Håwane Rios
Mai ka wailele aweawe 'o Hi'ilawe a i ka haka lewa kai 'o Nu'alolo, ke aloha nui ia kåkou a pau loa.

My name is Håwane Rios and I come from the small country town of Waimea on Hawai’i Island, nestled in the protection of the majestic and sacred Mauna Kea. My roots stretch from the rolling hills of Kohala to the sandy beaches of ‘Änaeho’omalu. My connection to the Earth Mother is deep and true for my family, Pua Case and Kalani Flores have raised my sister Kapulei and I to know that the Earth is as much a part of us as we are a part of it. The beautiful power of the elements has served as inspiration for my musical compositions strengthening my connection and respect for this land as I continue to sing my praises for this world. The gentle breeze that touches my skin to the comforting feeling of the seas embrace captures my heart and inspires me to honor them with song. I have learned that music sends out a kind of healing vibration that holds the power of change in its core. It is never ending and travels onward touching souls one chord at a time. My hope is to write and lift my voice in honor of those who came before, those who live now, and those who are yet to come.

I wrote this original composition, Poli'ahu i ke kapu, in 2008 as a tribute to Poli‘ahu, snow goddess of Mauna Kea. The song speaks of the natural beauty of Mauna Kea and compares the snowfall, bright stars, soft clouds, cool mist, and mountain itself to this divine goddess. This song is a representation of the unwavering connection to the natural world that must be rekindled in these changing times. It is our responsibility to protect and care for this land as we do ourselves.

I recently released this piece in September 2011 on iTunes and other online music stores to bring awareness about the further desecration of our sacred and beautiful Mauna a Wäkea that would occur with the proposed construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on its summit. Proceeds from the sales of this song are being donated to the KAHEA Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance Mauna Kea Legal Defense Fund to protect the sacred and cultural landscape on this mountain.

I would like to send out my deepest gratitude to Sonny Lim, musical engineer and arranger of this project. Out of his sincere support of my efforts he donated his personal time and studio expertise to this recording. His daughter, Anuhea Lim, served as engineering assistant and was a delight to work with as well. I was very honored to get the chance to work with this 'ohana for my first single for I was raised listening to the beautiful music that they play. Mahalo palena 'ole e ka 'ohana Lim.