HONOLULU, July 15, 2021: The 19th Annual Hawai'i International Forgiveness Day is a family festival, celebrating the healing power of forgiveness. This year's theme: Explore, Dream, Discover... reflects the many facets of forgiveness. Sponsored by the Hawaii Forgiveness Project and presented on Zoom, the program is hosted by renowned Hawaiian music master, Aaron Mahi, and recognizes Anson "Kaipo" Paiva of the Honolulu Police Department, and Uncle Bruce Keaulani, founder of the Living Source Foundation.
Program highlights include:
• Emcee Hawaiian cultural practitioner Aaron Mahi sharing mana'o and mele of Queen Lili'uokalani, beloved by her people for her aloha while striving for justice of wrongdoing.
• Special tribute for the late Haunani-Kay Trask, dedicated fearless leader who strongly addressed inequities in society, and inspired Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Scholars worldwide.
• JoYi Rhyss (2020 Hawai'i Forgiveness Hero) brings mindful-forgiveness training into sectors of community.
• Roger Epstein, one of the founders for the Hawai'i Forgiveness Project, will share on establishing Hawai'i as the World Interfaith Harmony Capitol.
• Joy Alboro (2018 Hawai'i Forgiveness Hero) speaks powerfully on how the forgiveness journey continues to bring new insights and peace following her many years of trauma.
Kumu Aaron Mahi
The event will also recognize the 2021 Hawai'i Forgiveness Heroes -- people who have demonstrated the transformative power of forgiveness in their lives. They will share their experiences personally, and we will be honored for their example.
• Anson "Kaipo" Paiva, Honolulu Police Department, has taught hundreds of students the forgiveness life skill through his community work as a police officer.
• Uncle Bruce Keaulani, Founder of Living Life Source Foundation, practices Native Hawaiian cultural practices, including Ho'oponopono, lomi lomi, and establishment of Kauhale.
Here is more information on Kaipo Paiva (video):
Here is more information about Uncle Bruce Keaulani.
JoYi Rhyss
Merton Chinen, one of the organizers of this event and former Executive Director of Youth Services for the State of Hawaii, said, "Since its inception almost 20 years ago, the Forgiveness Project has been inspired by people from all around the world -- Fred Luskin at Stanford and Jerry and Diane Jampolsky from Attitudinal Healing, who were with us from the start. Through the years, this annual summer festival has united thousands of people from all walks of life -- from judges and legislators to community leaders, farmers and teachers -- to consider forgiveness as a new beginning.
"As a way to recognize and understand the past and forgive, to find justice and reconciliation through the practice of profound spiritual values, to transform tragedy into triumph. We're proud to continue in that tradition, this August 1."
Merton Chinen
Everyone, of all ages and lifestyles, is encouraged to visit http://www.hawaiiforgivenessproject.org to register for free, and get the link for this rejuvenating summer afternoon event. The perfect way to move forward from the pandemic to peace.
