{"id":130234,"date":"2020-11-06T15:20:42","date_gmt":"2020-11-07T01:20:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=130234"},"modified":"2025-05-22T09:30:39","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T19:30:39","slug":"moolelo-healing-in-substance-misuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2020\/11\/06\/moolelo-healing-in-substance-misuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Mo\u02bbolelo (Hawaiian storytelling) brings healing in substance misuse"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

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University of Hawaiʻi<\/span> kumu (teachers) from a medley of backgrounds such as choral music and Hawaiian history are gearing up to assist 东精影业<\/abbr> haumāna (students) who struggle with or are recovering from substance misuse. Kumu from 东精影业<\/abbr> Mānoa<\/a>, 东精影业<\/abbr> West Oʻahu<\/span><\/a> and Hawaiʻi<\/span> Community College<\/a> will present traditional Hawaiian moʻolelo<\/span> and kaʻao<\/span> (legends) to help haumāna on their path to recovery, resilience and healing. It\u2019s a rehabilitative concept being launched by the 东精影业<\/abbr> Mānoa Mālama Project<\/a>, a program that utilizes an indigenous approach to treatment, prevention and recovery.<\/p>\n

\"Kanahele
Kuʻulei<\/span> Kanahele<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n
\"Kaio
Pele Kaʻio<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n

“When we are able to see the experiences of the (actors) within the moʻolelo,<\/span> mirrored in our own personal journey, it can provide us with a way to take a step back and examine our own responses to similar experiences or challenges along our life\u2019s path,” said Mālama Project Coordinator Lilinoe Kauahikaua<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

东精影业<\/abbr> system faculty, staff and alumni looking to find healing and connection through moʻolelo<\/span> exploration are also welcome to participate in the virtual Moʻolelo<\/span> Monday Series<\/a> starting November 9. The free bi-weekly webinars run through April 2021 and will be featured on Zoom, 4 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Hawaiʻinuiākea<\/span> Kumu Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa<\/span><\/strong> (东精影业<\/abbr> Mānoa), Choral Activities Kumu Jace Kaholokula Saplan<\/strong> (东精影业<\/abbr> Mānoa), Hawaiian Studies Kumu Pele Kaʻio<\/span><\/strong> (Hawaiʻi<\/span> CC<\/abbr>) and Hawaiian and Indigenous Language Kumu Kuʻulei<\/span> Kanahele<\/strong> (Hawaiʻi<\/span> CC<\/abbr>) are among some of the participating presenters. Moʻolelo<\/span> will cover captivating tales of trials and tribulations that trace back to ancient Hawaiʻi<\/span>\u2014everything from Haumea, the goddess of childbirth and fertility, to Hiʻiaka,<\/span> the youngest and favored sister of fire goddess Pele.<\/p>\n

“When we learn about Hiʻiaka,<\/span> and the many moʻo<\/span> (lizards) she faces along her huakaʻi<\/span> (journey), we can relate these to obstacles or challenges we have faced and overcame,” Kauahikaua explained. “Just as Hiʻiaka<\/span> faces and overcomes her moʻo<\/span>, she learns more about herself and recognizes her inner strengths, leading to her realizing her full potential.” <\/p>\n

Following each moʻolelo<\/span>, kumu will present in-depth discussion about the layers of meaning contained within each kaʻao<\/span> and how participants can interpret lessons for their own journey. The project is co-sponsored by Hui Kākoʻo:<\/span> Department of Social Work Graduate Student Organization<\/a>, 东精影业<\/abbr> Women’s Center<\/a>, Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office, CE@MBTSSW, and ʻEkolu<\/span> Mea Nui<\/a>.<\/p>\n