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Let's Celebrate Hawaiian History Month!

Hawaiʻi Ponoʻī Coalition is proud to present the fourth Hawaiian History Month in 2023! In celebration of Queen Liliʻuokalani's 185th birthday, we are holding five weeks of in-person and virtual events throughout the month of September. Kicking off the month is Queen Liliʻuokalani's Birthday program on Saturday, September 2, 2023!
More details below.
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Week 4 - HANA KEAKA- A WORLD PREMIERE OF KAISARA,
A HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE PLAY & EVENTS
Kaisara – PRIME TIME SERIES
A World Premiere Hana Keaka Production
Written and Directed by Iāsona Kaper | MFA Thesis Production
In 1896, four scenes from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar were translated into ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi by James N. K. Keola and published in Ka Nupepa Kuokoa. What would have happened if Keola had asked other Kanaka Maoli intellectuals of his time to participate in a reading of these scenes? Kaisara imagines this gathering, exploring the intersection between Shakespeare’s portrayal of Ancient Rome and the political landscape of Hawaiʻi in the 1890s to ask timeless questions about division, conspiracy, and political violence.
This hana keaka production will be performed predominantly in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi.
PRIME TIME SERIES – TICKET PRICES
$8 UHM Student with current valid UHM ID
$13 Non-UHM Student/Youth
$16 UH Faculty/Staff, Military, Senior
$18 Regular (Adult)
Thursday, 9/21/23
12:00pm HST
Staging Shakespeare in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
A panel discussion on the production process for Kaisara featuring members of the cast and creative team—director, actors, lighting and costume designers
This event will be LIVE IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL.
LIVE IN-PERSON at UH Mānoa Kuykendall 410
Friday, 9/22/23
9:30pm HST
Kaisara Post Show Q&A
Post Show Q&A with the cast and crew following the 7:30 pm performance of Kaisara
LIVE IN-PERSON ONLY at UH Mānoa Kennedy Theatre.
Sunday, 9/24/23
5:00pm HST
Politicizing Shakespeare in
Post-Overthrow Hawaiʻi
A panel discussion on the 1896 translation of Julius Caesar that inspired Kaisara, featuring scholars of Shakespeare and Hawaiian history
Derrick Higginbotham, Ami Mulligan, Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker, and Sarah Kuaiwa
This event will be LIVE IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL.
LIVE IN-PERSON at UH Mānoa Kennedy Theatre.
Watch Past Programs
Week 1 - HAUʻOLI LĀ HĀNAU E LILIʻU
Hauʻoli Lā Hānau e Liliʻuokalani
Join us in celebrating the birthday of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Liliʻuokalani on September 2, 2023! We will be hosting a full day of family friendly activities that honor our beloved queen at the ʻIolani Palace, Washington Place, and Kawaiahaʻo Church!

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Week 2 - E OLA KA LĀHUI: CULTURE BASED EDUCATION
Wednesday, 9/6/23
6:00pm HST
Kaiāulu: Coming Together All in One Place
Learn more about the KS Kaiāulu program with moderator Chansen Fukushima and guest speaker Kalei Kailihiwa.
KS Kaiāulu brings together Kamehameha Schools and many community partners to offer rich Hawaiian culture, ʻōlelo and ʻāina focused learning opportunities. All to support and grow ‘ōiwi leaders-people who use their knowledge, skills and passion to strengthen Hawaii, her people, and the global community.
Whether online, in person or on ‘āina, rich opportunities across the pae ‘āina are waiting for you! Join Kalei Kailihiwa, Director of Kamehameha Schools Community Engagement, to learn more about Kaiāulu,a place where keiki, ‘ōpio, & ‘ohana can access programs, scholarships, and resources all in one place.
Friday, 9/8/23
6:00pm HST
Kau ka Lā, E Ola ka Hā - Engaging Children & Families Through Culture & Education
Week 3 - HOʻŌLA – ACKNOWLEDGING OUR PAST,
NURTURING OUR FUTURE
Wednesday, 9/13/23
6:00pm HST
Hawaiʻi & the Legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani
Presentation by Iokepa DeSantos.
ʻAnakala Iokepa DeSantos is a musician, cultural practitioner, and cultural advisor for the Liliuokalani Trust. 'Anakala lokepa has been spending his retirement continuing to research and share with the Hawaii community on Hawaiian history, culture and mele.
Friday, 9/15/23
6:00pm HST
Kalaupapa: Memorializing the Past,
Creating a Future
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“Kalaupapa: A Living History”
Presentation by Valerie Monson, Ka ‘Ohana o Kalaupapa (introduction by Kalani Brady, MD). Valerie Monso is a founding member of Ka 'Ohana O Kalaupapa and currently serving as Executive Director. Valerie has been interviewing and writing about the people of Kalaupapa for nearly 35 years.
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"Perceptions of Leprosy/Hansen’s Disease Gleaned from Hawaiian Language Resources.
Presentation by Kahikinaokalā Domingo & Leikuluwaimaka Meleiseā (introduction by Kim Kuʻulei Birnie)
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