KKV at the 2022 Celebrate Micronesia Festival
KKV’s Pacific Voices youth perform their stick dance to open the festival.
Kalihi is one of the most diverse places in Hawai’i and more than half of KKV’s patients are Pacific Islanders. Many residents are Compacts of Free Association (COFA) migrants or US citizens with family origins in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). On May 21 at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, KKV’s Youth Services, Maternal Child Health, Ho’oulu ‘Āina, Seams Wonderful, and NieiRek programs connected with community through conversation, storytelling, and Micronesian-made products.
The theme of this year’s Celebration was “Belonging” and evidence of aloha and Pacific Island shared culture abounded. KKV’s programs filled the Museum’s Atherton Hālau designed in the style of an ancient Hawaiian hālau, or open-air long house.
KKV used the space to display a Satawalese-style canoe Chechemeni Eoreni (meaning to remember the culture) created at Ho’oulu ‘Āina by master carver Placito Eseluqupi, the son of Pius Mau Piailu “Papa Mau.” The most influential teacher of traditonal navigational methods in the modern period, Mau’s work led to the creation of the the Hōkule’a, a reconstruction of a double-hulled Hawaiian voyaging canoe that successfully carried members of the Pacific Voyaging Society to Tahiti in 1976 and proved that traditional star navigation enabled the Pacific Island diaspora.
Above: Scott Garlough from Ho’oulu ‘Āina talking story about Chechemeni Eoreni.
KKV’s NieiRek program participant making leis and wreaths.
Under the Hālau, KKV also brought staff and participants from NieiRek, the Micronesian “Women of Vision” program, and from Seams Wonderful, KKV’s vocational sewing and health support program. The NieiRek women engaged in crocheting and talking story, reflecting the program’s low-key, peer support system that is working to develop leadership skills, increase access to health services, and strengthen community relationships. Seams Wonderful sold a variety of bags and apparel made in the sewing studio at Kūhio Park Towers. Proceeds help to support the women who create the products.
KKV’s community programs engaged in other ways of showing “belonging” and welcoming to Hawai’i’s Micronesian neighbors. Family Strengthening team, a part of Maternal Child Health, brought its mobile Ohana Play and Learn family packs, including in language books and games to support new and young parents navigate the cultural expectations of living in Hawai’i. Youth Services invited community to learn about KKV’s programs for Kalihi keiki, including KVIBE and Pacific Voices.
Bernice Musrasrik at the Ho’oulu ‘Āina table. Attendees were able to learn about the shared lā’au lapa’au (medicinal plant) practices between Micronesia and Hawaii. Products such as olena capsules for immunity and mamaki tea were offered for sale.
Pacific Voices performs the opening cultural protocols for the festival every year and for this event, they shared a new sequence which aimed to humbly express the responsibilities of Chuukese children in Hawaii. Participants continued their celebrations in the Hālau, where they chanted and danced for visitors and family members.
If you would like to support KKV’s community programs, click here, or contact devans@kkv.net for more information.
