'Iako bridges generations
By James Gonser
Advertiser Leeward Bureau
KAPOLEI — An original portion of the Polynesian Voyaging Society canoe Hokule'a has found a new home above the entryway to Seagull School in Kapolei. One of Hokule'a's 10 'iako, a 17-foot-long crossbeam used to connect the two hulls of the canoe, now serves as a symbolic connection for the school's intergenerational program.
Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser
"The 'iako were used to keep our hulls together so that we could safely sail in the old way to connect with our blood relatives of Polynesia," said Myron "Pinky" Thompson, president of the voyaging society, at the dedication ceremony Friday. "As I look at the 'iako on your gate and its symbolism of connective learning between our elders and our youngsters for a safe and productive future, I am excited about this program's future."
Students at Seagull School cross under the 'iako at the school's new entryway. The 'iako was one of 10 crossbeams that connected the hulls of the Hokule'a voyaging canoe. It was removed after the Hokule'a's ill-fated second voyage to Tahiti in 1978.
Seagull School provides daycare for 200 children and 40 seniors in its intergenerational program, according to Chuck Larson, executive director of the nonprofit business.
The program allows adults to spend time in the classrooms interacting with children, and they all benefit from the experience, he said.
Larson, who for 10 years worked and sailed on the Hokule'a, said the 'iako was removed from the canoe after its ill-fated second voyage to Tahiti. On March 16, 1978, the boat overturned in rough seas near Lana'i. Legendary surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau died the next day trying to swim for help.
After the Hokule'a was towed back to shore, the Coast Guard suggested that the Polynesian Voyaging Society make structural changes to the canoe and replace the 'iako.
Larson said the 'iako were made of laminated oak by master woodworker and canoe builder Wright Bowman Sr. Larson said he tried to preserve several of them over the years, but only this one was not eaten by termites.
"From the Hawaiian point of view, this has a lot of mana, spiritual power," Larson said. "What was a bridge for the Hokule'a now is a bridge between the generations of our community."
The school's new entry-way — a custom-designed wrought-iron fence and gate — was built by more than a dozen volunteers from the Tesoro Hawai'i refinery in Campbell Industrial Park.
The 75-foot-long fence and gate, valued at about $12,480, was built with donated materials and 140 hours of Tesoro employees' labor.
Seagull School opened in 1995 on a 1.6-acre parcel adjacent to Kapolei Regional Park donated by the Campbell Estate. The school is undergoing a capital campaign drive to expand the Kapolei campus and build a new school at Ko Olina.
