Ka‘anani‘au
MANAGING THE ROLLING BEAUTY OF TIME
Ka‘anani‘au has countless layers of meaning. Depending on family, era of reference and location there are different areas of emphasis. In essence, Kānenuiākea as the primary source of life is the foundation of Ka‘anani‘au. In this system there is little to no emphasis on Lono, Kū and Kanaloa. Other islands had their own unique ways of maintaining peace and stability. Some islands simply focused on Kū and Hina. Regardless of differences, the foundation is the same- peace, balance and a family-based political structure.
The general theme of our collective modern understanding of traditional mo‘olelo (history) is largely shaped by written documentation. While documentation does serve a purpose, it is not a traditional form of communicating ‘ike (knowledge/understandings). Because the primary foundation of the earliest documentation focused on a few of the Hawai‘i island lineage ali‘i we have very little understanding of other ali‘i (and family) lineages. Even in the earliest stages of learning it becomes clear that each family had inherited their own unique traditional world-view. Understanding that traditional mo‘olelo is highly dependent on: lineage, era and location is a very relevant principle of truly relearning the traditional world-view.
This project acknowledges that Christophor Oliveira, alaka‘i and haumana of Glen Kila, is currently in the process of writing a detailed, comprehensive explanation of Ka‘anani‘au as shared by numerous kūpuna to him directly. With a unique scientific intelligence Chris has been able to deconstruct and convey the meaning of deeply esoteric, spiritual concepts. While Glen was given the kauoha (mandate) by his kūpuna to not write down the ‘ike that was shared with him, it is Chris who is the one who is given the kūleana of explaining it in written form. We are eagerly awaiting the completion of this book. Until then, only essential aspects of Ka‘anani‘au and Kānenuiākea will described. This will be directed by the kūpuna who inherited the ‘ike huna (hidden meanings) of the Ka‘anani‘au system. Hō Mai Ka Pono fully recognizes the sensitivity surrounding such teachings and will convey, articulate and describe this ‘ike with great care.
