Henrietta Mahuna learned Hawaiian quilting from another Hawaiian quilter. The handicraft has been passed down for two centuries — since the Hawaiians learned the echo style of quilting from New England missionaries. First, appliques are stitched to a plain field. Quilting follows the shape of the applique, first on the outside edge. The next row of quilting runs parallel but a short distance away, like a ripple in a pond. Soon the whole blanket is quilted. A style fashionable in the early 1800s was preserved and became a treasured tradition in Hawai‘i.
“Mama” Mahuna sits on her shady deck and quilts every day. Neighbors, friends and mainland visitors who love to quilt come not only to learn, but also to “talk story.” In the old days, conversation was always accompanied by busy hands — sewing, preparing food or finishing a church project. Henrietta, who is Native Hawaiian, was raised in Hāna and moved to West Maui in 1942. She worked for Baldwin Packers as the only female field supervisor. Later she was promoted to work the Honolua Store at Kapalua Resort. She invented the “Honolua Burger.”
Now 95, Henrietta still loves quilting and spending time with the ladies as they create beautiful “blankets” and pillow covers. “I like designing the patterns and cutting them out. I’ve made many different ones, but the Hawaiian trees and flower patterns are what people seem to like best,” she says.
In Dodd’s new book, Yes! A Memoir of Modern Hawai‘i, he shows how dreams and schemes become a reality for corporations like First Hawaiian Bank, and state officials like governors Cayetano and Ariyoshi and U.S. Sen. Inouye. It’s a fascinating view of events we only know from the outside — the savings and loan disaster or Ariyoshi’s journey from, “who’s he?” to a household name. Dods’ candid account of the 2008 HawaiianTel bankruptcy and First Hawaiian’s debut venture in Japan define the high stakes he faced. Sober analysis and backing up his “Yes!” with results is an important lesson for all executives.
If truth is stranger than fiction, then this book is the strangest you will ever read. James Dooley, a former investigative reporter for The Honolulu Advertiser, KITV 4 News and Hawaii Reporter, details public corruption and criminality in Hawai‘i during the 70’s and 80’s. A lot of Dooley’s sleuthing formed the basis of the original essay called “Broken Trust,” printed in the old Honolulu Star-Bulletin and later published as a book. Dooley’s gripping memoirs of ties among celebrities, Teamsters, politicians and judges weaves a broad web of “how things were done in Hawai‘i.”
When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, anything that offers hope gets attention. Dr. Blake analyses the latest scientific information and results from his clinical trials with Alzheimer’s patients at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Institute on O‘ahu, and dishes us up a simple diet — berries, green vegetables, nuts and beans — to prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and related dementia. The subject is rocket science, but his book is easy to understand. Learn how powerful flavonoids in plant foods preserve brains cells and keep them active. See how how antioxidant vitamins protect our brain cells.
Seniors also love our newest classes — MOSSA Group Power™ and Enhanced Fitness.™ These fun, high-energy group exercise classes provide a very efficient workout at every pace and level. Motivated by great music, up-beat instructors and positive physical results, seniors excel in these classes.
For those suffering from arthritis, evidencebased Enhanced Fitness is designed to help reduce painful symptoms. Seniors see improved strength, mobility and agility — all while having fun and making new friends. One senior’s physical therapist asked what she was doing. He was amazed at how much flexibility she gained in her spine!
