“ALOHA CHANT”

Lee Gonsalves (Tin Idol Productions)

The protests on Mauna Kea confront Hawaii with important questions. At what point may “We, the people,” decide that Supreme Court rulings, and state laws in general, are irrelevant? And, if a law is not enforced why is it on the books at all? Veteran island entertainer Lee Gonsalves writes in the liner notes for his new CD-single that he was “sitting on the fence” regarding TMT until he saw kupuna being arrested for blocking the access road. He recorded “Aloha Chant” to show his support for them.

Gonsalves explains in the liner notes that “Aloha Chant” was written in 1962 by Pilahi Paki (1910-1985) and recorded by Moe Keale in 1986. Veteran studio musician David Kauahikaua provided the piano, ukulele, pa‘u and conch shell backing for Gonsalves’ recording. Gonsalves writes that he sang in Hawaiian because he felt it was important to make the effort even though he doesn’t speak Hawaiian; he also sang in English because “with the English words everyone can understand the embodiment of what Aloha means, which is not happening today.”

Visit reverbnation.com/leegonsalves.