A coalition of Kumu Hula
Huamakahikina at a Glance
A Distinct Identity
Huamakahikina is an open, advocacy-based coalition of Kumu Hula that represents a great range of cross-lineage participation and collaborative efforts that initially convened on August 17, 2020, in an effort to discuss a culturally proactive approach to the COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaiʻi. Employing process and participation as its drivers, Huamakahikina has come to address various issues regarding Hula, one of the results of which is the "Huamakahikina Declaration on the Integrity, Stewardship, and Protection of Hula."
Huamakahikina In Our Community
Latest Stories
Maui County Resolution No. 21-161
On November 5th, 2021, the Maui County Council adopted Resolution No. 21-161, supporting the Huamakahikina Declaration and the efforts to protect and advance the practice of hula, and to prevent itʻs continued economic exploitation and appropriation.
Senate of Hawaiʻi
SCR 121 Urges the Counties and State to work with Huamakahikina and Kumu Hula to establish policies protecting hula.
Hawaiʻi County Resolution No. 362-22
On April 06, 2022, the Hawaiʻi County Council adopted Resolution No 362-22 which "supports the Huamakahikina Declaration and efforts to advance the practice of hula to the fullest extent possible"
News & Features
The Maui News
June 11, 2022
The Maui County Council passed the final version of its $1.07-billion budget for fiscal year 2023, which starts July 1. Some of the proposed big-ticket projects and new initiatives include:
• $43 million for the Halau of ‘Oiwi Arts.
Hawaiʻi News Now
By: Mahealani Richardson
April 21, 2022
Lawmakers support resolution to protect hula amid 'exploitation' concerns
Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art
Maui County
In response to the Huamakahikina Declaration, ratified by an international coalition of Kumu Hula and adopted by resolution by the Maui County Council in the fall of 2021, the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of Hula and the varied ‘Ōiwi arts for which Hula serves as the nexus.
It will be the first of its kind and the largest investment by any county or the state to create a permanent place for Hula and associated ʻŌiwi arts.
Ka Wai Ola
Huamakahikina
By: Cheryl Tsutsumi
March 01, 2022
"Hula should be elevated to the status it deserves as an art form that is critical to the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture." Holt said. "Hula is the official state dance of Hawaiʻi, and its relevance is also linked to economic health, not only the visitor industry. We support flower growers, restaurants, caterers, party planners, photographers, the fabric and garment industries and much more."...
KITV Coverage
February 19, 2022
The upcoming Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art, to be built at Peʻepeʻe, Wailuku, was featured on Hawaiʻi's KITV 4. This interview features Mayor Michael Victorino and Kumu Hula Pueo Pata.
County of Maui Mayor Michael Victorino's Live Press Conference
February 18, 2022
Nā Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt & Pueo Pata were featured in Mayor Victorino's weekly update broadcast (4:54 - 8:20)
E Kūpaʻa Kākou
February 11, 2022
Kumu Hōkūlani Holt and Kumu Pueo Pata were interviewed about the Huamakahikina Declaration by Alakaʻi Paleka in Maui County's E Kūpaʻa Kākou series.
Click on the button below to view the entire broadcast, featuring Kumu Pueo and his hālau, nā Kumu Hula Noʻeau and Pōlanimakamae Kahakalau-Kalima.
The Huamakahikina Declaration section begins at 46:16.
Maui Now: Center for Hula and Associated Arts proposed in Wailuku Arts district on Maui
February 08, 2022
Mayor Michael Victorino announced that a group of Maui Kumu Hula and the County of Maui are in early planning stages to establish a cultural center called “Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art,” to be located in Wailuku, Maui.
Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and various ‘ōiwi arts connected to hula. The center will be in support of the Huamakahikina Declaration, ratified by an international coalition of Kumu Hula and adopted by resolution by the Maui County Council this fall.
By Wendy Osher
September 23, 2021
"Hundreds of Kumu Hula came together in recent months to create and ratify the “Huamakahikina Declaration,” a historic document on the integrity, stewardship, and protection of hula."...
By: Jayna Omaye
October 03, 2021
"Hundreds of kumu ratify ‘groundbreaking’ declaration to protect, preserve and perpetuate hula"...
The Conversation
By: Noe Tanigawa
October 15, 2021
"Kumu Hula community sign declaration to protect and advance hula practices, lineages."
By: Noe Tanigawa
October 22, 2021
"What is Hula? Who is qualified to teach it? A new declaration signed by 200 Kumu Hula spells it out"...
Lāhui Kānaka
Hōʻeu, Hoʻūlu, Hoʻōla
Incite, Inspire, Invigorate
We see every challenge as an opportunity, and this initiative helps us ensure that our partners are better prepared to manage the unique situations they find themselves in. We are invested in an innovative approach that empowers our community and delivers the support they need, when they need it.