Obama's Inauguration

A Chant for Obama from Hawaii by Manu Ikaika, leader of Halau Ho'omau I ka Wai Ola O Hawai'i in Alexandria, Va.

E nana i ke ali'i, he kanaka ikaika
He keiki o ka 'aina kupono la e
He pua o Hawai'i, i kuhia i alaka'i
Nana e ho'oulu i ka pono, aloha e
'Ike 'ia ma ka lani la ka hikina 'ana mai
Ka 'imi 'ana i ka pono me ke aloha
Paulele 'ia ihola ka hulina
'Oiai mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono
Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana
Hiki mai ke alaka'i e ho'oulu hou
Uluhia maila
ke ola o ka 'aina
Aloha no, e
He inoa no Barack Obama

THE LEADER OF INSPIRATION COMES
TRANSLATION:
Look at our leader, a strong person is he
A child from the land of righteousness
A child of Hawai'i destined to lead
Who will make goodness flourish, with aloha
Signs in the heavens tell of the coming of a new chief
Working for righteousness with love
Belief in change is instilled in the heart
For the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness
Let the story be known in the telling
The leader to renew inspiration has come
The living essence
of the land flourishes
We offer loving regard, indeed
A name song for Barack Obama

Politicians in Hawaii call him "our Native son" on the news, but everyone here calls him "local boy." The word "local" has a strong connotation here of belonging, of family. So we're proud that someone from the islands will step up to the podium and become one of the most powerful figures in the world. He's already gained so much respect and admiration for his achievements on his way to the top.

I remain hopeful for change (his buzzwords have been ingrained into my skull.) He acts with a purposeful sense of deliberation and calm that gives him an aura of leadership our country has been lacking for a long time. May he be up to the task of bringing us all together as one ohana.

[edit] Messed up on the link to the Obama chant. It has been corrected.