Dr. Carolan and Joanna Carolan have put together a beautiful book that shows the influence Hawaii had on Barack Obama, who grew up there and later became the state’s first president.
The less than seventy pages are not only beautifully illustrated, but also clearly state the values held by the Hawaiian people, both in their language and in English. These include:
1. Education: Obama went to school in Punahou and is known as “askamai” or smart. He has stated that his experience there gave him support and allowed him to grow and prosper.
2. Religion: Although the eight islands that make up the Hawaiian chain are small, there is always room for people of different religious backgrounds to build churches. The word “Mana” describes the Hawaiian belief that divine spirit or power is in every person, rock, and flower.
3. History: Before Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, it was ruled by a monarchy. Hawaii has had both positive and negative experiences over the years. For example, the war started when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He has won Olympic gold and now one of the Hawaiians has become president.
5. Tradition: The lei is a garland or necklace that is made with flowers, shells, leaves or other materials and is given as a symbol of affection or respect. This is just one of the ways that Hawaiians demonstrate their uniqueness.
4. Environment: Due to the rains, Hawaii has been very successful in growing sugarcane and other crops. Hawaiians also enjoy their lush, tropical environment, which includes mountains and oceans. Everyone is taught to protect and care for the earth as a duty.
5. Family: Everyone in Hawaii is treated like family (Ohana). Every child is cherished and the elderly (kapuna) are honored. Obama was particularly influenced by his maternal grandmother, who set a good example and sacrificed for him. He often refers to the multicultural diversity in his own family. His sister is half Indonesian. His brother-in-law is Chinese. Some brothers and sisters are African.
6. Attitude: Mahalo means respect and gratitude. From a young age, Hawaiian children are taught not only to use the word but also to understand its meaning. Kokua means to help do something, and Obama has learned to encourage people to work together because that’s the Hawaiian way. They also value solving things by resolving conflicts, talking, listening, and giving.
This interesting book also has a CD in which the main plot is narrated and Hawaiian music is sung.
My daughter bought me this book when she was on vacation in Maui. I have really enjoyed the simple yet beautiful way the authors have told the story of not only Hawaii but also how Hawaii has influenced Barack Obama who became the first president born in Hawaii (kama aina means native) .