Lei of Aloha made for Christchurch shootings
Lei of Aloha for World Peace founder Ron Panzo is assisted by Kihei’s Margaret Kinney on Tuesday in Kihei as he works on a long, multi-strand lei headed to Christchurch, New Zealand. The section was one of the last to be completed to reach the goal of creating a mile-long lei to be presented in Christchurch in memory and honor of the victims of the recent mass shooting there. Panzo estimated 250 volunteers took part in making the lei, starting Saturday and continuing through Tuesday afternoon. Additional sections were made by groups on the Big Island and Kauai. A small delegation led by Kimokeo Kapahulehua and musician Anthony Pfluke is scheduled to leave tonight with the lei. Kihei’s Denni Grace said she has helped with every Lei of Aloha, including for victims of attacks in Parkland, Fla., and Paris. “I have friends in New Zealand and I’m in awe of their strength and their wisdom,” Grace said. “They have figured out they are in mourning and to not go to anger.” The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos
Iowa resident Heidi Winn makes a section of ti-leaf lei Tuesday afternoon. She and her husband happened to be walking by and joined in. “When we heard what they were doing for New Zealand, we were really moved because our 14-year-old transgender son committed suicide two years ago,” Winn said. Husband Jean Bousquet added, “We were on the receiving end of so many blessings and healing support of strangers.” They said acts of kindness like Lei of Aloha really do make a difference in the lives of those suffering through tragedy.
Lei of Aloha for World Peace founder Ron Panzo is assisted by Kihei’s Margaret Kinney on Tuesday in Kihei as he works on a long, multi-strand lei headed to Christchurch, New Zealand. The section was one of the last to be completed to reach the goal of creating a mile-long lei to be presented in Christchurch in memory and honor of the victims of the recent mass shooting there. Panzo estimated 250 volunteers took part in making the lei, starting Saturday and continuing through Tuesday afternoon. Additional sections were made by groups on the Big Island and Kauai. A small delegation led by Kimokeo Kapahulehua and musician Anthony Pfluke is scheduled to leave tonight with the lei. Kihei’s Denni Grace said she has helped with every Lei of Aloha, including for victims of attacks in Parkland, Fla., and Paris. “I have friends in New Zealand and I’m in awe of their strength and their wisdom,” Grace said. “They have figured out they are in mourning and to not go to anger.” The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos
Iowa resident Heidi Winn makes a section of ti-leaf lei Tuesday afternoon. She and her husband happened to be walking by and joined in. “When we heard what they were doing for New Zealand, we were really moved because our 14-year-old transgender son committed suicide two years ago,” Winn said. Husband Jean Bousquet added, “We were on the receiving end of so many blessings and healing support of strangers.” They said acts of kindness like Lei of Aloha really do make a difference in the lives of those suffering through tragedy.
Trending
The Maui News
Maui community members have woven a mile-long ti-leaf lei to deliver to Christchurch, New Zealand, following the shootings at two mosques Friday that killed 50 people.
The Lei of Aloha for World Peace was created in 2015 after the bombing in Paris, and since then has become a tradition in the wake of global tragedies. Maui community members have woven and delivered mile-long lei after the June 2016 shooting in Orlando, Fla., the October 2017 shooting in Las Vegas and the February 2018 shooting in Parkland, Fla.
The lei for Christchurch was dedicated Tuesday evening, and a delegation plans to fly to New Zealand today to present the lei outside the mosques during Friday prayers.
"Some say it's the ocean that separates us, but we in Polynesia know that it is, in fact, the ocean that connects us," said Ron Panzo, main organizer of the Lei of Aloha for World Peace. "We have come together to weave another mile-long lei to offer to our grieving brothers and sisters across the sea in Christchurch."
The all-volunteer team has set up a GoFundMe site to help pay for the airfare, car rental and lodging.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/NZlei.