[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 4] [Senate] [Page 5013] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO NATIVE HAWAIIAN MASTER ARTIST ROCKY KA'IOLIOKAHIHIKOLO'EHU JENSEN Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to a Native Hawaiian Master Artist Rocky Ka'ioliokahihikolo'Ehu Jensen. Ka'ioliokahihikolo'Ehu, ``The black-hawk-striving-towards-the-source- child-of-the-Ehu,'' is the descendant of High Chief Iwikauikau; Hawaiian warrior chiefs from the islands of Hawai'i (Keli'iwaiho'ikeone); Kaua'i (Kahihikolo); Moloka'i (Keka' alauniu); and O'ahu (Ka'io); and Kahuna (Shaman) from Ko'olaupoko, O'ahu (Mamaki) and Manoa, O'ahu (Papanu' umealani). Rocky is one of Hawai'i's brightest local talents who has dedicated his life to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture through his powerful artistry. He is recognized by our State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as a master sculptor and is talented in other media as well. Born in Honolulu on April 8, 1944, Rocky Jensen absorbed cultural traditions from his grandparents with whom he spent his summers. His artistic talents were recognized at an early age when he won his first art scholarship from the Honolulu Academy of Arts at the age of nine. He was educated in Hawai'i and the mainland where he graduated from junior college. This talented artist continued his post-secondary education in Hawai'i and was tutored by renown artists. He has in turn lectured, conducted seminars, advised and served as a consultant on Hawaiian issues, and written magazine and newspaper articles on Hawaiian history and art. He continues to do so. Rocky Jensen has held numerous exhibitions in leading museums of the world, including several first such as the organizing Hale Naua III, the first native art society and the first contemporary native Hawaiian are exhibit at Honolulu Hale as well as the Bishop Museum. He has been recognized in American Artists of Renown: 1981-1982, Crafts of America (1987-1989), and the California Art Review: 1990. Rocky Jensen's better known works include his 1970 illustration of ``twenty men'' for ``Men of Ancient Hawai'i,'' in which he set a precedent for proper historical attire and artifacts. To this day, this illustration stands as testimony to meticulous research and artistry. More recently, Rocky has been acclaimed for Na Lehua Helele'i, a memorial which honors pre-contact Hawaiian warriors. Lehua greets visitors at the entrance of the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii at Fort DeRussy, the most visited Army Museum. Na Lehua Helele'i, ``the scattered lehua blossoms,'' an ancient Hawaiian phrase that equates the red petals with the blood of fallen warriors, is one of his major works and perhaps his most heroic, sculptured with great force and expression. Lehua, a memorial to pre- contact Hawaiian warriors, consists of five eight-foot-tall images of Ku, the god of war, carved out of native ohi'a logs and ensconced in a semi-circle fronting the museum. Each image is similar but depicts the different faces of Ku, his benign, healing qualities as well as warlike aspects. Na Lehua Helele'i was a twenty-year labor of love and commitment at great personal sacrifice. Since its unveiling a year ago, some have proclaimed it to be one of the best works in the state. Mr. President, I salute the talent and generosity of Native Hawaiian Master Artist Rocky Ka'ioliokahihikolo' Ehu Jensen. To Lucia, wife and partner, mahalo from the bottom of my heart for sharing Rocky with us. And, taking advantage of a fortuitous and joyful coincidence, happy birthday, Rocky, and many, many more years of outstanding artistry. I also want to take this opportunity to wish you and Lucia every success as you launch Makaku or ``inner Eye,'' your studio/school. ____________________