Verna Takashima - Kapa Maker

Verna Takashima is the sister of Solomon Apio. Cultural traditions seem to run in the Apio family as Sol and Donna’s son Alani Apio is also a woodworker who made an awa bowl or kanoa for this writer some 15 years ago. It is one of his most treasured cultural items that has been used in many awa ceremonies. Verna’s interest in Kapa making is the result of an interesting story. Her brother Sol learned as a result of his volunteer work at Bishop Museum that cultural historian Emerson who was the son of missionaries and an avid Hawaiian language speaker in the 1800s once purchased cultural items from a lady by the name of Kahunaaina that are now part of the museum’s collections. Sol quickly realized that this lady was his grandmother. “Mama” Kahunaaina was a Kapa maker in the 1800s. This discovery led Sol to encourage his sister Verna to take up Kapa making. To both Verna and Sol it appeared to be the natural thing to do in an effort to perpetuate this family tradition.Verna’s brother Sol got her started by applying his cultural woodworking talent and made all her kapa implements. Today Verna’s kapa are on display at Bishop Museum alongside her grandmother Kahunaaina as part of Emerson’s collections. This is a story that most all cultural practitioners hope that their work is carried on by future generations. It is even more meaningful when it passes and is carried on by future generations of a family.Verna Takashima will be conducting a kapa making demonstration at our 2016 Second Annual Kalaeloa Heritage Park Fundraiser Luau on July 23 at the Kalaeloa Heritage Park. Come and share in this family tradition.Article by Shad Kane