Congresswoman Hirono Pays Tribute to Eddie Kamae
Leader of Hawaiian Cultural Renaissance Receives Prestigious National Honor
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono today paid tribute to Eddie Kamae at a Capitol Hill ceremony where the legendary musician, composer and filmmaker was recognized as a National Heritage Fellow.
Congresswoman Hirono and Congressman Neil Abercrombie both spoke in praise of Kamae, citing his influential role in reviving interest in traditional Hawaiian culture while inspiring a creative surge in artistic expression.
"Eddie Kamae helped spark the Hawaiian cultural renaissance," said Congresswoman Hirono, explaining to the diverse audience that Hawaiian language, music and culture had not so long ago been suppressed but are now celebrated because of the efforts and achievements of visionary artists such as Kamae.
Eddie Kamae, a ukulele virtuoso, and Gabby Pahinui, a master slack key guitarist, co-founded The Sons of Hawaii in the early 1960s. The legendary band revived interest in traditional Hawaiian music. Over the years, Kamae recorded and produced numerous albums and later moved into filmmaking to help preserve and document authentic Hawaiian culture.
"I admire and appreciate Eddie Kamae not only for entertaining audiences with his immense talent but also for his sincere commitment to educating the youth of Hawai‘i about the culture and traditions of the islands," said Congresswoman Hirono."
Eddie Kamae is one of 12 master artists from throughout the United States to receive the 2007 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship, a program that is celebrating its 25th
anniversary this year. Among the others honored today was haiku poet and historian Violet de Cristoforo, born Kazue Yamane in Ninole, Hawai‘i. During World War II, like many Japanese Americans, de Cristoforo was sent to an interment camp. Despite the hardship she continued writing haiku and encouraged others to express themselves through poetry.
Since 1982, the NEA has honored 327 artists for their achievements and involvement in the arts. Nominees are chosen for their "authenticity, excellence, and significance within the particular artistic tradition." Hawai‘i has been well represented among the National Heritage Fellows. Eddie Kamae is the 14th from Hawai‘i; previous honorees include falsetto singer Genoa Keawe, chanter James Ka‘upena Wong, and quilter Meali‘i Kalama.
More information about the NEA National Heritage Fellows is available at http://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/fellows/NHFIntro.php?year=2007
Congresswoman Hirono congratulates Eddie Kamae on being named a National Heritage Fellow. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia and Congressman Abercrombie also praised Eddie Kamae for his achievements and contributions.
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