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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Saturday, October 16, 2004

Auction to benefit Hawaiian language

By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer

Treasures of Hawaiian culture, including a rare noho lio, or saddle, made in the style particular to Ni'ihau, will be auctioned tomorrow as a fund-raiser to support another treasure, the Hawaiian language.

This noho lio, crafted by artisans Kalei Shintani Sr. and Henry Shintani, is a monkeypod-and-leather saddle crafted in the style associated with Ni'ihau. It will be part of the 'Aha Punana Leo auction.

Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

The occasion is the second annual dinner benefit for 'Aha Punana Leo, the nonprofit organization that supports the Hawaiian language, especially through immersion schools.

"Ne'epapa I Ke O Mau" ("Moving Forward Together") is the theme of the event, which will begin with the silent auction at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.

At the dinner to follow, the organization will honor Dwayne "Nakila" Steele, chairman and founder of contracting firm Grace Pacific Corp., who is a Hawaiian speaker and supporter of programs sustaining the language.

Steele's own ties with the community of Ni'ihauans on Kaua'i prompted the donation of several auction items:

• The noho lio, crafted by artisans Kalei Shintani Sr. and Henry Shintani, among the last of the saddle-makers. Its frame is carved of a single 'ohai (monkeypod) piece and covered in hand-tooled leather. Such a construction gives the saddle strength considered necessary by Ni'ihau horsemen, who historically had to ride into the surf and bring shipped goods to shore, according to family members.

• Ni'ihau shell lei and accompanying decorative jewelry.

• A handcrafted pahoa (dagger) from the bill of a marlin, by traditional weaponry master La'akea Suganuma.

• An heirloom pearl-shell point coconut grater.

• A maile- and 'ilima-patterned queen-size Hawaiian quilt and matching pillow shams.

• A feather lei hatband that includes ring-necked pheasant feathers.

• Hand-carved calabash and poi bowls.

• Hard-to-get Ni'ihau salt.

Tickets, at $250, are still available. Information: 834-6567.