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KAHULUI >> Following the Native Hawaiian sunrise vigil at Waihe Beach Park, more than 200 people, many wearing Lahaina’s signature red, gathered today as part of a daylong event. He attended a noon ceremony on the Great Lawn of the University of Hawai’i Maui College in Kahului. Kipuni Aloha No Maui vigils are being held across the state to support those killed in the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfires.
Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt, in collaboration with other Kumu Hula, cultural practitioners, and leaders of the island’s faith communities, led the gathering, singing Hawaiian oli and songs, Christian hymns, Buddhist chants, prayers, and Other comforting and uplifting gestures were shared.
Kui Gapelo, 39, a Wailuku resident, said he was in Wailuku as a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha and was a student of Holt’s, helping with the Awa Ceremony at the early morning event.
“If we can always speak up and heal Aina and heal our people, I look forward to that,” he said.
Like many people on Maui, haiku artist Abi Molinas, 58, is still struggling to grasp the enormity of the Lahaina disaster. He said $400,000 worth of his sculptures and paintings were destroyed along with the Wyland Gallery on Front Street, adding that Lahaina is an important arts center on Maui.
In addition, several members of the wife’s extended family in Lahaina have been left homeless, and others are believed to be dead or missing. He came to the wake seeking solace among the people of the community.
“I tried to work from home, but I couldn’t. I’m in shock. I don’t know, but I’m in an empty space right now. I’m lost. I’m completely lost,” Molinas said. said.
Midday vigils were also held at Hana and the Keawanui fishpond on Molokai. The day’s events conclude with a sunset ceremony at Ka’anapali Golf Course. The program will begin at 5 p.m., and the vigil will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Parking is available at the golf course and at Outrigger Kaanapali Beach Resort. Kaanapali Trolley provides transportation to Sunset Vigil, the golf course, and all resorts in Kaanapali.
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Previous coverage
Hawaii’s famous kumu hula and cultural practitioners are holding a day-long vigil today to provide spiritual healing from the tragedy caused by the Maui wildfires.
All Hawaiians, and people around the world, are invited to observe a vigil called “Kipuni Aloha no Maui,” which means “Embrace Dear Maui,” during ceremonies led by spiritual leaders at sunrise, noon, and sunset. You are invited to participate in the festivities.
The schedule for today’s events is as follows:
>> Sunrise Ceremony from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
>> Noon ceremony from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
>> Sunset Ceremony from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
“This wake will focus on emotional and spiritual healing rooted in traditional Native Hawaiian practices and will include leaders of various faiths,” according to a flyer promoting the event.
“This is a time for all of Hawai’i, as one extended family, to explore deep within ourselves and come together in solidarity and healing,” said Kumu Kamanaopono Krabbe. “We thought it would be ideal if we could bring all our cultures and religious and spiritual beliefs together.”
Practitioners of traditional Hawaiian culture from across the state, along with leaders of various faiths, offer prayers and rituals for those who have passed from sunrise to sunset.
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