Kalanikāhua Hou celebrates 180th anniversary of Lā Kūʻokoʻa, Hawaiian Independence Day

Contributor: Joyclynn Costa, Kalanikāhua Hou Church, Maui

180th anniversary of Lā Kū‘oko‘a

There are times we find ourselves celebrating for the sake of a celebration. Intentions and thoughtfulness is what the recognition of Lā Kūʻokoʻa for many is. Yes, celebration, but for the source of refreshing our spirit and intentions of Hawai‘i itself.

[Lā Kūʻokoʻa is a Hawaiian Kingdom holiday that commemorates the independence of the Hawaiian Nation. LEARN MORE]

Kalanikāhua Hou is finding our way through historical trauma and educational confusion by allowing all who join us to have a clear understanding and the ability to forgive and ask forgiveness so Aloha can then truly exist. This is the greatest instruction we share which is “aloha ke kahi i ke kahi”.

Great appreciation to Pastor Amy Wake (Trinity United Methodist Church) for sharing with us painful humility, “repentance”. Kahu Lopaka Mansfield for sharing the truth of a non-perfect family and church, yet how as a human spirit we can bring the light and hope through recollections and foundation of kupuna in their demonstration of Aloha and Faith. Both speakers demonstrated the ability to begin to reconcile through first reconciling within.

The evening reached its peak with the short film Kala, as in kalamai (forgiveness), about a family facing real life problems and coming together by allowing each in and love to be received. Mahalo nui to Matt Yamashita of Moloka‘i for his Film Festival presentation.

We as the Hawai‘i Conference UCC, Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches and all of our Associations and Partners came together 30 years ago to achieve this message, Forgiveness, Repentance and Love for each other.

Let us celebrate the intention of our purpose, why our Creator has chosen us to be together in this time and fulfill his intention for we are just mere servants, but servants that are in his light. Ke Aloha from a loving Christian Nation of Hawai‘i. Lā Kūʻokoʻa. Additional thanks to our Kahu Jimmy Aarona, Kahu Kanani from Kamehameha Schools Maui campus, Royal Order Kahekili chapter, Na Wahine, Namaka Pauole, Papa Makua, and all the members and youth of our luakini for your unselfish service to our guests.