Buzzy expounding on a story about his Uncle Etua Lopes with Lanakila Manini and Ke Ola writer Gayle Greco.
“I asked my mother, ‘Why did you name me Buzzy? It always keeps me so busy!’” Indeed, with lei to make for 11 hālau at Merrie Monarch this year, he started about two months in advance, working first with the greenery, like palapalai. “KITV has been trying to get me [to make lei] for years, but I have to say no!” He learned to make lei from renowned lei-maker Hanai Ali‘i Hayashida of Waimea, whose father was a Parker Ranch paniolo for more than 50 years. Hanai Ali‘i taught Buzzy how to make Ni‘ihau shell lei as well, including the one he gifted himself for his 50th birthday. Recently, he celebrated his 55th birthday, entering the realm of the kupuna himself. When asked what his goals or dreams are, what’s on his ‘bucket list,’ if money were no object—he was stumped, speechless, his humility showing through the humor and stories. If one had to guess, it might be another win at this year’s Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival. Break a leg Buzzy and Kalikokalehua Hula Studio! ❖ Contact Buzzy Histo: 808.885.7487 Contact writer Catherine Tarleton: catherinetarleton@gmail.com Winners at the 2014 Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival
KeOlaMagazine.com | September–October 2015
For information about the 33rd Annual Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival (expected to sell out quickly), visit their Facebook page (Facebook.com/pages/Hawaii-Kupuna-Hula-Festival) or contact Kelly Hudik, Elderly Recreation Services, 808.323.4340, kelly.hudik@hawaiicounty.gov.
23