WAIPOULI — The Children of the Land, Na Keiki O Ka ‘Aina, invites the community to participate in a Mahalo Lu‘au to honor and acknowledge the community this Sunday at the Kaua‘i Village Shopping Center. The event will begin with
WAIPOULI — The Children of the Land, Na Keiki O Ka ‘Aina, invites the community to participate in a Mahalo Lu‘au to honor and acknowledge the community this Sunday at the Kaua‘i Village Shopping Center.
The event will begin with drumming and a welcome, followed by a pa‘ina (dinner) for all who have been part of The Children of the Land experience for the last few years.
“As a small nonprofit organization, we appreciate the kokua that has come from the Kaua‘i community in our mission to provide opportunities to local residents and visiting tourists to participate in the living Hawaiian and Polynesian Cultural Arts” said Phil Villatora, Na Keiki 0 Ka ‘Aina’s director.
The organization, he said, is dependent upon an all — volunteer staff, grants and community — to continue offering their programs.
“So far, the generosity of the community has allowed us to offer a schedule of mostly free classes for over three years,” Villatora said.
The owners of the Kaua‘i Shopping Village are planning renovation of the building that has been home to Na Keiki O Ka ‘Aina for the past three years. As a result, the nonprofit, along with the Regenerations Botanical Garden and Kaua‘i Community Seed Bank, must find new homes for their activities.
“The owners and management of Kaua‘i Village have been amazing — they’ve made it possible for us to serve Kaua‘i by providing this space for use as a community center and performance venue” Villatora said. “We’re looking to continue our work in another space that’s as accessible as Kaua‘i Village”.
Meanwhile, the seed bank is seeking a temporary location out of the tsunami and flood zone, while they design and build a seed laboratory on the North Shore.
Regenerations Director Paul Massey said he is hopeful that an unused commercial or residential space will be made available for their seed bank and office.
“It’s sad to be leaving our downtown location and partnership with Na Keiki O Ka ‘Aina, yet we are very excited at the prospect of building our permanent seed bank where we grow the seed,” Massey said.
Sunday’s lu‘au will feature performances by Kumu Donna Lei Kirkpatrick’s Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi‘ilani, the Kaua‘i Middle School ‘Ukulele Choir led by Mary Lardizabal, and fire dancers of Na Keiki 0 Ka ‘Aina with Tahitian drumming.
The event is from 3 to 7 p.m., and it’s free and open to all.
Visit the website www.TheChildrenOfTheLand.com for more information.
