2002 Panel Discussion at the CNHA 1st Annual Conference: From left to right: Nalani Minton (moderator) Pualani Kauila (Recorder), Panelists: Maile Andrade, Manu Boyd, Imaikalani Kalahele ( seen below) and Nalani Kanaka'ole.

The KHF panel discussions serve as a place and time for many acknowledged native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and native Hawaiian artists to bring clarification and capacity building through raising awareness about contemporary concerns for native Hawaiian culture and arts. Distinguished panelists provided depth of insight, direction and needed articulation to the modern changes rapidly overwhelming the Hawaiian culture and arts community. A key concern spoken about at the 2002 and 2004 Panel Discussion was the development of native Hawaiian schools of Art that would advance Maoli (native Hawaiian) thought.

Other agreements voiced and supported were embodied in Hawaiian concepts like, "ha'aha'a" from Manu Boyd's message to ask permission before using a Hawaiian practice or art form and tempered with the possibility of being denied. He went on to say, "we [Hawaiians] determine what is appropriate and what is inappropriate and try to guide and direct things, in other words, reassert ownership and reclaim." Other concepts were maunu, pono, kuleana, ho'omalu, ho'olilo, kaiapuni, kaiapuni ku lohelohe, 'ohi and were elaborated on by our panelists raising concerns about who profits from Hawaiian culture? How do we protect our native cultural ideas, treasures, and images from being abused? What must we do to insure a future of Hawaiian uniqueness for generations to come? A lasting comment from Maile Andrade was, "a big question here: trademark, cultural and intellectual property ... I don't think our ancestors worried about those things and maybe we worry about those things because we're losing so much things or else we have experienced theft!"

Western concepts, such as Trademarks and copyrights were discussed and their importance in a modern and internationally accessible world. Perhaps the most powerful message reached by all the panelists was the idea to hold back on giving too much, to just say no when asked. KHF believes that the panel discussions strengthen Hawaiian self-determination through discussion and arriving at possible solutions for needed action and more processes to bring about lokahi (unity) and pono (balance), as well as understanding and greater awareness, a platform to be built upon by future generations.

KHF is seeking funding to produce a short video from the 2004 Panel Discussion: Defining Hawaiian art. If you wish to help, please contact us: president@khf-nativehawaiianarts.com.