“I only cut the grass,” said Sabra Kauka Saturday when she was presented the TS Restaurants inaugural Ho‘oulu Award during a special Saturday luncheon at Keoki’s Paradise in Po‘ipu Shopping Village.
The Ho‘oulu Award presentation was enhanced by the special presentation by county Managing Director Michael Dahilig, representing Mayor Derek Kawakami, who proclaimed Saturday as Sabra Kauka Day, to the approval of more than 50 guests, including well-known Hawaiian practitioners, family and special guests, including Lokelani Sasil, who works alongside Kauka in teaching ‘ukulele.
Capping the day of excitement for the kumu at Island School, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources through a special representation by Sheri Mann, the Kaua‘i branch manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, gave Kauka the DLNR &YOU Citizen Conservationist award for her outstanding, lifelong contributions to the betterment of natural and cultural resources on Kaua‘i, and across Hawai‘i.
“I only cut the grass,” Kauka repeated. “When I saw that o‘o that represented the Ho‘oula Award, I said, ‘Dat not going hang on the wall. I going use ‘um.’”
The Hawaiian word “Ho‘oulu” means “to foster, maintain, perpetuate and inspire a tradition,” said a release from TS Restaurants. Keoki’s Paradise established the Ho‘olu Award to honor and recognize Kaua‘i residents who dedicate their energy to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and traditions.
The award was developed as part of the restaurant’s efforts to give back to those whose contributions, relating to environmental and cultural education, have uplifted and empowered the island community. Kauka’s dedication is beyond a doubt a prime example of what Ho‘oulu celebrates.
“I get a free lunch from Keoki’s Paradise,” Kauka said. “And look at you. It’s been such a long time since we last saw each other and had a chance to just talk, laugh and be together.”
A historian, environmentalist, anthropologist, activist and educator, Kauka is a respected cultural leader on Kaua‘i, said Keoki’s Paradise. She serves as kumu of Hawaiian studies and hula at Island School, and as the coordinator of Hawaiian Studies on Kaua‘i for the state Department of Education.
“It does not matter if you’re employed in a visitor-industry job or not,” Kauka said. “You need to know Kaua‘i.”
Kauka is also the founding member and past president of Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural and cultural resources of the Napali Coast State Park. She serves on the Garden Island Resource Conservation and Development board, working to restore cultural sites for future generations. Her work at the ancient Hawaiian village, Nualolo Kai, is considered one of the most-successful curator programs in Hawai‘i.
“Sabra has worked with the state and Kaua‘i’s Save Our Shearwaters program for decades, and it is so meaningful to watch her bless the endangered shearwaters as she and others release the birds and watch as they embark on their long ocean journey,” Mann said.
“I have the highest regard for Sabra’s tireless efforts to educate young minds to become knowledgeable, and to malama ka ‘aina. Kaua‘i is so lucky to have her. Three honors in one day is fitting for an individual who has worked tirelessly as an advocate for nature and conservation, and then shares her passion and knowledge with keiki and others on a daily basis,” said Mann.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
