Spin Quark

Native Hawaiian Trademark

Over the weekend I got a chance to do a short presentation to Native Hawaiian artisans and craftsperson about the Internet. This was in conjuction with Hale Ku`ai and the Native Hawaiian Producers workshop. My talk was about Internet infrastructor and web sites. It's amazing what we take for granted here in Hawaii. The native Hawaiian producers are putting out some quality stuff and we need to make sure it gets recognized as such. There are apparently a lot of rip offs coming in from who knows where. The tourists end up buying the stuff thinking its made in Hawaii by native craftpeople.

There were a number of other presentations from pricing product to marketing product in stores. One topic which got a lot of attention was on a native Hawaiian trademark. Maile Andrade, a professor from UH Art School gave examples of how the Maori in Aotearoa developed a trademark to designate quality native made products. This Scoop article describes the trademark and purpose.

I think this is a great idea and will give an authenticity and recognition to the products made by native Hawaiians. It is reminiscent of the Indian Market in Santa Fe or the Hospital Auxiliary Craft Shop in the Alaska Native Medical Center. The process to develop a native Hawaiian trademark is at its early stages. It is not certain how much it will cost or who will be the judge or enforcer of the trademark.

As a preparation for criticism, here is an article commenting on the excessive use of taxpayer dollar on the Maori trademark. I think it's bunk but everyone is entitled to an opinion. I am sure we will have our share in Hawaii.

Speeding Time

Time continues to speed by. Keeping up a blog accentuates this phenomenon. If I don't mention something about my recent trip to Kaho`olawe, it will be months gone by and I would feel remiss for not being more timely. I've been going to Kaho`olawe since 1992 and have been fully engaged in the Protect Kaho`olawe `Ohana. This past week's access was part of the regularly scheduled monthly access for work projects. We were on island from July 10 to 13. One day I am sure there will be 802.11 Internet access from Maui so I could sit in Hakioawa with my PDA and post messages to my blog. But to be honest, it just does seem relevant when on island.

Touching the earth is something I need to do. The more I get to do this the better I feel. Kaho`olawe is a pu`u honua where the Hawaiian culture can be practice in in ways unencumbered by our modern society. I am not one to reject modern society but there are times when I feel that living in cities can detach us from the land. We then take for granted the air, water and natural resources thinking they will always be there. Even a short trip to Kaho`olawe will remind you of the value of fresh water. The ocean resources are abundant only because it is respected and not fished out. There's a harmony there that we each need to synch up with. Life in Hawai`i would be so much more enriching if everyone could spend a short amount of time on Kaho`olawe.

Whale Rider

Whale Rider is going to be on top of my list of best movies seen in 2003. Set in New Zealand, its a story about leadership, preserving traditional culture, passing the torch, coming of age, connection with ancestors and nature, breaking with tradition, adapting, and more. Keisha Castle-Hughes is the would be heir apparent to tribal leader. But there is one problem, her grandfather, Paka expected a boy. That is all I will say, probably too much already. Go see the movie.

I was fortunate to go to Aotearoa (New Zealand) once and am dying to go back again. The Maori culture is deep and intact. I kept seeing similarities between the Maori and Hawaiian cultures. I saw Hawaii in the `a`ali`i and `ohia tress there. Sites like that kept me connected and reminded me that we are all connected to one another. Not only in the present but also in the past, to our ancestors.