[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 43 (Friday, April 7, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S2436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN MASTER ARTIST ROCKY KA'IOLIOKAHIHIKOLO'EHU 
                                 JENSEN

 Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a Native 
Hawaiian Master Artist Rocky Ka'ioliokahihikolo'Ehu Jensen. 
Ka'ioliokahihikolo'Ehu, ``The black-hawk-striving-towards-the-source-
child-of-the-Ehu,'' is the descendant of High Chief Iwikauikau; 
Hawaiian warrior chiefs from the islands of Hawai'i 
(Keli'iwaiho'ikeone); Kaua'i (Kahihikolo); Moloka'i (Keka' alauniu); 
and O'ahu (Ka'io); and Kahuna (Shaman) from Ko'olaupoko, O'ahu (Mamaki) 
and Manoa, O'ahu (Papanu' umealani). Rocky is one of Hawai'i's 
brightest local talents who has dedicated his life to the perpetuation 
of Hawaiian culture through his powerful artistry. He is recognized by 
our State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a master sculptor and 
is talented in other media as well.
  Born in Honolulu on April 8, 1944, Rocky Jensen absorbed cultural 
traditions from his grandparents with whom he spent his summers. His 
artistic talents were recognized at an early age when he won his first 
art scholarship from the Honolulu Academy of Arts at the age of nine. 
He was educated in Hawai'i and the mainland where he graduated from 
junior college. This talented artist continued his post-secondary 
education in Hawai'i and was tutored by renown artists. He has in turn 
lectured, conducted seminars, advised and served as a consultant on 
Hawaiian issues, and written magazine and newspaper articles on 
Hawaiian history and art. He continues to do so.
  Rocky Jensen has held numerous exhibitions in leading museums of the 
world, including several first such as the organizing Hale Naua III, 
the first native art society and the first contemporary native Hawaiian 
are exhibit at Honolulu Hale as well as the Bishop Museum. He has been 
recognized in American Artists of Renown: 1981-1982, Crafts of America 
(1987-1989), and the California Art Review: 1990.
  Rocky Jensen's better known works include his 1970 illustration of 
``twenty men'' for ``Men of Ancient Hawai'i,'' in which he set a 
precedent for proper historical attire and artifacts. To this day, this 
illustration stands as testimony to meticulous research and artistry. 
More recently, Rocky has been acclaimed for Na Lehua Helele'i, a 
memorial which honors pre-contact Hawaiian warriors. Lehua greets 
visitors at the entrance of the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort 
DeRussy, the most visited Army Museum.
  Na Lehua Helele'i, ``the scattered lehua blossoms,'' an ancient 
Hawaiian phrase that equates the red petals with the blood of fallen 
warriors, is one of his major works and perhaps his most heroic, 
sculptured with great force and expression. Lehua, a memorial to pre-
contact Hawaiian warriors, consists of five eight-foot-tall images of 
Ku, the god of war, carved out of native ohi'a logs and ensconced in a 
semi-circle fronting the museum. Each image is similar but depicts the 
different faces of Ku, his benign, healing qualities as well as warlike 
aspects. Na Lehua Helele'i was a twenty-year labor of love and 
commitment at great personal sacrifice. Since its unveiling a year ago, 
some have proclaimed it to be one of the best works in the state.
  Mr. President, I salute the talent and generosity of Native Hawaiian 
Master Artist Rocky Ka'ioliokahihikolo' Ehu Jensen. To Lucia, wife and 
partner, mahalo from the bottom of my heart for sharing Rocky with us. 
And, taking advantage of a fortuitous and joyful coincidence, happy 
birthday, Rocky, and many, many more years of outstanding artistry. I 
also want to take this opportunity to wish you and Lucia every success 
as you launch Makaku or ``inner Eye,'' your studio/school.

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