As we continue to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, we had the pleasure to sit down with one of our employees and staff member, Kaulu Kahapea-Aquino, one of our Business Coordinators on the JeffreyM Staff, to hear about what AAPI Month means to her.
- What does Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month mean to you?
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- I am extremely proud to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander month with Kānaka Maoli, Filipino, and Chinese ancestry. I think it’s a great time to note the wins and struggles of both communities as well as the differences between Asian American and Pacific Islanders, as the history is very different. I think it’s important to highlight both Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders equally during AAPI. Any chance to celebrate underrepresented people is very welcomed.
- Are there any specific events or traditions that are important to you during this time or throughout the year?
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- I celebrate the Lunar New Year and New Years Eve by eating noodles and gao, a rice cake, for good luck because of my Chinese ancestry, as my family would tell me. Watching surf competitions is another way of celebrating what Pacific Islanders have shared with the world– surfing originated in Polynesia! There are many surf competitions, but I watched The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational this year. It is very exciting!
- How can the community celebrate and bring awareness to Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month beyond just this month?
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- You can celebrate and bring awareness by learning about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders! Please also support Asian American and Pacific Islander-owned businesses. If you happen to be in Honolulu, you can check out the only two “traditional” Hawaiian restaurants owned by Kānaka Maoli on ʻŌahu: Waiāhole Poi Factory and Haili’s Hawaiian Food.
