Uncle Jimmy Kapohakimohewa

I have established a place where we can share pictures of Uncle Jimmy.

You can get there by clicking --> HERE

Grant Received for New Computers

A $2,500.00 Advised Fund grant has been received from the Robert W. & Marjorie C. Chandler Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation. The grant will be used for the purchase of new computers for the church office. Included with the purchase of the computers will be an upgrade to the current system.

Larry McCarty, the web master for the church's web site, will be assisting the office staff in the purchase and upgrade of the new computer system.

Reader’s Corner
New Publications Feature Keawala‘i

Celebrating Advocacy:

Past, Present, & Future

State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches, HCUCC, June 2008

The State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches celebrated its 60th anniversary with the publication of Celebrating Advocacy: Past, Present & Future. Released in June 2008, the publication includes the history of the council as well as the histories of its member churches located on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Moloka‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i islands.

The preface to the book notes: "It is about all Hawaiian churches – those groups of people who formed the foundation of what is today the Hawai‘i Conference of the United Church of Christ." For information on how to secure a copy of the book please contact: Hawai‘i Conference – United Church of Christ (HCUCC), 1848 Nu‘uanu Avenue, Honolulu, O‘ahu, HI 96817.

Glory by the Wayside:

The Old Churches of Hawai‘i

William & Susan Ecenbarger, Passage Press Inc., Castine, Massachusetts, 2008

Susan Ecenbarger writes: "For several years now, my husband and I have been researching, writing about, and photographing a book on the old churches of Hawai‘i. That effort – a labor of love for us – has now been published."

Glory by the Wayside: The Old Churches of Hawai‘i highlights 37 Christian churches throughout Hawai‘i, both Catholic and Protestant. Keawala‘i Congregational Church is featured.

Susan adds: "(It) is both a table-top picture book and a travel guide and provides historical background on each church, information on architectural details, and in many cases, anecdotal stories that have been passed down through the generations."

For more information you may go to the web site: www.glorybythewayside.com. Or you may contact the Ecenbargers through: Passage Press Inc., 20 Wilson Point Road, Castine, ME 04421 or at (207) 326-9052 or by email at: passagepress.@aol.com. Single copies retail for $29.95.

In the Presence of Angels:

A Return to Faith

Through a Hawaiian Doorway

Joyce Hau‘oli Carter, 2008

"I'm writing to announce the publication of my book, In the Presence of Angels: A Return to Faith Through a Hawaiian Doorway," said Joyce. "Rather than an intellectual treatment, the book is a simple, honest, easily understood story of a spiritual journey. It is, I hope, an enjoyable as well as an informative read."

"My faith odyssey began in the year 2000 when I attended a local lü‘au at a small Hawaiian church on the leeward coast of Maui. The story in this book ends in 2002, but the journey continues to this day."

Join the author on a journey of discovery not of ancient treasures or new planets in the heavens but of reawakening faith and of self. Learn how we can live in harmony with one another, accomplishing this task by modeling unity, cultivating peace, and building a bridge of love and understanding with the people of the world, one heart at a time. Accompany Carter as she walks beside her spiritual advisor, Lei‘ohu Ryder.

If you would like a copy of the book please contact Joyce E. Carter at: P.O. Box 214, Wilbraham, MA 01095 or at info@angelbook.net. The book price is $12.95. Please add $3.95 for shipping and handling and $2.00 for each additional book mailed to the same address. All checks and money orders should be made payable to: Joyce E. Carter.

More information is available at the following web site: www.angelbook.net.

United Church of Christ (USA)
IRS Determination Made

The Internal Revenue Services (IRS) has concluded its tax inquiry of the United Church of Christ (USA) and determined that the church did not violate tax laws when Senator Barrack Obama addressed the 50th General Synod in June 2007. The IRS outlined several steps taken by the United Church of Christ that indicated complete compliance with the law.

The IRS letter read: "Based on your response to the inquiry, we have determined that the activity about which we had concern did not constitute an intervention or participation in a political campaign . . . and that the United Church of Christ continues to qualify as an organization described in section 501 (c)(3)."

The Rev. John H. Thomas, General Minister & President of the United Church of Christ (USA) noted that leadership and expertise on the case was provided by Donald C. Clark, Nationwide Special Counsel, and a team of attorneys at WilmerHale in Washington D.C. He added, "From the early days of planning for General Synod, Don was committed to making sure that the United Church of Christ modeled the way in which it properly handled this matter. He has provided expert legal counsel and the IRS' determination only underscores this."

New Members Received
Sunday, May 11, 2008

Seven new General Members and two new Associate Members became a part of the ‘ohana of Keawala‘i Congregational Church on Pentecost Sunday, May 11, 2008. Joseph McDermott of Kïhei and Carlsbad, California, grew up in California. "I work in real estate in San Diego, enjoy all sports, and focus mainly on my family," he said. Of his desire to become a General Member of the church Joe said: "Simply put, Keawala‘i Church is a place I feel spiritually inspired. I have only been a few places in my life that have made me feel that way. That combined with the message the church offers, provides and encourages me to become a member."

Suzanne Pemberton of Kïhei was born in California but grew up in Europe and North Africa. Suzy has worked in the airline industry for many years. "I have been coming to Maui for 30 years and discovered the church here about four years ago, attending service during each visit. (The church) has given me a sense of family and renewed my desire to serve God and our Lord, Jesus Christ, as an integral part of my life." Suzy was received as a General Member.

Tamar Murray of Kïhei became a General Member. Raised in California, New York and Georgia, she met her husband, David Michael Murray, on O‘ahu. They have lived in England but throughout the years they have returned to Maui. Tamar enjoys swimming and gardening.

"I would love to become a member of Keawala‘i Church," she said. "My daughter, Natasha, was baptized here by Kahu Nelson and we have attended many services over the years and have so when we are on island. We have found the church to be a loving, nurturing place to learn about Jesus and the Word. We would also like to be able to contribute our time and resources as much as we can to help where needed.”

Natasha Murray of Kïhei has grown up in England and on Maui. "I like the ocean, tennis and traveling." In thinking about membership in the church Natasha added, "I'd like to become a General member here because it is beautiful and I was baptized here."

Alexandria Fankhanel of Kïhei has family in Oregon. Alex and her husband, Buzz, were married here at Keawala‘i. Of her interests Alex said she enjoys "reading. I am an avid walker . I enjoy spending time with friends online . . . and taking photos at family get-togethers and when we travel. Buzz and I have been spending a couple months each summer . . . traveling to Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island."

On her desire to become a General Member of the church she said, "I love the Lord and am thankful to be able to worship at Keawala‘i, a very special place. I look forward to being a part of the Keawala‘i ‘ohana."

David Michael Murray of Kïhei and Nicholas Rokicki of Kïhei were also received as General Members. David is the husband of Tamar and father of Natasha.

Marian Rees of Bainbridge Island, Washington became an Associate Member. Marian was born in Iowa, has lived in Los Angeles and in Bainbridge Island. Her career has been in film and television production.

"For the twenty years vacationing on Maui, Keawala‘i Church became our church home while in Hawai‘i. The services were and are simple, pure and soulful. Rev. Alika's and the congregation's commitment to the Hawaiian heritage was an important invitation to join this 'authenticating' church."

Anne Hopkins of Bainbridge Island, Washington also became an Associate Member. Anne was born in Flushing, New York and spent a career in production at the Metropolitan Opera and on Broadway before moving to California to work in television and film production.

Anne said, "From the very first visit to Keawala‘i Church almost twenty years ago on vacation, I felt a special affinity for the beauty of its services, meaningful and inspiring sermons and beautiful music. The congregation has a deep and abiding service outreach to its community which I admire. I am always moved to tears by the beautiful Hawaiian language in prayer and hymn. It would be a privilege to extend my spiritual church membership to include an associate membership in (Keawala‘i)."

Aloha mai to all.

Remembering the Past

"Honua‘ula”
David K. Kapohakimohewa, Lyrics

Connor Barbaree will be completing his work in the Native Hawaiian Studies Program at the University of Hawai‘i – Manoa Campus this year. Through his studies, he discovered this mele that was written by Uncle David K. Kapohakimohewa, the great-grandfather of Uncle Jimmy Kapohakimohewa of Kula. Although no music or recordings were found, we are grateful for the words and language that have been preserved.

Connors writes: “Aloha mai kākou. Eia ka mele no Honua‘ula. Na David K. Kapohakimohewa i haku. Na Mary Kawena Pukui i unuhi me ka ‘ōlelo Haole. He mea hiwahiwa loa kēia mele no nā inoa o nā makani o Honua‘ula. E kelepona mai au i ka ‘anakala Jimmy Kapohakimohewa no ka nïnau ana mai no ua mele nei. Maika‘i no ka ‘ohana o Kapohakimohewa no kākou ike ana nā mea makamae a Honua‘ula.

What follows is the translation or interpretation of this mele.

Honua‘ula kua la‘ola‘o.
Nā pu‘u o La‘i‘elua – Honua‘ula

Hui: He aloha wale a‘e ana
I ku‘u ‘āina kaulana
I ka unahinai i ka pika he‘e
I ke uahi kokololio.

Ka ua Pe‘epāpōhaku
Hanohano i ka i‘a kapu
Nā pōhaku kaulana
‘O Auwahi wela i ka la‘i.

E nā hono a Pi‘ilani
I ka malu hēkuawa
E ka ua Hō‘eha‘ili
A me ka ua Kili‘o‘opu.

Ālai ‘oe e Ka‘uiki
I ka wai ‘āwili me ke kai
I ka ua Laniha‘aha‘a
Me nā pali o Ko‘olau.

Moloka‘i nui a Hina
E ka pu‘u o Koa‘ae
I ka ipu kukui pio ‘ole
I ka makani Kaua‘ula.

Honua‘ula of the pitted back.
The hills of La‘i‘elua ("doubly peaceful")

Hui: Truly loved
Is my famous land
For scaling the suction cups of squid
For the gusting mists.

The Pe‘epāpōhaku ("hiding behind a stone wall")
Honored by the sacred fish,
The famous stones,
Auwahi streams in the calm.

Oh, the bays of Pi‘ilani
In the valley shade
Oh, the Hō‘eha‘ili ("skin stinging) rain
And Kili‘o‘opu rain.

Ka‘uiki ("the glimmer), you block
The water intermingling with the sea
In the Laniha‘aha‘a ("low-dancing heavens') rain
And the windward cliffs.

Moloka‘i, great child of Hina,
Oh, the hill of Koa‘ae
In the lamp never extinguished
By the Kaua‘ula ("the red rain") wind.

The State Senate
State of Hawaii
Honors and Recognizes
The 175th Anniversary of Keawalai Congregational Church

The following certificate was received from the office of Rosalyn H. Baker, Senator for the 5th District of Maui (South & West).

On Saturday, March 10th, 2007, the KEAWALAI CONGRGATIONAL CHURCH, celebrated its 175th Anniversary on the church grounds at Mākena. This day marked the success with which the KEAWALAI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH has fostered and preserved a unique blend of Hawaiian cultural traditions with Christian traditions creating much harmony and aloha in our Valley Isle.

This church, founded in 1832, has provided a place of joyful worship that celebrates the diversity of all the peoples of Maui. This church has proven its mettle, having weathered the economic adversity of the great depression and two World Wars, time and again rising out (of) the ashes of neglect and abandonment to rewrite itself anew. This church has made a sacred commitment to maintain Hawaiian tradition and culture, to incorporate the use of Hawaiian language, music, and dance as well as to honor the various traditions and cultures represented in its membership within its ministry of worship and service. As the church has preserved spiritual and cultural forms, so it has preserved the structure of the church, whose original beauty has been continuously renewed, using native woods and materials, crafted by local artists.

In short, the KEAWALAI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH has, over the past one hundred and seventy-five years, served our community, and has successfully imparted its vision and mission to the people of Maui, reflecting its positive influence on our ohana for many generations. It has unified our diverse peoples and preserved the dignity and beauty of our host culture, providing a place for all to worship and to renew their spirituality.

The Senate of the Twenty-Fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii is pleased to congratulate and commend the KEAWALAI CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH for its devoted service to the people of Maui for the past one hundred and seventy-five years, and extends its best wishes for many more years to come.

Done this 20th day of April 2007
State Capitol, Honolulu, Hawai‘i
The 24th Legislature
Certificate No. 331
Rosalyn H. Baker, Sponsoring Senator
Colleen Hanabusa, President of the Senate
Carol Taniguchi, Clerk of the Senate