Hundreds gathered in San Quentin’s Garden Chapel to celebrate Makahiki by connecting to Polynesian culture with hula, chants, music, prayers, and Polynesian feast catered by L & L Hawaiian barbeque and King Hawaiian bakery.
SQ’s Native Hawaiian Religious Group, “Hula Halaú, Kealapono,” hosted the five-hour event also known as a Makahiki ceremony. The time of Makahiki is known as a time of harvest, rejuvenation, peace, and appreciation.
Resident and spiritual leader of the group Louis Sále invited individuals to “journey into the horizons” as they learned about the islands that represent Polynesia.
“As incarcerated Asian Pacific Islanders, we shall take our history into consideration as we move forward in life,” Sále said. “Our ancestors risked their lives for a better way for us. We must do better.”
Sále acknowledged resident AAPI members, the Halaú called “Kealapono (hula school),” known as “the righteous path, the path of truth.” He praised ukulele instructor Aunty Adele for her diligence in teaching vowelheavy Hawaiian songs, and announced a potential “Kumu” for The Q —defined as a master of Hawaiian culture, an expertise that can take years or decades to obtain. Correctional Officer De Leon taught hula to incarcerated individuals.
“Aunty Adele’s kindness and compassion to see me as a human being and not as a criminal has helped me to see the humanity in others,” said resident Johnny Deneng.
Aunty Adele, who has been volunteering since 2015, said she was amazed by the evolution of the program. The generosity of individuals over the last 10 years to provide new ukuleles, gig bags, and tuners is astounding, she expressed.
“This event is grounded in culture and brings our people together,” said outside guest Bryant F.
Among the attendees was formerly incarcerated Bell “Pineapple” Taulua, who founded the nonprofit FOU “New,” a gathering of brother bringing light to darkness, whether through recovery or assistance with reentry.
Taulua served 30 years before being released. He said he felt proud to witness the evolution of AAPI community programs, noting that getting in tune with his culture was the beginning of his change.
“We are the creators of this foolishness, and it takes culture to wake you up and understand the beauty of who you are and where you come from,” Taulua said.
Resident Johnny said practicing hula and the rituals of his native homeland of Cambodia helped provide an outlet for hurt, anger, joy, and disappointment. “ROOTS helped me understand the history of my people,” he said. “Understanding their trauma has helped me understand mine.”
Sále made history by producing the documentary Healing Through Hula, the first feature-length film made by an incarcerated person. The award-winning documentary was played at the Makahiki ceremony.
Also present were Makahiki dancers, who performed several dances connected to ancestral roots of the seafarers who sailed from 1000 BC to around 1200 AD. Themes of the dances derived from the islands of Hawai’i, S’amoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Cambodia, and New Zealand.
Residents spoke about healing, forgiveness, transformation, peace, and living a righteous path.
“Kealapono, ‘the righteous path,’ was not mine in 2009,” resident Taiosisi said. “Sisi Matangi said as he spoke of the viciousness of his actions and the harm he caused.
He said he expected anger and hatred from his victim’s mother. Instead, she exhibited the Polynesian strength of forgiveness, which he said set him free.
“She begged for mercy for a man that did not deserve it,” Sisi said.
Resident Peniamina Taami told guests about his transformation and how Autua guided him. He said he was living in darkness and asked God to turn on the light within him.
“My Polynesian people depended on God as the source for food, safety, and security. This experience has taught me how to depend on God,” Taamai said.
The Samoan message of the dance was a lesson on how all people could soften their hearts toward forgiveness.
“I have been asking for forgiveness all my life. I questioned, do I deserve forgiveness?,” Taamai said. “I found love and forgiveness in my wife and kids. This dance is dedicated to our victims, their families, and ours.”
Outside hula dancers Ka’Ohinaniomanaolana also performed. Hula dancer Suzanne Fernandez said she felt embraced by the SQ community, further sharing that hula gives her hope and enjoyment.
“I want to do something to change their (incarcerated) lives. The documentary was touching and tearful,” Fernandez said.
Special acknowledgments and flower leis went to administrators for providing the space necessary for the Native Hawaiian Religious Group, spiritual practices, and creative freedom to produce the “Healing Through Hula” documentary.
The ceremony ended with the Tauluga, Samoa’s sacred ritual dance performed at the end of a ceremony, traditionally by the daughter of the high chief.
First-time attendee resident Jose Fajardo said the event was an unforgettable experience.
“The culture, family vibe, togetherness, love and cultural music was inspiring and memorable.”
