Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables

ARCHAEOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT ‘WAIMEA FIELD SYSTEM’ TO BE EXPLORED DURING PANIOLO PRESERVATION SOCIETY EDUCATIONAL TRAIL RIDE FEB. 18, 2012.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:57:29 +0000

Paniolo Preservation Society is inviting serious horseback riders on a half-day escorted trail ride exploring extraordinary pre-contact sites and features of the Waimea Field System as documented by historian Abraham Fornander in the mid 1800s, renowned Hawa’i historian Marion Kelly in the early 1970s, and more recently, by Ross Cordy in his respected book, “Exalted Sits the Chief,” which was published in 2000.

The Waimea Field System was comprised of many tiny rivulets (awewai) that — from a bird’s eye view — resembled a fish net of small waterways that supported intense cultivation of dry land kalo, u’ala (sweet potato) and sugar cane.

The ride – on Sat., Feb. 18, 2012 — will provide a fascinating perspective of this amazing food production “system” — one of three on the leeward side of Hawai’i Island which archaeologists believe date back to as early as perhaps the 1200s AD. The Waimea Field System is believed to have been dramatically expanded in the 1700s, “likely associated with Alapa’inui’s and Kalani’opu’u’s presence in the Kawaihae and Waimea area, and with Kamehameha’s building of Pu’ukohola heiau — all requiring greater food production,” suggests Cordy in his book.

“Trail ride participants will come to understand why Marion Kelly concluded decades ago that this area was a priceless example of agricultural ingenuity that ‘should never be developed’,” said UH-Hilo archaeologist Dr. Peter Mills who is also one of several PPS Board members that will escort the ride.

Escorts also include Dr. Billy Bergin, Freddy Rice, Sonny Keakealani, Robby Hind, Gail Rice and Lilah Ellis.

Participants will assemble at 8 a.m. for an approximate three-hour escorted ride, then assemble for a BBQ lunch and talk-story about the day’s sights and revelations, which will conclude about 3 p.m.

The ride is exclusively for serious riders who are 18 years or older. Participants must bring their own mount or arrange a rental; horses must be shod for rough terrain and no stallions will be permitted. Horses may be rented from Cowboys of Hawai’i, the outfitters that operates out of Parker Ranch’s former surgery barn behind (south) of Pukalani Stables, by calling Roberta Mendes at (808) 885-5006. (Cowboys of Hawai’i’s deadline to secure a horse rental is Wed., Feb. 15.)

Participants also must bring weather protection and drinking water.

This is a PPS fundraiser to support the organizations’ educational preservation mission and help expand the new Paniolo Heritage Center at historic Pukalani Stables. A $250 donation is suggested.

For more information, call (808) 854-1541 or go to www.PanioloPreservation.org or find PPS on Facebook.

Paniolo Preservation Society Honors the Japanese Cowboy on Sat., Feb. 4 during Waimea’s Cherry Blossom Festival.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:26:00 +0000

DISTINGUISHED PANIOLO KEPANI – Among Hawai’i’s paniolo who are legendary for their achievements and contributions are surnames such as Kimura, Horie, Yamaguchi, Kawamoto, Onaka, Kato, Fujii, Yamasaki, Fujitani, Hokama, Nakata, Goto, Hamada, Morifuji and Yoshimatsu. Pictured here is the late Yoshi Kawamoto, who went on to become Superintendent of the Kohala Division for Parker Ranch, and both he and his brother, Masa, were noted horsemen. He is also the father of Alvin Kawamoto who today is one of the state’s master Hawaiian Tree saddlemakers. Yoshi is pictured here with guitar in hand – while romancing his sweetheart, Margaret, who became his wife. Stories and archival photos such as this honoring “Paniolo Kepani – Hawai’i’s Japanese Cowboys” will be shared during Saturday’s festivities at the new Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables hosted by the Paniolo Preservation Society. Festivities at Pukalani will begin with a Cowboy Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. prepared by members of the Beamer-Solomon Halau O Po’ohala – a multi-generational ranch family. Tickets for breakfast will be a $12 donation and are available at Kamuela Liquor Store, Parker Ranch Store and at the door on a first come basis. A new addition to activities at Pukalani on Cherry Blossom Festival day will be a tasting of two hand-crafted beers from Waimea’s new award-winning microbrewery — Big Island Brewhaus – from 11 am until the kegs run dry. Also on the schedule will be a Hawaiian Tree Saddle Exhibit and talk story by Yoshi Kawamoto’s son, Alvin, with Sonny Keakealani, plus an exhibit featuring other Japanese cowboys of note. Guests also are invited to learn to play the popular Japanese card game, Hana Fuda, with Milton Yamasaki and friends with a group that plays this game regularly at Tutu’s House. Everyone is invited to Pukalani Stables Saturday – most activities including the beer tasting are free.

Sat., Jan. 21, 2012 – The Inaugural Silver Spur Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Paniolo Heritage Center!

Paniolo Preservation Society — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:34:55 +0000

The community is invited to PPS’ first ‘Silver Spur Paniolo Lifetime Achievement Awards’COMMUNITY INVITED TO PPS’: 5:30 p.m., Sat., Jan. 21, 2012. A community celebration honoring “the true keepers and protectors of the paniolo culture – the senior stewards” with special emphasis on their mentorship of others. At the new Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables in Waimea. To include reception and delicious paniolo pa’ina (feast) with laulau, kalua pig, long rice with all the fixings. Advance reservations required. Tickets: $20/adults; $5/keiki 5-10 years old; Free for younger children. Tickets on Sale now at Parker Ranch Store (9am-6pm Mon.-Sat., Sun. 9am-5pm), and Kamuela Liquor Store (8:30am-7:00pm Mon.-Sat., Sun. 9am-5pm). Cash or Check Only. Please make all checks out to Paniolo Preservation Society. Dress warmly. Info: (854-1541) or go to www.PanioloPreservation.org, of find us on Facebook.

Our next Paniolo Talk Story – “Paniolo Grinds”, Saturday, Jan.,14, 2012 5-8pm.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:25:08 +0000

Paniolo Talk Story. Courtesy Ethan Tweedie Photography.

PANIOLO TALK STORY AT THE NEW PPS PANIOLO HERITAGE CENTER AT PUKALANI STABLES: 5-8 p.m., Sat., Jan. 14, 2012. PPS’ first Talk Story was Paniolo Ghost Stories, this time it will be all about Paniolo Grinds – the delicious traditional foods, practices, and protocols of Hawaiian ranching families – the mea ‘ai of this lifestyle and culture. Hosted by Ku’ulei Keakealani. Free though a donation to or membership in PPS most welcome. Kanu o ka ‘Aina families will be selling traditional paniolo pipi (beef) stew and non-alcoholic beverages will be available including steaming hot Starbucks coffee and cocoa ‘n crackers. Everyone invited. Dress warmly! Presented in partnership with Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Richard Smart Fund and several other community partners. Info: (854-1541) or go to www.PanioloPreservation.org, for find us on Facebook.

PPS and Kahilu Theater Present “Paniolo Film Night” – A free event December 30, 2011.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:12:57 +0000

Three Mini-Documentaries To Share Rare Glimpses of Paniolo Heritage At Free Kahilu Theatre Makana Series Film Night Fri., Dec. 30, 2011

It’s been quite a year for Paniolo Preservation Society and 2012 promises even more excitement.  For 13 years this not-for-profit organization has increased public awareness and appreciation of the roles, practices and traditions of the paniolo as profound contributors to the history and lifestyle of Hawai’i.

2011 marked a huge milestone for PPS with the opening of the Paniolo Heritage Center at Parker Ranch’s famous Pukalani Stables, a community center and “museum-in-progress” dedicated to keeping the proud paniolo heritage alive.

To celebrate the achievements of 2011 and formally announce significant new events coming to the Paniolo Heritage Center in 2012, including the inaugural of Lifetime Achievement Awards on Jan. 21, PPS will co-host a Paniolo Film Night at Kahilu Theatre at 5:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 30, 2011.

Three excitingly diverse mini-documentaries will be shown at this free, family-friendly Makana Series event at Kahilu Theatre.  Paniolo Film Night will include:

•         “Ka Nohona Makamae o Na Paniolo – The Treasured Lifestyle of the Paniolo,” featuring Waimea ranch families, Hawaiian saddle making and the ‘olelo (Hawaiian language) kept alive by the paniolo.  Three Waimea educators with ranching “roots” — Ellen Cordeiro, Pua Case and Ku’ulei Keakealani — collaborated on this film, which was funded by a Kamehameha Schools Mapuna Grant in partnership with Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School’s ’Ike Hawai’i program, PPS and Waimea Education Hui.

•         Next will be a very different view of paniolo life through the eyes of two contemporary, nationally ranked members of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and a young PBR stock provider who came to the islands last summer to learn about Hawaiian ranching.  This mini-film captures their visit as guests of PPS at a branding at historic Wahine Kea Corral at Makahalau, a pau hana pa’ina at Kahua Ranch and a bull riding clinic at Parker Ranch.  The film shares their discoveries about the vitality, diversity and unique character of Hawaiian cowboys and ranching, including an understanding about why paniolo do so well in national competitions.  The film, funded in part by Hawai’i Tourism Authority, recently aired nationally as part of PBR’s 2011 competitive circuit, giving millions of viewers a first-hand look at Hawai’i’s unique paniolo heritage, practices and protocols.

•         Award-winning photojournalist Julia Cumes’ premiere of her new documentary, “The Last of the Hawaiian Cowboys.” Julia will introduce her film and tell about how her interest in the paniolo culture developed over many years visiting Hawai’i Island where her parents still live.  “I wanted to capture the richness of the culture which so few people know about.” Originally from South Africa, Julia has completed extensive study including a Masters in Photojournalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, and done freelance photography around the world.  “My goal is to create images that move and inform, that are beautiful and capture in a unique way this extraordinary and complex world we live in.”

“There is such a long history of cowboys in Hawai’i and I thought it essential that this unique culture be documented.  It was a privilege and an honor and I hope the documentary does justice to their world,” says Cumes of her film.

No tickets are required for Kahilu Theatre Makana Series events, which are funded in part by The Lee Family and Lakeside Industries.  For information, call Kahilu Theatre (885-6868) –www.KahiluTheatre.org, or PPS (854-1541) - www.PanioloPreservation.org.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Visit our booth at the Waimea Shopping Center! PPS Sweatshirts for Sale!

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:36:52 +0000

The new PPS ‘hoodies’ are in and will be available for sale today along with our regular sweatshirts at our booth at the Waimea Shopping Center. These shirts are quality craftsmanship from a local Waimea company and make great gifts! All proceeds go to help support the mission of Paniolo Preservation Society in keeping our living paniolo heritage alive! See you there!

Sat., 10am-2pm, Dec. 3, 2011 at the Parker Ranch Store. Book signing for “Richard Smart of the Legendary Parker Ranch.”

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 06:16:11 +0000

Special book release and author signing on Dec. 3, 2011 at the Parker Ranch Store. In honor of the anniversary of Richard Smart’s passing, authors Dr Billy Bergin & Keawe Vredenburg have chosen to premier the new book “Richard Smart of the Legendary Parker Ranch”, published by Island Heritage. This biography is the essence of the man and his true aloha for his community and Hawaii. The book is a must have and Parker Ranch Store is honored to be a venue for this special debut! For more information, please call the Parker Ranch Store at 808-887-1046.

“Richard Smart of the Legendary Parker Ranch” is now on sale at the Parker Ranch Store or online through their website http://www.parkerranchstore.com/richard-smart-of-the-legendary-parker-ranch-1/

Congratulations to the 2011 Paniolo Hall of Fame Inductees!

Paniolo Preservation Society — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:50:39 +0000

As the home for the Oahu Cattlemen Association’s “Paniolo Hall of Fame”, the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables would like to honor the 2011 inductees to this prestigious organization. The 2011 Paniolo Hall of Fame inductees are: A. Hartwell Carter, Donald G. DeSilva, Dee B. Gibson, Peter Kama Sr., Naluahine Kaopua, Clarence Medeiros Sr., Gary J. Rapozo, Richard K. P. Smart, Harry “Pono” von Holt and Louis von Tempsky. Over the several weeks at the Paniolo Heritage Center’s facebook page we will be spot-lighting each of these exemplary cattlemen starting with two of our own Paniolo Preservation Society members who were inducted this year, “Pono” von Holt and Donald G. DeSilva. Our heartfelt congratulations to all! Visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/paniolopreservationsociety for pictures and biographies on our 2011 Inductees as we honor each new member.

Perfect for your Holiday gatherings – Pukalani Stables! December dates are available. Call 808.854.1541.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:55:14 +0000

For over a century Pukalani Stables has stood at the center of ranching in Hawai’i and welcomed generations of ohana through its rustic gates. Newly refurbished, this gem of paniolo culture shines bright again – perfect for your family, business or community Holiday gathering. Come share the tradition and joy of the season at Pukalani Stables. Great December dates are still available but filling up fast! Call 808.854.1541 or email paniolopreservation.org.

Booking your party or event at Pukalani Stables funds the mission of Paniolo Preservation Society to preserve and promote our living ranching legacy. Mahalo for you support. We can’t do it without you!

Paniolo Heritage Center’s first Talk Story Night a Smashing Success!

Paniolo Preservation Society — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:09:15 +0000

October 29th, 2011 marked the first of our ‘Paniolo Talk Story’ nights at the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables. Whenever you launch a new program you can’t help but wonder if the community will embrace it. All doubts were put to rest last Saturday night when it was standing-room only for our ‘Chicken Skin’ Ghost Stories. Our hostess, Ku’ulei Keakealani, offered an outstanding evening of authentic paniolo culture and spine-tingling thrills! Our sincere thanks to Ms. Keakealani and her entire ohana for bringing together a night of great stories, fantastic music and strong community fellowship. This is what Paniolo Talk Story is all about and it’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for more Paniolo Talk Story Nights coming soon in 2012!

Lalawai kakou, E hana Kaiaulu: We are successful, because we work together.

Our Warmest Mahalo to our Partners & Sponsors who helped make this event possible:

Hawaii Community Foundation: Richard Smart Fund, University of Hawai’i Hilo: NHERC Heritage Center, Parker Ranch, KTA SuperStores, Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School, Starbucks-Waimea, Waimea Education Hui, Kamuela Liquor Store, Kanu o ka ‘Aina Charter School, Parker Ranch Center & Big Island Power.

A special thanks goes out to our all-volunteer PPS Board Members who keep the mission of Paniolo Preservation Society alive and moving forward: Peter Baldwin, Dr. Billy & Patricia Bergin, David Carswell, Kathy Clarke, Patti Cook, Gary Davis, Donald G. DeSilva, the Honorable James Duffy, Chris English, Robby Hind, Alvin Kawamoto, Sonny Keakealani, Dr. Peter Mills, Dr. Momi Naughton, Lakme Nishie, Charlie Onaka, Alex Penovaroff, Freddy Rice, Dr. Tim Richards, Riley Smith, Pono von Holt, Keawe Vredenburg, William T. White III and mahalo to Paniolo Heritage Center Executive Director: Anthony Roberts.

And to our Special Friends who are always there when we need them: Penny Keli’i Vredenburg, Nancy Erger & Kiki Kihoi.

And finally, mahalo to all those who attended our first Talk Story night and made it such an amazing evening. See you on January 14th, 2012 for our next Paniolo Talk Story – rumor has it that it will feature ‘Paniolo Grindz’ – Mmm, mmm good! More details coming soon! Aloha and a hui hou!

For more pictures of our first Paniolo Talk Story Night check out photographer Ethan Tweedie’s photographs at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150351802701939.346704.340905756938&type=3