| Great concern has been rampant about the lack of | | | | and perpetuate its message is a daunting undertaking, |
| "Hawaii" in the so-called "Hawaiian" activities, | | | | the Center's goal is not one of just providing an |
| merchandise and demonstrations witnessed | | | | activity exercise but to share information and |
| throughout the island's hotels. Such items like leis and | | | | knowledge so that responsibility is assigned to the |
| bracelets being strung with shells from the Philippines | | | | participant. Thus, programs are constantly in the |
| or tropical print bags, dolls and pot holders bearing | | | | planning stages, including work shops teaching cultural |
| the status of "Made in China"---even many souvenirs | | | | insights inspired and motivated by Hawaiian themes. |
| sold to visitors in Hawaii are created in and sold from | | | | The presenters are artists and practitioners |
| such places as Bali, Thailand.As odd as it can be, | | | | specializing in their specific field of expertise.Special |
| much of what is offered as authentic "Hawaiian" arts | | | | permission was granted by the owners of the historic |
| and crafts is actually imported from other foreign | | | | Coco Palms in Wailua, heavily damaged in Hurricane |
| countries and guests of the islands haven't the | | | | Iniki in 1992, to the students of the Center to sketch |
| slightest clue!As a result, a lot of time and energy has | | | | its structures and lagoons. More lectures will be |
| been spent on allowing the "real" Hawaiian culture to | | | | presented on ancient places of worship and on these |
| stand out and become noticed by all those millions of | | | | lagoons---which were first used as fish ponds by the |
| people who come to Hawaii annually. For much too | | | | Royalty.The Center will also organize cultural |
| long, the tendency was to push touristy trends like | | | | excursions, like taking 5th-6th graders to learn about |
| torch lighting ceremonies, Polynesian dancing revues | | | | Hawaii's environment, it's native plants and about |
| and flashy hotels---all of which were ultimately lacking | | | | conservation. The group size will be limited to |
| in substance when authentic "Hawaiian" cultural | | | | anywhere from 6 to 30 people because of the |
| experiences were what was really desired.In 1998, | | | | impact on the sacred cultural sites.With the advent of |
| the Kauai Heritage Center of Hawaiian Culture and | | | | new technologies and conveniences, many of today's |
| the Arts opened---a 1,200 square-foot facility with a | | | | Hawaiians have forgotten the value and wisdom of |
| purpose to educate and create mind awareness for | | | | the "old ways". So, a comprehensive training program |
| appreciation and respect of the true "Hawaiian" | | | | aimed at Hawaiian Islands' visitor industry---hotel |
| culture. Exhibits in the Center focus on the Hawaiian | | | | employees and business organizations---commenced |
| quilts, hand-carved fishing tools, hula instruments and | | | | based on traditional Hawaiian values.This training |
| implements, as well as a vast array of mats, fans | | | | program offers 8 hours of instruction covering |
| and baskets, to name just a few. Most of the | | | | subjects on healing with herbs, sacred offerings, |
| artefacts making up the exhibits are treasured | | | | massage, music, proverbs and poetry.Perpetuating |
| heirlooms belonging to Hawaiian families for | | | | the integrity of the Hawaiian culture is what the |
| decades.The Center also instructs hands-on classes | | | | Center is all about. Its goal, in short, is to accomplish |
| that probe and discuss all aspects of a specific | | | | every- thing possible to keep Hawaii "Hawaiian". |
| subject, i.e., hula, leaf printing and the Hawaiian | | | | There is a constant vigil to correct false and |
| language. These sessions also cover lei making | | | | inaccurate representations of Hawaiian practices. Both |
| techniques along with the sharing of its protocols and | | | | visitors and locals alike are encouraged to discover |
| customs that span the entire experience--- from the | | | | the "real" Hawaii and not fall victim to activities |
| preparation of materials to the actual leis | | | | referred to as "traditional" when in fact, they are |
| disposal.Realizing that to preserve Hawaiian culture | | | | "gimmicks for amusement". |