State Observes First Makahiki Commemoration Day
The
Senate
State of
Hawaii
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
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Contact: Richard Rapoza
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November 20, 2008
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(808) 586-6259
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Cell (808) 392-0780
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STATE OBSERVES FIRST MAKAHIKI
COMMEMORATION DAY
Day focuses on
peace, abundance, unity and conservation.
HONOLULU – Today marks the first official
State observance of Makahiki Commemoration Day, which was designated for
recognition by the 2008 Hawai‘i State Legislature. It is not a state
holiday.
"Makahiki was a significant time
throughout Polynesia," said Senator J. Kalani English, the principal introducer
of the bill that established Makahiki Commemoration Day. "Conflict and war were
set aside for the four-month Makahiki season, and unity and peace prevailed.
They also let the land lay fallow as they celebrated the
harvest."
To perpetuate the ancient wisdom of
land conservation, abundance, unity and peace during the four months of
Makahiki, Polynesian regional governments celebrate the Makahiki season and have
designated November 20th as the start of the Makahiki observance.
With today’s fist official observance of Makahiki Commemoration Day,
Hawai‘i joins that group.
"This brings
us closer to our land, our culture, and our brothers and sister across
Polynesia," said English. "I hope everyone will take a moment today and reflect
on all of our interconnections."
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Posted: Fri - November 21, 2008 at 11:01 AM