Vol. 47 No. 1 (2024): Pacific Studies Full Issue

Pacific Studies is published two times a year by The Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Studies, Brigham Young University Hawai‘i #1979, 55–220 Kulanui Street, Lā ‘ie, Hawai‘i 96762, but responsibility for opinions expressed in the articles rests with the authors alone. Subscription rate is US$40.00 yearly, payable to The Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Studies. The Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Studies (formerly The Pacific Institute) is an organization funded by Brigham Young University Hawai‘i. The Center assists the University in meeting its cultural and educational goals by undertaking a program of teach- ing, research, and publication. The Center cooperates with other scholarly and research institutions in achieving their objectives. It publishes monographs, produces films, underwrites research, and sponsors conferences on the Pacific Islands. Articles submitted to the editor must not be submitted elsewhere while under review by Pacific Studies. Please note that text files should be in Microsoft Word format and should be completely double-spaced (includ- ing quotations, references, and notes). Please submit manuscripts to [email protected]. Authors may visit our website, http://academics. byuh.edu/the_pacific_institute/home, for Instructions to Authors. Books for review should be sent to the editor

Vol. 47 No. 1 (2024): Pacific Studies Front Matter

Front Matter for the Vol. 47, No 1-Jun 2024 edition of the Pacific Studies Journal

LALAVA IN TONGA

This article explores the traditional Tongan art of lalava, an ornamental lashing technique using kafa sennit cords on royal fale hau structures. Drawing from oral traditions, interviews with practitioners like Tamale Mohenoa, and field observations, it examines lalava\u27s architectural, cultural, and historical roles, including patterns (kupesi) encoding royal genealogies, social hierarchies, and navigation knowledge. The study highlights its evolution, exclusive practitioners from the Tamale lineage in Niutou Village, and significance in Tongan heritage amid modernization

VAVANGA, VAVALO, AND FAKAKAUKAU WITH VĀ-TĀ

This article addresses the profound cognitive and cultural significance of vavanga (contemplation) and vavalo (contemplation), which are contempla- tive frameworks deeply rooted in the concept of vā (space) within Tongan language and culture. These frameworks serve as gateways to expansive cogni- tive exploration, stretching the boundaries of imagination and contemplation. Fakakaukau (thinking), double or dual actor (named because it bridges the realms of cognition and practicality), uses instrumental concepts such as fifili (inquisitiveness) and fekeli (meticulous exploration) to navigate the landscapes of inquiry. Throughout this exploration, a critical distinction emerges between tā as tempo and the cognitive concepts of contemplation and thinking. Tā (as tempo) finds its resonance in empirical actions, artistic expressions, and prac- tical engagements, whereas the cognitive domains of vavanga and fakakaukau transcend the limitations of empirical actions, allowing individuals to venture into the realms of rational reasoning and thoughtful reflection. Additionally, this article explains the integration of Aristotelian formal logic, particularly the syllogism, into Vavanga Theory. This article serves as a voyage through intricate landscapes of contemplation, cognition, practicality, and linguistic intricacies. Vavanga, vavalo, and fakakaukau, intertwined with vā (space) and tā, provide a multifaceted lens through which we view the portrayal of human engagement with reality

HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY REPRESENTATION OF KAVA BY MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

In Oceania, kava, which is made from the root or stump of the kava shrub, is associated with traditional values such as sacrifice, loyalty, commitment, and chiefliness; it is especially linked with the importance of nurturing vā relationships with fonua—land and people (Kaʻili 2017: 74–75; Tomlinson 2020: 71, 74–75). Kava has also been demonized and mischaracterized since the early nineteenth century as a harmful substance detrimental to the spirit and physical body. The conflicting realities of kava as virtue and vice are expressly displayed in the relationship between kava and the Christian church. Specifically, this paper examines the dynamics between kava and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—known colloquially as Mormons, the LDS Church, or, in this paper, the Church—and the ways in which kava has been represented by the Church

AUTONOMY AND CREATIVITY IN ‘EPELI HAU‘OFA AND THE LO‘AU UNIVERSITY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION FOR THINKING

The spirit of autonomy and creativity in Epeli Hau‘ofa’s writings that relate to the philosophy of the Lo‘au University of education for thinking is explored here. For Hau‘ofa, the spirit of free thinking aids Moanan (Pacific people) to redefine their identity in Moana (Oceania) and worldwide. The philosophy of education for thinking is applied here to highlight that a degree of autonomy and creativ- ity can be planted and grown in Moana. Free thinking ought to be central to research projects that strive for autonomy and creativity if twenty-first century Moanan people want their intellectualism to be a permanent feature in societies that have become increasingly complex

CYBERSECURITY LAWS IN SOUTH PACIFIC NATIONS

Cybersecurity practices and protocols should be updated in terms of human capacity development and legislative capability to support appropriate responses to cyberthreats within the island nations and beyond. Recommendations here discuss awareness and prevention strategies that combat cybercrimes and cyberattacks and offer pertinent suggestions within cybersecurity strategies aiming to combat the rapid growth of online fraudulence and crime affecting nations of the South Pacific. At a national level, suitable frameworks and response models are essential to instill cybersecurity prevention and awareness. Mandatory adoption of formal protocols and conventions by businesses and community and government organizations would underpin regional and national initiatives that provide local solutions for cyber-events while engaging with external international cybersecurity networks. Such networks and associations would also provide a channel for collaborative capability and a gateway for technological currency

THE SUCCESSES OF ROTUMAN WOMEN IN THE MODERN WORLD

Inspired by Ester Boserup’s 1970 thesis regarding the role of indigenous economies in promoting the success of women in the modern economies, this article explores aspects of Rotuman culture that have led to the considerable success of Rotuman women in various contemporary occupations. Our analysis is based on multiple sources implicating the socialization of women that promote a self-confidence conducive to accomplishments. This article also includes reflections by seventeen interviewees on the sources of their succes

Vol. 46 No. 1 (2023): Pacific Studies Front Matter

Front Matter for the Vol. 46, No 1-Jun 2023 edition of the Pacific Studies Journal