LIHU‘E — More than one person remembers today Jean Ilei Beniamina as a valuable “resource” for things Native Hawaiian, whether they be language- or culture-related. Beniamina, 54, died July 10 at her Lihu‘e home. She was a Ni‘ihau native and
LIHU‘E — More than one person remembers today Jean Ilei Beniamina as a valuable “resource” for things Native Hawaiian, whether they be language- or culture-related.
Beniamina, 54, died July 10 at her Lihu‘e home. She was a Ni‘ihau native and outreach counselor and assistant professor at Kaua‘i Community College.
“A wonderful Hawaiian resource person,” said Nathan Kalama of Wailua, who had Beniamina “paka” (to look over, in this case) his Hawaiian-language musical compositions to make sure they were OK and correct.
“She was such a resource,” said kumu Sabra Kauka, adding that Beniamina was an advocate for Hawaiian-language schools and courses, “a leader in keeping the language alive” and over the years showed “tremendous support” of the Punana Leo Hawaiian-language preschool.
Beniamina offered “thoughtful explanations of the meaning of Hawaiian phrases and concepts,” and could explain them in easy-to-understand terms,” said Kauka.
Kalama, who said he will long remember Beniamina’s infectious laugh, recalled a time when she was scheduled to be the presenter at the popular E Kanikapila Kakou (let’s all sing) gatherings. Kalama called her the morning of the event to remind her she would be the presenter of a mele (song), and she had forgotten all about the engagement, he said.
So, in the matter of a few hours, she wrote and composed “Pua Ala Aumoe,” about fragrant flower blossoms, presented it to those in attendance and, later, it was made into a hit song by Jerry Santos of Olomana.
“It was wonderful and became a hit,” said Kalama, adding that Beniamina also won a Na Hoku Hanohano award for another of her compositions. “Her work (as a singer, composer and advocate of things Native Hawaiian) spoke for her, and was respected,” Kalama said.
“Even though she was younger than me she was a role model with a foot in each world — modern and Hawaiian — and felt comfortable in both,” could exist, live and excel in both, he said.
“What a loss for all of us. What a loss.”
That loss, though, means someone in the Native Hawaiian community must step up and carry on her works, especially for the youth of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, he said.
“What a role model to all of us to accomplish so much in her short life,” said Kalama.
As a friend, she believed in the power of prayer, said Kalama. “As much as we miss her, her work here was done and Ke Akua called her home.”
“She was all for the Hawaiians,” said Don Cataluna, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee who also taught management, business and economics at KCC during some of the years Beniamina was also there.
“She was kind of set in her ways,” and was tough to move off any position she had adopted, he said.
“Ilei is beloved by the entire KCC community, and was an incredibly warm and positive presence among us,” said Helen Cox, KCC chancellor.
“We’re really going to miss her. She was always there to help, and to help us be mindful of where we live and who we live with,” said Cox.
“She was just a wonderful human being” and a main reason so many Ni‘ihau Native Hawaiians graduated from KCC, initially in education and facilities engineering but later in many other fields, Cox said.
“She was a well-respected member of the community and made great contributions,” said Ron Kouchi, a former county councilman who admitted he didn’t know her very well.
“I know she was a leader in the community,” said former state Sen. Gary Hooser, who went to Ni‘ihau once with Beniamina.
“She and I were good friends,” said Keith Robinson.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon today, with a service at noon, at the Lawa‘i Garden Island Mortuary chapel, with burial to follow at Kekaha Hawaiian Cemetery, where her mother and husband are also buried.
