Political Quotes

“(English translation of the statement made in Hawaiian by Mr. Kahele is as follows:) The dark, clouded heavens weep. The spirit has embarked on the path with no return. Ua kani mai ka papa wa`a Ua ue ka lani po panopano Ua lele ka `uhane i ke ala ho`i`ole mai Madam Speaker, I stand before you today to share with you and the Nation the sad news of the passing of a great navigator, leader, educator, and friend, Chad Kalepa Baybayan. On March 8, 1975, the deep-sea voyaging canoe Hokule`a was launched. Born of legends and stories brought to life through the paintings of the acclaimed Hawaiian artist Herb Kane, it was the first Hawaiian voyaging canoe to sail Hawaii's waters in over 600 years and became a catalyst for Hawaiian pride and identity during the Hawaiian renaissance. At the age of 19, Kalepa's first connection to Hokule`a was on the shores of his home island of Maui in 1975 during Hokule`a's sail trials and crew training. This first connection inspired him and forever changed his life. He has diligently served the voyaging movement ever since, learning, growing, then mastering and teaching the next generation of navigators. Kalepa also believed deeply in the importance of education as a vessel to expand the reach of voyaging, and the legacy of education his kupuna and lahui, his ancestors and nation, left for him to continue.…”