Brigham Young University Hawaii started its Hawaiian Studies program, formally called the Jonathan Napela Center for Hawaiian Language and Cultural Studies, in 1999 with the help of a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Other generous donors associated with the BYU-Hawaii/Polynesian Cultural Center Presidents’ Leadership Council have also supported the program since its beginning.
William K. “Uncle Bill” Wallace III is the director of the program, with Kamoa’e Walk as Assistant Director and Kawika Eskaran as Special Projects Director. They are supported by special instructors and adjunct faculty.
The cultural component of the Hawaiian Studies program is essentially divided into two major parts: Malama i ke aina (“Care for the land” or land stewardship) and Malama i ke kai (“Care for the ocean” or ocean stewardship). The land portion is embodied at Kahuaola, an agricultural site mauka or inland of the BYUH campus, while the Iosepa has effectively become the floating classroom for ocean activities.
Degree-seeking BYUH Hawaiian Studies students are expected to learn their kuleana or responsibilities in both areas, and for their more “laboratory”-oriented practical experience, they work at Kahuaola or on and with the Iosepa.
After extensive training — that includes knot tying, safety drills, rigging and furling sails, swimming tests, steering and more — some of the BYUH Hawaiian Studies students have the opportunity to sail on the Iosepa. The canoe usually leaves Hukilau Beach in Laie during the late spring, when the winds and waves are more favorable.
