Special News Announcement

Aloha and Happy Aloha Friday,

Tune in tonight for a longstanding tradition for Kamehameha Schools song contest. This year they will be singing about the Hawaiian Cowboys - the Paniolo.

"In 1815, To address the problem of wild cattle in Hawaii, Kamehameha hired John Palmer Parker, an experienced sailor and cattleman from Massachusetts, to bring the cattle population under control. Parker's efforts led to the establishment of Parker Ranch in Waimea, which became world-renowned. Despite Parker and early paniolo's diligent efforts, the wild cattle remained difficult to control for many years. By the 1830s, hunting wild cattle had become a popular activity in several districts on the island of Hawai'i.

In 1832, the Hawaiian cattle industry changed significantly when the vaquero arrived in Hawaii. The ali'i (chief) welcomed the vaquero, whose mission involved bringing the wild cattle herds under control and training Hawaiians in cowboy skills. The vaquero's Hispanic style of handling cattle, which combined the skill of the vaquero with a lariat and his mount's ability to apprehend prey, gradually replaced hunting with guns. This system became known as the Spanish method, and the vaqueros brought their equipment, including a saddle that evolved into the Hawaiian tree saddle used today. The Hawaiians proved to be capable students, and the vaqueros mentored the budding paniolo from novice riders in 1832 to world championship ropers by 1908. The vaqueros had a significant influence on the lifestyle and careers of early paniolo, including their ways of riding, dress, and music.

The vaqueros left behind a Hispanic musical influence on Hawaiian culture, particularly involving the 'ukulele or guitar. This influence gave birth to the slack key guitar tuning and its relationship to paniolo folklore. Yodeling and steel guitar were also said to have been born in the cradle of Hawaiian music. The 'ukulele, introduced via the Portuguese, played a significant role in the skilled hands of notable Hawaiian cowboy musicians throughout the Hawaiian territory. Many mele (song) have been written by and for paniolo, reflecting their experiences, sentiments, and dynamic world.

Over the years, paniolo life has developed into a rich culture expressed both pragmatically and artistically, and its legacy remains alive and well to this day. The Song Contest this evening will celebrate the songs and stories of our paniolo, taking a journey through the open plains and gentle slopes of the islands."

Link to the Program.

Link to the livestream.