LEINA'ALA 'ALA REBECCA KALAMA HEINE May 19, 1940 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 Leina'ala "'Ala" "Tutu" Rebecca Kalama Heine was born on May 19, 1940 at Queen's Hospital to Becky & George Kalama. The eldest of 4 children, George "Boogie" Kalama (deceased), Rosaline "Rosie" Lum and Doreen U. Kalama, she grew up the daughter of a Lei Seller, picking flowers and stringing lei from an early age. She and her 'ohana lived on Akepo Lane, Kalihi, eventually spending most of her "growing up" in Waikiki. She attended Kamehameha Schools in her early years and graduated from McKinley High School in 1958. 'Ala married Samuel Ladd Heine in 1961, and gave birth to 4 children, Margaret J. Niuli'i "Nunu" Heine, Kalama T. Heine, Auli'i L. Hirahara (Dean K.) and Heali'ipuakauikawekiu L. Heine. Living in Kapahulu and Kaimuki, 'Ala & Sam raised their children with her sister Rose Lum and her 3 children, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. As Tutu of 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and extended 'ohana keiki, she embraced this privilege with devotion and unconditional love. Taught by Kumu Hula Joseph Kaha'ulelio, Vicky I'i Rodrigues, Ruby Ahakuelo, Puanani & Leilani Alama and others, 'Ala elevated to Kumu Hula in 1973 as part of Aunty Margaret Maiki Souza Aiu Lake's Papa 'uniki Lehua. Establishing Halau Na Pualei O Likolehua in 1976, she went on to take top honors at several hula competitions statewide, most notably the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and Kamehameha Day Hula Competition. In August of 2009, culminating her life's work in the continuance of the Hawaiian Culture and Hula, she would 'uniki 13 women as Kumu and teachers of traditional practices. Perpetuating all things Hawaiian, 'Ala was active in many endeavors, 'Ilio'ulaokalani Coalition, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Ka 'Aha Hula 'o Halauaola, Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Papaku no Kameha'ikana, and many more. She was a teacher of Hawaiian Chant & Dance at Kamehameha Schools and St. Andrew's Priory, while continuing to entertain as the third brother of The Brother's Cazimero for 36 years. Embarking on a lifetime of hula dancing as an entertainer, her humble beginnings began with the comedic hula style. Combined with grace and energy, she became our state's "lady of hula." Innovator, pioneer, trailblazer, 'Ala's fierce passion for 'ohana, hula, and teaching has left an indelible mark on all she has touched. She impacted so many people in special ways, counseling individuals to be better people, and advising others to trust their na'au, trust in their piko and be guided by the wisdom of our Kupuna, Na 'Aumakua and the divine source, Ke Akua. Our family would like to graciously thank the nurses and doctors of Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center ICU, Progressive & Patient Care Units and Straub Clinic & Hospital ICU for their tireless, genuine care of Tutu. Aloha attire is requested at her services to be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Magic Island Park, 9-11am visitation with family, service at 12 noon with scattering of ashes to follow at sea. A celebration of her life will continue at Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Pikake Ballroom, 4-9pm.
LEINA'ALA 'ALA REBECCA KALAMA HEINE May 19, 1940 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2015 Leina'ala "'Ala" "Tutu" Rebecca Kalama Heine was born on May 19, 1940 at Queen's Hospital to Becky & George Kalama. The eldest of 4 children, George "Boogie" Kalama (deceased), Rosaline "Rosie" Lum and Doreen U. Kalama, she grew up the daughter of a Lei Seller, picking flowers and stringing lei from an early age. She and her 'ohana lived on Akepo Lane, Kalihi, eventually spending most of her "growing up" in Waikiki. She attended Kamehameha Schools in her early years and graduated from McKinley High School in 1958. 'Ala married Samuel Ladd Heine in 1961, and gave birth to 4 children, Margaret J. Niuli'i "Nunu" Heine, Kalama T. Heine, Auli'i L. Hirahara (Dean K.) and Heali'ipuakauikawekiu L. Heine. Living in Kapahulu and Kaimuki, 'Ala & Sam raised their children with her sister Rose Lum and her 3 children, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. As Tutu of 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and extended 'ohana keiki, she embraced this privilege with devotion and unconditional love. Taught by Kumu Hula Joseph Kaha'ulelio, Vicky I'i Rodrigues, Ruby Ahakuelo, Puanani & Leilani Alama and others, 'Ala elevated to Kumu Hula in 1973 as part of Aunty Margaret Maiki Souza Aiu Lake's Papa 'uniki Lehua. Establishing Halau Na Pualei O Likolehua in 1976, she went on to take top honors at several hula competitions statewide, most notably the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and Kamehameha Day Hula Competition. In August of 2009, culminating her life's work in the continuance of the Hawaiian Culture and Hula, she would 'uniki 13 women as Kumu and teachers of traditional practices. Perpetuating all things Hawaiian, 'Ala was active in many endeavors, 'Ilio'ulaokalani Coalition, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Ka 'Aha Hula 'o Halauaola, Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Papaku no Kameha'ikana, and many more. She was a teacher of Hawaiian Chant & Dance at Kamehameha Schools and St. Andrew's Priory, while continuing to entertain as the third brother of The Brother's Cazimero for 36 years. Embarking on a lifetime of hula dancing as an entertainer, her humble beginnings began with the comedic hula style. Combined with grace and energy, she became our state's "lady of hula." Innovator, pioneer, trailblazer, 'Ala's fierce passion for 'ohana, hula, and teaching has left an indelible mark on all she has touched. She impacted so many people in special ways, counseling individuals to be better people, and advising others to trust their na'au, trust in their piko and be guided by the wisdom of our Kupuna, Na 'Aumakua and the divine source, Ke Akua. Our family would like to graciously thank the nurses and doctors of Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center ICU, Progressive & Patient Care Units and Straub Clinic & Hospital ICU for their tireless, genuine care of Tutu. Aloha attire is requested at her services to be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Magic Island Park, 9-11am visitation with family, service at 12 noon with scattering of ashes to follow at sea. A celebration of her life will continue at Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Pikake Ballroom, 4-9pm.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
