language educator says he was just overwhelmed.
The music spans more than 100 years and can trace the evolution of Hawaiian music and its influence across the globe. The task ahead is to begin sorting out the boxes of music that will serve as the basis of a heritage resource. The possibilities for music curriculum seems limitless. So, where do you start? Solomon has more.
Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings also just received a grant from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority to help with the Pumanamana project. This interview aired on The Conversation on Feb. 23, 2022. The Conversation airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on HPR-1.
