A pewa is a bow-tie-shaped patch used in traditional Hawaiian woodworking placed along a crack on a wooden surface that prevents breaks, bringing unity where there was once discord. A Pewa nominee, like the pewa itself, operates with minimal recognition for their diligent efforts. This individual works to overcome obstacles within their community by engaging in and inspiring others to take action in areas critically needing repair.

Minimum Requirements:

• Resides in the state of Hawaiʻi
• Exhibits PIDFʻs core values
  • Aloha – loves and respects others
  • Lōkahi – creates unity and harmony
  • Mālama – cares for and honors the community
  • Pono – exhibits moral action
  • Poʻokela – produces quality outcomes
• Focused on creating a sustainable change for generations to come
  History of working within their community or the state of Hawai‘i to bring together people in an effort to inspire positive change

Do you know someone who should be nominated for this award? Please use this link to submit your nominee today! The deadline is Wednesday, April 28.

The importance of unrestricted funding for nonprofit organizations cannot be understated. While donations can be designated for specific programs or projects — as they often are with grants — unrestricted funds are vital and can be easily allocated to wherever they are needed most.

Our second annual event saw important Hawaiian traditions put into practice to honor our 2019 Pewa Awardees. We had oli from some of our Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education ʻohana and keiki, and cultural practitioner Aaron Mahi led the attendees in further oli and pule for the awardees.

Earl Kawaʻa, Antoinette “Toni” Lee, and Craig Takamine were all recognized for their dedicated service to our communities across Hawaiʻi nei. Each of the Pewa Awardees, along with previous Pewa Awardee Sweets Wright, was presented with a kihei: a traditional cloak typically made of tapa, tied with a knot over the left shoulder and worn during special ceremony or protocol.

Although these kīhei were made from muslin, the dyeing, stamping and more were all done entirely by hand using indigenous methods. The bright yellow coloring came from ʻōlena or turmeric, and the design on each cloak was made in the design of pewa patches. So much mana from PIDF staff went into the making of these kīhei, and we were honored to present them to the awardees.

The aloha casual event included a catered buffet dinner with dishes of sushi and hand-carved prime rib and more. Our guests enjoyed the raffle and silent auction, live music from local artists, and presentations by our Board Members and current president, Jan E. Hanohano Dill.

One of the crowning moments of the event besides the presentations of the Pewa awardees was the incredible story of a former program family. Brought together by our Ke Kama Pono adjudicated youth program, the Araki family spoke of unconditional love, second chances, and a fervent belief in a greater good. Learn more about how Deni Araki came to adopt one of our Ke Kama Pono boys here.

A special mahalo to the iHeart Media Group, the Kumuola Foundation, Big Island Delights, design asylum inc., Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program, the Mānoa Grand Ballroom, Paradise Beverages, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Embroidery Ltd., the Palama ʻohana from Hanapēpē, and Danny Goya.

We would like to once again mahalo our outstanding partners, generous sponsors, honored guests, and wonderful staff for making the second annual Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards a great success! We look forward to hosting everyone again at next year’s Ulu Hana.

Kamuela Kahoano is a Hawaiian-born musician and Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards winner and four-time nominee. Kamuela comes from a family of entertainers and is accomplished in both the ukulele and guitar. He has toured the U.S., Japan, and Australia.

Hui Malama is a trio of Hawaiian musicians John Baker, Ed Simeona, and Mack Kahumoku. Playing since 2014, the hui has done extensive volunteer work around Oʻahu including with Islands Hospice and Pohai Nani Good Samaritan. Hui Malama has performed at public and private events, including the Kakaʻako Farmers’ Market.

Mahalo to these wonderful musicians, and we look forward to kicking off the 2019 Ulu Hana: Pewa Awards this Friday, April 12th!