Month of events to pay tribute to Asian Pacific cultures

Henderson Libraries is planning to bring a taste of the Hawaiian and the Pacific Island culture to the community with the Asian Pacific Dreams Festival on May 25.

“There are a lot of ethnic groups living in Henderson,” said Charles Herring, an instructor with the NaHula ali’a Aloha Cultural Preservation. “This just opens the door for everyone to come in and see. It brings the community together.”

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway.

Residents are invited to partake in activities, demonstrations and lectures paying tribute to various aspects of island life.

Herring said activities are expected to range from “Make it and Take it” Hawaiian Ti-leaf wristlets, made from the Polynesian Ti-leaf plant, to origami folding.

The event also is expected to include Kung Fu demonstrations from the Lohan School of Shaolin and how to wear a kimono tutorials by the Tendo Baikoki Japanese Dance Group.

Herring added that the event is slated to have speaker Patrick Ka’akoi take people on a visual journey through the sacred parts of Oahu, Hawaii.

In addition to the Asian Pacific Dreams Festival, Henderson Libraries is scheduled to feature aspects of the Hawaiian culture throughout May to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Kevin Scanlon, the head of adult services at the Green Valley Library, said this is a good way to bring awareness to many aspects of the Pacific Islands.

“This allows us to highlight cultural diversity in Henderson,” he said.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 6,784 native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders live in Henderson. Because Hawaii is seen as a melting pot, the community has a broad range of Asian influence.

“They add so much to our community,” Scanlon said.

Scanlon added that the Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities have been excited to see their culture honored.

“We are inviting the entire community to celebrate with them,” he said.

Even for those who may not have any connection to the Pacific Island community, they are able to learn about it.

“They are invited to see things they might not have noticed,” he said. “They might come (to the library) to find a book on the subject and be able to experience it firsthand.”

Henderson Libraries received a $25,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in 2011 that allowed it purchase materials specific to the Hawaiian culture.

Events were set up in January 2012 to introduce the collection.

Herring said he attended last year’s cultural events unveiling the collection and is excited to participate in this year’s event.

For more information, visit mypubliclibrary.com.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.