1. please tell us what you think is the real Hawaii.
Hawaii Island is the youngest island in the state of Hawaii . As the volcanoes continue to erupt and the land continues to evolve, from birth to growth, from barren areas to the great forests of the high mountains, you can visually see the same as it was centuries ago. It is a blessing for us, especially in the eastern part of the island, where the land has not been developed, because it still remains untouched and unspoiled, where the soul still resides. Our ancestors are guiding us every day as we maintain communication with them. The land of volcanoes is the true Hawaii, where life is born, grows, and dies. The cycle of life can actually be seen and captured.
2. please tell us about the Aloha Spirit , the Island Spirit.
A child born in Hawaii is called "keiki o ka 'aina". As children born in the islands, we are given the responsibility to take care of the islands. This love of home allows us to absorb the unique spirit of the land. The respect we have for the land and its spirit guides the relationship we have with the land and its people. We understand the cycle of life and nurture the amazing power of the land.
3. what was the "longing" that you felt as a child when you first became aware of things?
My childhood was very colorful! I traveled to faraway foreign countries, and thanks to the many experiences I had there, I was able to develop an eye for design and architecture. . I was always a creative kid from a young age, always building things. I wanted to be an architect, but living in Hilo gave me the opportunity to experience traditional hula and chant, especially the Hawaiian language. After meeting my wife and her family, I decided to dedicate my life to preserving ( Hawaii's traditional ) culture and sharing that knowledge with everyone I meet.
4. "Do what you love. "I think Sig has done that. I think you still love it. What is the difference between your "love" and the beginning?
I think there has been a real surge in the work and work that we have done with our culture. The more deeply we become involved with the ancient chants, the more it becomes clear how much we don't know and how much we still have to learn. Now that I realize how much responsibility I have to the next generation of Hawaiians, I feel even more energized and inspired to be engaged in my work than ever before. My son is carrying on the tradition. So today, when I can, it is important to convey to him all the nuances and deeper meanings of our customs, habits, etc!
5. you have been educating and sharing authentic Hawaii culture with people from all walks of life, including yourself, what are some of your influences?
Traditional chants and hula provide answers to all questions. Studying metaphors gives us insight into our culture. We can confidently surrender to the guidance of our deep ancestral knowledge that guides us.
6. what was Oahu, Hawaii like in the 60's , 70's and 80's?
Growing up in the first decade after Hawaii was admitted as a U.S. state, I have witnessed many changes. . I have experienced firsthand the transformation of a small town into a cosmopolitan city. I am still inspired by my memories of Honolulu and the surrounding area from a long time ago, and they form the core of many of my stories. I am who I am today after those times, and I believe that I am a citizen who belongs to the modern world, and I am a citizen who belongs to the modern world. Because of my experiences prior to becoming a state, I consider myself a person who has been shaped by both "old Hawaii" and the modern era.
7. continuing on, what are some of your fave Hawaiian music albums from that time?
Reina Ala Haili's voice still impresses me. Pops Gaby Pahinui is still my favorite , and Genoa Carewe is truly exiting. And Kuluweimaka's chants are the best. Listening to the old hula masters really stimulates my brain!
8. what is Sig's current theory of the aloha shirt? And how does it change over time?
(in Japanese history)Given that (the shirt) is the "canvas" of my art, I always try to be creative. The more I learn about our culture, the more deeply it is reflected in my designs. My past 30 years are only the beginning of a deeper understanding!
9. my children are only 3~5 years old . Sig, what do you hope for your children in the future?
As parents, our greatest responsibility is to instill in our children honesty and pride. . and to be strict, respectful, and principled. It is also important to be sensitive to what is happening around them! Teach them to treat nature with love and to communicate with all things in the forest!
10. what is your identity?
I am a child of Hawaii , that is.
