Ni'ihau lei crafters to do repairs

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Last year, when The Honolulu Academy of Arts presented an exhibition of Ni'ihau shell lei, it was clear that the lei are enjoying a renaissance. Appreciation for the indigenous art form was heightened by the exhibit, and many kama'aina who own Ni'ihau shell lei brought them out of jewel boxes and safes, only to discover they were broken.

Who could fix them?

In response to requests, Pamela Dow, owner of Forever Kaua'i, is bringing six lei crafters from Ni'ihau to Honolulu to provide on-site repairs. Prices for the repairs will be determined upon examination of the lei.

"Virtually any lei can be resuscitated," Dow said. "We've never run into any that can't be repaired." Even if the thread has deteriorated, they can restring the entire lei.

In addition, Dow will bring her own highly praised collection of lei to sell. Her lei consist entirely of shells found on Ni'ihau.

The five-day event will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 7-11 in the Blaisdell Center Hawai'i Suites. For information and appointments, call Dow at (808) 337-2888.