‘Aina, pronounced “aye-na”, is a Hawaiian word with more than one meaning. Land is the commonly understood definition.  Another definition refers to food or a meal which, in the context of this song means “that which feeds”.  Composer Gordon Freitas merges both meanings and presents ‘Aina as a living being commenting on the state of the relationship between earth and man. Most notable about this song is that he employs the language of the Hawai’i State Motto to function as the chorus – Ua mau ke ia o ka aina I ka pono (the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness).  This is a battle cry for earthly stewardship and sustainability as fundamental to the human existence.

Hawaii News Now – TALK STORY