About the making of “When Kalani Cries”
Blane Pomaikai Benevedes began dreaming this moʻolelo into life over a decade ago. While it has taken many different forms over the years, its inspiration stems from the ʻāina of Hawaiʻi that he has always known as home, the Hawaiian traditions and kūpuna Hawaiʻi who will always serve as incredible teachers to this place, the real-life ʻike he’s gained as a kanaka ʻōiwi trying to navigate this world with aloha, wellness, and joy, and his hana as a lomilomi Hawaiʻi in service to others.
Aloha nui to everyone who has helped us to develop our moʻolelo. Whether you have seen it or not, you have all contributed in big, big ways.
About the Author
Aloha! My name is Blane Pomaikai Benevedes and I am a Hawaiian cultural educator from Koʻolau, Oʻahu. I’m a proud father of two and a blessed husband to my beautiful and talented wife . I am a facilitator of traditional healing processes, and my principal kumu lomilomi is Alva Andrews of the Pā Ola Hawaiʻi. I also have a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Hawaiʻi Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. I have always been entranced by stories, and I love to dive into wonderful moʻolelo from Hawaiʻi and beyond.
I am so honored to have worked on this project with one of my dearest friends who I have known for decades, Jaylin Kauwale Kimura. Her vision, knowledge base, and the images she has created have brought colors to this story unimaginable to a humble kanaka like me.
It is my sincerest hope that you become connected to this moʻolelo, and that you connect Kalani and his ʻohana to you, your ʻohana, your communities, and the ʻāina on which you live in your own ways, drawing upon your own moʻolelo and the healing power of your ancestral selves. Mahalo nui loa.
About the Illustrator
I, Jaylin Kauwale Kimura, was born and raised in Kahaluʻu, Hawaiʻi on the island of ʻOahu. I am a mother of two young, kolohe boys. As a mother, I love reading to them and was so thankful for this opportunity to be a part of illustrating this wonderful book full of moʻolelo and wisdom. I have had the privilege of obtaining my B.F.A in Graphic Design and Social Work from Chapman, as well as my Masters from the School of Social Work at Mānoa. I was blessed to be one of the haumanā of ʻAnakē Lynette Pagnillawan, and learned the foundational teachings of Hoʻoponopono. These are my two passions in life, besides being a mother. This journey of illustrating this book has been a perfect merging of my love of art and helping to perpetuate the cultural values of my Hawaiian heritage.
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