Rebirth Ceremony

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August 12, 2006: a moving re-dedication ceremony of Ahupua'a o Waimea, with the recounting of ancestral Hawaiian stories, and hula kahiko led by renowned Kumu Hula Sonny Ching and Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine.

Local Hawaiians present included Auntie Betty (Kupuna Kawohioklanai) Betty Jenkins, Kahu Butch Helemano, and Cy Bridges, representing the descendants of the original people of the Valley. Leaders from beyond the Valley included OHA Chairperson Haunani Apolonia, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hanneman, Lt.Governor of the State of Hawaii Duke Aiona, and State Representative Mike Magaoay.

Attended by hundreds of people who love Waimea, this ceremony marked the re-acquisition of Waimea Valley by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on behalf of the original peoples of the Hawaiian Islands.

Click above for television news coverage.

Here you can download the official program for the event, with the names of key speakers guests and participants: Waimea Valley Re-dedication Ceremony Program.