April 18, 2006
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
BISHOP MUSEUM PRESS SUMMER RELEASES FEATURE FIGHTING ART OF LUA, FISHING TRADITIONS, AND HAWAIIAN VOCABULARY
HONOLULU – The 2006 summer releases from Bishop Museum Press feature traditional fishing resources, a primer on Hawaiian language, and the first book dedicated to the Hawaiian fighting art of lua. Available at Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica and other fine book dealers in May 2006, these must-have releases include:
The highly-anticipated Lua: Art of the Hawaiian Warrior, written by nā ōlohe lua (lua masters) Richard Paglinawan, Mitchell Eli, Moses Kalauokalani, and Jerry Walker, provides, for the first time in print, an introduction to the history, philosophy, techniques, weapons, and current training practices of the Hawaiian fighting art. It also includes over 120 line art drawings, photos of weapons, and additional artwork on the historical and cultural aspects of lua.
“Lua: Art of the Hawaiian Warrior is just one example of the incredible work that is done at Bishop Museum everyday,” said press manager Ron Cox. “This project brings together cultural practitioners and experts from the community together with the resources the Museum’s library, archives, and cultural collections to create context and understanding for a global audience.”
Ka ‘Oihana Lawai‘a: Hawaiian Fishing Traditions is perhaps the most detailed narrative pertaining to fishing customs, sources of fish, and various methods of procurement. Written by Daniel Kahā‘ulelio, a native fisherman of the Lahaina region, this narrative appeared in 1902 as a series of articles in the Hawaiian language newspaper Ka Nupepa Kuokoa. Kahā‘ulelio provides readers with a vast knowledge of locations, practices, methods, and beliefs of native fisher-people of the Maui region waters. Ka ‘Oihana Lawai‘a: Hawaiian Fishing Traditions is edited by M. Puakea Nogelmeier and includes English translation by Mary Kawena Pukui.
Learning Hawaiian is fun with the Hawaiian & English Cross-Age Learning Picture Vocabulary Book. Over 850 words to describe everyday items in the Hawaiian language are offered with simple pictures that children can color in and learn from. Translated by Ni‘ihau native and Hōkūle‘a captain Kawaika Kapahulehua, children and adults alike will be able to develop their Hawaiian vocabulary with this excellent introduction to the language.
Founded in 1892, Bishop Museum Press is the oldest continuous publisher of books in Hawai‘i, and one of the first scholarly presses in the Western Hemisphere. Proceeds from sales of Bishop Museum Press books further the Museum’s efforts in research, education and collections care. Bishop Museum Members receive a 20% discount on all Bishop Museum Press books, when purchased at Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica. Call (808) 848-4158 or e-mail shop@bishopmuseum.org.
A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage, Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years; special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call (808) 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.