Where: Original source texts are drawn from the Hawaiian-language newspapers of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and from archival manuscripts in libraries and collections in Hawai'i and abroad. Translation and editing work is centered at the Awaiaulu office at Haka‘olu, in Kalihi, O‘ahu.
When: In the early 1990s, recognizing the dearth of available Hawaiian language materials, Puakea Nogelmeier, Dwayne Nakila Steele, and a group of collaborators began working to re-present historical Hawaiian texts. In 2003, in a centralized effort to reach both Hawaiian and English-speaking audiences and to promote the development of other scholars in the field, Awaiaulu: Hawaiian Literature Project was established.
Why: To develop resources and the people to generate them. Awaiaulu provides access to Hawaiian language texts, empowers the publication process, and provides a setting where the skills and insights necessary for such efforts can be mastered. The goal is to foster Hawaiian mores, values and stories by moving the narratives that illustrate them out of the archives and into the hands of resource people and readers today. A great body of important Hawaiian literature lies beyond the reach of most people, archived for more than a century. The language and the knowledge contained in these works are wonderful resources for the 21st century.
How: Major support has come from our founding sponsors, the R. Dwayne and Marti Steele Fund of The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, and from Abigail Kinoiki Kekaulike Kawananakoa. Kamehameha Schools Press and book sales also support the efforts of Awaiaulu: Hawaiian Literature Project.
Awaiaulu Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Founding Board Members include R.D. Nakila Steele, John Marrack, Oz Stender, Gaylord Wilcox, Ron Poepoe, Bob Krauss, and Hardy Spoehr. The current Board of Directors includes: Oswald Stender, Chair; Gaylord Wilcox, Vice Chair; John Marrack, Treasurer; Marti Steele, Secretary; Kalowena Komeiji, Board Member. Puakea Nogelmeier is the Executive Director.
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Who: The core staff of Awaiaulu is a committed team of translators, editors, researchers, planners and doers. Each member fills many or most of the positions listed above, and the talents and skills shared among them hone everyone’s individual abilities. The director is Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier, and the staff includes Kamaoli Kuwada, Kehaulani Basset, ‘Emalani Case, Kapouhana‘a‘ala Doi, and Ku‘umakanalani Steele. Many others play important roles, sought out for their expertise to collaborate with the Awaiaulu staff in the processes of training and publication. What: Awaiaulu is dedicated to fostering Hawaiian knowledge today through the training of translators and publication of legacy texts. Fluent students of Hawaiian mentor with experienced translators, bringing historical literature to modern readers in a bilingual format. This develops new resource people, introduces information from these narratives to new audiences, and gives new access to Hawaiian-language texts. |