Friday evening we set up the poi grinder and were
up past 2 in the morning grinding
poi.
BTW, I was really looking forward
to seeing "The Queen's
Women" re-enactment play Friday evening, but we were setting up the
machine right at the same time so I had to miss it. I heard it went very well,
though, with a full house, and one person told me it brought him to tears.
Anyway, here's a few
photos...
The next generation gets an
early lesson in poi grinder assembly. Kamaui Aiona (director Kahanu Garden) and
his son Kuawela assist kalo farmer Shawn
Redo.
The
grinder ready to
go.
Hi'ilani
feeding the machine with kalo, Shawn presses it through, and Uncle John adds
water.
With
this grinder we have to pass it through at twice to be smooth. Malama adds lumpy
first-run poi and Auntie Tweetie adds
water.
And
one more shot of the traditional demonstration at the festival the next day.
is about Hawaii's status as an independent country under prolonged illegal occupation by the United States, and the history, culture, law & politics of the islands.
And about East Maui kalo farming and other projects. Plus popoki pics (cats).
Over at the Free Hawaii blog, Koani Foundation is giving away "Free Hawaii" stickers and pins, and will post photos of them displayed in interesting places. Spread them far and wide!