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Let's call them "Maui's Treasures."
In ways both big and small, these are the people who unselfishly give their time and energy to make this island a better place. Every once in a blue moon one might be recognized for his or her efforts, but most toil anonymously behind the scenes. These are the teachers, coaches, administrators, cultural practitioners, political watchdogs, den mothers and countless volunteers who stand on the shoulders of island dynamos who came before them.
Listening to the weekly National Public Radio program, American Routes, this past week, we were pleasantly surprised to hear a segment about Hana's master Hawaiian hale builder, Francis Sinenci. American Routes generally concentrates on music and musicians, but there was the gruff voice of Sinenci describing how he learned the traditional Hawaiian construction style after returning home to Maui after 30 years in the U.S. Air Force.
Having known Francis for years, and having recently covered his ongoing hale construction project at Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens in Iao Valley, it made us swell with pride to hear Maui's very own 2022 National Heritage Fellow speak with such wisdom and authority. Sinenci has made hundreds of hale across the state, all while teaching the skills to younger generations. He is a true kumu and master builder.
We had a chance to stop by the hale project at Kepaniwai this week. Eighty-year-old Sinenci had just used a chain saw to trim a piece of scaffolding for one of his younger students when we asked what he thought of the American Routes segment. Though his voice had been heard worldwide, he said he'd missed it. In fact, he didn't know what we were talking about.
That's the thing about Maui's Treasures, they're too busy moving this island forward to stop and rest on their laurels. It certainly goes for another Hawaiian master we have gotten to know through the years. Dubbed Hawaii's Renaissance Man, George Kahumoku Jr. may have won three Grammy Awards, but he is probably the musician you're most likely to find strumming and singing for free to support an island community event. A born artist, storyteller, teacher and farmer, Kahumoku has always been quick to share his talents with those around him. That makes it all the more satisfying to know he received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Artists 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award last year.
The danger of listing Maui's Treasures is the absolute certainty that deserving names will be left out. Our list grew so long while working on this editorial it would have read like the phone book if all were included. A perk of this job is rubbing elbows with folks who make good things happen. To everyone who gives of their time, energy and money to help make life on Maui no ka oi, thank you.