Na 'Opio Ali'i means the
child chief. It is Kekona's very special message to the children
of Hawai'i nei. It was created as a T shirt design in 2001 for Punana
Leo O Maui Hawaiian Language Preschool. The theme for their Ho'omau
(fund-raising event) was "Mahiki ka la i ka 'ilikai", which
means the sun comes forth on the horizon. This leads us to the hope
of the future through our children (keiki). Ka la (the sun) provides
light and gives growth to all things plant and human. The mo'o
(lizard 'aumakua) represents the legacy of Kanaka Maoli (full-blood
Hawaiian). Legend says it has 154 vertabrae, each one equals 100 years
(or 1,540 years dating back in Hawaiian geneolgy). The back legs of
the mo'o signify na kupuna or the elders of society. They are stable
and hold the balance. They have the knowlegde of their ancestors and
pass it on to na makua (the middle age parents). This is represented
by the head of the mo'o. The pupose of the makua is to look ahead and
be ready to lead the keiki. The front legs signify na 'opio or the youth
of today. They are always "reaching out" for the future and
keeping the movement. Our children hold the promises of tomorrow.
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Island
Time . P.O. Box 1281 .
Kula, HI . 96790 .
(808) 870-8253 . phone .
Islandtime808@aol.com
The
© symbol means all rights to the art have been registered and copyrighted.
No portions of the art may be used or duplicated. We ask you 'ihi ka
pono ... treat with respect ... come forth and ask permission. Mahalo
PO Box 1281, Kula, Maui, Hawaii 96790 phone: 808.878.1534
