Service members, families and members of the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, came together to celebrate Kapuaikaula Makahiki Nov. 5 on Hickam Harbor Beach at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Makahiki is a Hawaiian festival to celebrate the bounty of the land and the traditional Hawaiian god Lono. Lono is the guardian of health and peace as well as agriculture.

This was the 15th year that the event has taken place on base. The purpose of the event was to bring the military and the Hawaiian communities together.

"This specific Makahiki started in 1992 with the Oahu Council of Hawaiian Civic Club and Adm. Conway," said Shad Kane, a member of the civic club. "At that time Makahiki was the best venue to bring together, not necessarily officers, but military families and children with the surrounding community. Since then, it has expanded because civic clubs are established by areas. Now it's not just Pearl Harbor but any and all of the civic clubs on Oahu."

The event kicked-off with a traditional canoe paddle from Iroqouis Point to the beach. This transit represents an ancient ritual where Lono arrives to the shoreline thereby commencing the festivities.

Naval Facilities (NAVFAC) Hawaii Commanding Officer Capt. Richard Hayes III and Cmdr. Benjamin Leppard, NAVFAC Hawaii Assistant Regional Engineer, were among the canoers.

"This was an amazing experience," said Hayes. "It was a bit of a workout. But to get to canoe as part of a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, is a once-in-a-lifetime event."

The canoe pulled to the shores and was followed by a traditional Hawaiian welcoming ceremony which included horn blowing and chanting.

Col. Richard Smith, JBPHH deputy commander, was also in attendance. He gave the opening and closing remarks for the event.

"This event is huge for us," said Smith. "We don't do enough of this very often. We get to be out here and learn about the Hawaiian culture and interact with our families and the community."

Following the official ceremony, those in attendance were encouraged to participate in traditional Hawaiian games. They were also offered a sample of local cuisine.

Ens. Mark Malmquist, construction manager of NAVFAC Hawaii, won the male Hawaiian wrestling tournament. He said he enjoyed the event and was intrigued by what Makahiki meant.

"I came to the Makahiki to learn. I participated in some local games and learned about the history," he said. "I am from Pennsylvania. It was interesting to learn Hawaiian history and how they lived."

Christina Kendrick, a Navy spouse, said it was exciting to be a part of local culture.

"I didn't know what to expect," said Kendrick. "It was nice to get a little culture and native education. It was super cool. I won first place in female wrestling. I am very proud of the trophy and will remember it for a long time."

Kane said integration and education was the main goal of the event and it all went well.

"It's about relationships," said Kane. "That's what it's all about. If we can all come together and get along, things would be much better."


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