The Molokai Times
Monday, April 28, 2008
By Marketa Stastna
The start of the four-month long Makahiki season of peace may get its own commemorative day set aside by the state Senate, if a bill introduced by Sen. J. Kalani English passes.
The bill would dedicate Nov. 20 as Makahiki Commemoration Day, thus recognizing this defining day in Hawaiian culture when Lono brings peace, stopping all wars for four months.
"We have identified all these days for celebration, but we accounted for the essence of Hawaiian understanding of the Makahiki and the changing of seasons," explained English.
He added that this bill might be of particular interest to Molokai, as it remains the only island that follows the season's protocols, including the games that symbolize the closing of the season, in January.
As the bill states, the day in November has been chosen by the Polynesian regional governments to perpetuate the ancient wisdom, importance and history that ties into the Makahiki season.
Though this would commemorate the day, it would not be considered a state holiday, reads the bill.
The bill is currently in conference committee discussion, which will determine the language to be used.
Original article URL: http://www.molokaitimes.com/articles/842816516.asp