Series explores Hawaiian culture

"Hawaiian in Spirit and Action," an 11-part series about Hawaiian beliefs, values, behavior, self-concept, family roots, symbolism and humor, will be rebroadcast beginning today on the Department of Education's Channel 56.

The shows, hosted by Kawika Parker, were created in the late 1990s for the DOE's Teleschool Branch and Alu Like, to help new teachers from outside the state understand Hawaii and Hawaiian culture.

In the years since, four of the kupuna featured in the series have died -- Hawaiian language expert Henry Ka'alekahi, former University of Hawaiian Studies chairman Abraham Pi'ianaia, culture expert Agnes Kihikihi and storyteller Woody Fern. This makes "Hawaiian in Spirit and Action" a unique reference on the contributions of these elders.

David Kawika Parker