Lei Day Vendors

Haku lei (lei artists) are encouraged to consider selling their lei at the competition. Prices should be set keeping in mind that 40% of the sale price will go to EHCC to help promote culture and arts in Hawai`i, and 60% will go to the artist.

The $5 entry fee is used in educational programs to preserve and promote the artistry of the traditional Hawaiian lei forms, and to document the many styles and stories of the lei which are rapidly disappearing.

Judging for the kahiko division is based on six attributes, plus how harmoniously they go together. Each of the judges may award up to 40 points. The judging points are then averaged, allowing each lei to be awarded a maximum of 40 points.

          `Inoa (the name/title of the lei)                5 points
          Mo`olelo (the story behind the lei)          5 points
          Kaona (the theme or hidden meaning)    5 points
          Hana lima (craftsmanship)                      5 points
          U`i (beauty)                                              5 points
          Ho`omalama (respectful presentation)    5 points
          Lōkahi (harmony of attributes)                10 points

In the kahiko category, all materials must have been available prior to 1778, for example, hau would be appropriate, but not raffia. An exception is made in the case of rare or endangered materials. Substitutes must be used, and an explanation of the reason for selecting that particular material as a substitute must be included in the entry form.

By entering this competition, haku lei (lei artists) agree to allow their image, images of their lei, and the mo`olelo/kaona of their lei to be used in whatever fashion the lei competition deems fit to promote the competition and for educational purposes in preserving and promoting the culture and arts of Hawai`i, especially of the lei.

Technique Divisions
`A`ohe pau ka `ike i ka hālau ho`okāhi
All knowledge is not taught in the same school
Because terminology can vary from island to island, district to district, and even family to family, we are presenting here the definitions which will be used in this competition. Other schools and competitions may have different terminology.

Haku - three-ply braid. A method of making a lei by using a base material, such as soft la`i, and braiding it while adding the decorative plant material into each wrap of the braid. Lei laukukui and lei laua`e are typically made with this method.

Hili - braid or plait. A method of making a lei by braiding together only one kind of material. Lei palapalai and lei kauna`oa often are made using this style.

Hilo - twist, double helix, intertwine. A method of making a lei by twisting two strands together to form a rope. The popular and simple lei la`i (ti leaf lei) is made using this method. It also is another method of making the lei kauna`oa.

Hipu`u / Nipu`u - a method of making a lei by knotting the stems of the decorative plant material and stringing the next stem through the knot. It requires a very long stem on the decorative material. Some lei laukukui and lei laupohuehue are made with this method.

Humupapa - sewn to a backing, basting stitch. A method of making a lei by sewing the decorative material to a backing such as lauhala, paper, or felt. Lei bouganvilla and feather hat lei often are made with this method.

Kui - pierce, piercing stitch. A method of making a lei by sewing or piercing the decorative material with a needle and stringing it onto a thread.

Wili - wind, twist, crank, coil. A corkscrew-type twist - as found in Porky Pig's tail and the seed pod of the wili-wili. 1) A method of making a lei by spinning long lengths of the decorative material so that they twist around each other. Lei maile is often made in this manner. 2) A method of making a lei by winding a string around successive short lengths of the decorative material. Sometimes a base material such as lau hala, a thick la`i braid, etc. is used to make wrapping easier. Many lei po`o and lei pāpale are made in this manner.

Kamaha`o - astonishing lei which do not fit any of the other categories.

He Mo`olelo o ka Lei 2010 Competition Lei #________
(number to be filled in by EHCC)

Inoa o ka Haku Lei (Lei Maker’s Name): _______________________________________

Wahi Noho (Address): ______________________________________________________

Kelepona (Telephone): __________ Kelepona lawe kima (Mobile Phone): ____________

Leka Uila (E-Mail): ________________________________________________________

Title of Lei: _________________________________________________ Price: $_______

#--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kahiko Lei #________
(number to be filled in by EHCC)

Style of lei (underline all that apply, circle the style in which this lei will compete):
Haku Hili Hipu`u Humupapa Kui Wili Kamaha`o

Title of lei: _____________________________________________________________

Materials used in lei: _____________________________________________________

Mo`olelo and Kaona of lei: ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Release:

Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ____________________