The kula grasslands portion of the waters of Waimea known as Waiulaula watershed, which begins in the Kohala Mountains and runs to the ocean near Maumae and Kaunaoa beach in the area of the Mauna Kea Resort. Photo by Yvonne Yarber Carter.

MEDIA RELEASE

The varied physical and cultural landscapes of the waters flowing through Waimea from Kohala Mountain to the ocean are the inspiration for the invitational artist event May 10-June 12 at Kahilu Theatre.

“Kahe Mau Ka Wai A Waimea: Forever Shall the Waters of Waimea Flow” reflects on the enduring waters of Waimea and cultural landscape through art and sharing.

For sensory and creative inspiration, participating artists were invited to journey into the cultural landscape of the wahi pana (storied places) of the Kohala Mountain upland waters and of Keanuiomano and Waiulaula streams in the leeward Waimea kula grasslands. 

There Kuulei Keakealani and Kealii Bertelmann shared stories and tributes to their ancestral lands with the artists to collectively deepen a connection to the spirit of place.

The mixed-media art show opens at 4 p.m. May 10 at the theatre. The opening includes a multi-media performance by Keakealani and Bertelmann with hula, mele (music) and moolelo (stories) honoring the Waters of Waimea. 

The public is also invited at 7 p.m. June 1 to presentations by Carolyn Stewart on the Waiulaula Watershed, Melora Purell on the Kohala Mountain resources and partnership, and Bob Nishimoto on the native aquatic species found in the watershed.

Kahe Mau Ka Wai A Waimea is a collaboration of partners volunteering their time and resources so the moolelo wahi pana (stories of sacred sites) and precious watershed endure including Kuulei Keakealani, Kealii Bertelmann, Yvonne and Keoki Carter, TryLookInside Graphics, Kahilu Theatre Foundation, The Kohala Center, and Waiulaula Watershed Partnership.

— Find out more:

The Kohala Center Kahe Mau Ka Wai A Waimea: www.kohalacenter.org/KaheMauKaWaiAWaimea/about.html

The Waiulaula watershed is filled with natural features sculpted through the centuries by the waters of Waimea. Photo by Yvonne Yarber Carter.