Canvas giclee prints (unframed and unmatted) of the original ahupua'a painting by Brook Kapükuniahi Parker – used for the Conservation Council for Hawai'i's 2010 wildlife poster – are avail- able for purchase. Brook is an artist of his native Hawai'i, and was raised in Kahalu'u, O'ahu. His family roots run deep in the islands and he is a direct descendant of John Palmer Parker, founder of the Parker Ranch on the Big Island of Hawai'i. John Parker's wife, Rachael Keli'ikipikänekaolohaka 'Ohiakü, was a great-granddaughter of Kamehameha the Great and his wife Kanekapolei.
Most of Brook's art portrays the deep love and admiration he has for his ancestors. As a child, Brook was greatly influenced in the arts by his father David, a gifted, self-taught painter, Hawaiian historian, genealogist, and writer. Brook has been married for over 20 years to the former Drena-Jo Kauakoko'ipohaiapuninämoku Kalani, and they are the proud parents of two sons and three daughters. They currently reside in Wailupe, O'ahu.
Brook has illustrated numerous chil- dren's books for 'Aha Pünana Leo Hawaiian Language Immersion Schools. His other clients include Disney's Aulani Hotel, Kamehameha Publishing, the University of Hawai'i at Mänoa and Hilo, the State of Hawai'i Board of Education, the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Sanctuary on Maui, Hui Mälama o Waimänalo, and the Pacific American Foundation to name a few. His work can be found at Nä Mea/Native Books in the Ward Warehouse in Honolulu and at http://hawaiianatart.com.
Creating the ahupua'a art for the CCH poster was the first time Brook has done a painting with so many different elements. He wanted to convey an inter- twining relationship between all of the people, plants, and animals living within a typical traditional ahupua'a. He is pleased with the painting and so are we!
Mahalo nui loa to Brook and Drena for working with CCH to educate young people about our Hawaiian heritage with art. Your purchase of the ahupua'a print from CCH helps spread the word about species conservation and supports our work. Mahalo nui loa.