The hawaiian value of hihi (to treat with reverence and respect), reflected in the lelo noeau (hawaiian proverb) e hihi AKU, e hihi MAI, meaning show respect, get respect represents the core principle…

The hawaiian value of hihi (to treat with reverence and respect), reflected in the lelo noeau (hawaiian proverb) e hihi AKU, e hihi MAI, meaning show respect, get respect represents the core principle of the office of native hawaiian relations program. Through showing respect, visitors can then be welcomed as guests with a shared kuleana (responsibility) in perpetuating the values and importance of native hawaiian traditional knowledge and cultural practices. This lelo noeau serves as a foundational guide for onhrs hihi grant program to aide in actions that: showcase the heritage, places, art, foods, traditions, history and continuing vitality of the native hawaiian community identify, enhance, revive, or maintain LEA (cultural traditions and practices), wahi kpuna (ancestral spaces) and wahi pana (sacred spaces) that are important to sustain the distinctiveness of the native hawaiian community and provide for authentic and respectful visitor experiences in hawaii. Priorities: uplift, perpetuate, and in some cases revive, traditional native hawaiian practices (e.g., lelo hawaii, kapa making, lauhala and kaula weaving, hula, amongst many others including lesser known practices) by creating opportunities for demonstrations, visitor education on history, usage, and protocols, or hands-on visitor participation experiences in the cultural practice support the maintenance, enhancement, and protection of hawaiis natural resources, wahi kpuna, and wahi pana at areas impacted by tourism enhance the entrepreneurial capacity for the native hawaiian community by helping create business opportunities in the visitor industry, offering business development training, or stimulating economic activity or undertake related activities with visitors that convey respect and reaffirm the principle of reciprocation to the place, resources, and traditional knowledge holders and practitioners.