March delivers sense of hope, healing
Drawing thousands of walkers beneath a towering forest of brightly colored flags, Saturday’s three-mile Lele Aloha Ho‘ulu Lahaina Unity March from Lahaina Bypass Road to Launiupoko Beach Park delivered a sense of hope and healing.
It’s fair to say many of the memories made in Lahaina over the past half year have been of the tragic and bittersweet variety. Saturday’s event notched one for the positive side of the ledger. Nobody who made the trek is likely to forget the Hawaiian protocols along the way or all the smiling faces on the final stretch of Honoapiilani Highway.
With venerable Hokulea and her sister voyaging canoes anchored offshore and an Air One helicopter crew dropping flowers from above, marchers ended the generally reserved and quiet stroll by walking through a multicultural cacophony of drums, cymbals, lion dancers, taiko flutes, Hawaiian blessings and Filipino and Polynesian performers.
“There’s no words that can express what we all felt today,” said Lele Aloha founder Archie Kalepa. “When you look at the people who were walking, I think that is the first step for our community, not only for healing, but coming together in unity. People may have different ideas and opinions, but we need to come together.”
As he walked along the wide berm of the Bypass Saturday, Lahainaluna High School junior Paula Hemaloto, 17, said the gathering gave him reason for optimism.
“I feel like it’s hope,” Hemaloto said. “We are going to rise up again to stand up for our aina. It brings us joy. It helps bring everybody together for our Maui people and our Maui island.”
Tightly organized and orchestrated, the Unity March began close to the Bypass intersection with Lahainaluna Road. Stops along the Bypass included an opening pule by Hokulani Holt and protocols by Halau Ke‘alaokamaile and Halau Hula ka Malama Mahilani. The two halau are under the direction of kumu Keali‘i Reichel and Cody Pueo Pata respectively.
Marchers included Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Administrator Bob Fenton, Congresswoman Jill Tokuda and many other community leaders. Hawaiian musician Mikey Mina said he hoped they were paying attention to the march’s meaning.
“All us local people stand together to keep our lands in Hawaiian hands,” Mina said. “Hopefully the mayor and governor understand what we’re trying
to do, that they are here because they want to be here, not because they want to be reelected.”
Tokuda, who has been active in fire recovery and assistance efforts from the start, said the march was a reminder of the power of community.
“I think after what we have been through five going on six months, that so many of us are starting the new year with so much hope, but also realizing this is going to be our reality for years and generations to come,” Tokuda said. “This was really needed. We lost a lot, we lost people, we lost memories and places, but we didn’t lose each other. And I believe that is what today represents. Throughout it all, we have each other.”
She said people are going to disagree as the recovery moves forward, but it is important to remember the bonds that tie the community together.
“It’s about the people,” she said. “Lahaina is not Lahaina without the people. And that means we have to take care of our people, and there’s so many ways we can do that.”
Fenton said FEMA is committed to Lahaina’s rebuild for the long haul. Taking a break on his way down Hokiokio Place Saturday, Fenton said the agency is setting up a permanent office on the island.
“We’re here to support them all the way,” he said. “We’ll be here for years. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the destruction of Lahaina, it’s going to take time to rebuild houses, to reestablish the infrastructure. It could be five or 10 years from now.”
Glancing to the stream of people passing by, many of them dressed in Lahaina red, Fenton said he was impressed by the aloha spirit on display.
“I think it’s really impressive to see the unity on Maui. Not just the island, but the other islands and the Mainland. You talk about ohana, it’s so important.”
Kauaula Valley resident Ke‘eaumoku Kapu said he hoped the large gathering could make a large impact.
“It’s a good turnout,” he said. “I think now is the most important time, that we start unifying our efforts. The community is growing frustrated. I’m hoping that everyone coming together will let not only our local government, but the world at large, know that we need help.”
After the march, folks gathered in and around the main tent at Launiupoko to talk story, to enjoy cultural practices and entertainment. Crews from Hawaiian voyaging canoes including: Hokule‘a, Mo‘okiha O Pi‘ilani, Makali‘i and Hikianalia were shuttled ashore to participate in a Wa‘a Kaulua protocol ceremony. The Jack Johnson combo with Paula Fuga headlined an entertainment field that also included the Palakiko Ohana and Josh Kahula, the Farden Ohana and Kimie Miner.
“I’m honored to be here and I’m thankful that the people of Lahaina can get together,” said Kauai waterman and canoe builder John Kruse after reaching shore Saturday.
Saturday’s march drew other participants from around the island and state. Tina Gomez of Makawao walked with a fellow member of Po‘okela Church.
“I haven’t been in Lahaina since it happened,” Gomez said. “It was so heavy. But I’m glad to be here today, to share the love, share the mana.”