Ulu Mendiola, interview 7/15/1997
Interview with Ulu Mendiola recorded on 7/15/1997 for the documentary "Living Your Dying." Topics include: Mendiola's family background and childhood in Kaimuki, Oahu; her father who was the assistant band conductor for the Royal Hawaiian Band; her Christian faith and Hawaiian culture; the importance of hula in keeping Hawaiian culture and language alive; her career in the hotel industry; first being diagnosed with breast cancer six years prior to this interview and the cancer's spread to her bones; support from her caregivers and hula sisters; the reasons she is participating with the documentary; how the sessions with Reverend Dr. Aoki are humbling and provide much learning; her financial responsibilities and costs of health care; the challenges of her guardianship of her adult brother who is disabled; the significance of Hālau Hula O Maiki; the meaning of her name Ululani which is "grow toward the heavens;" and what she fears about death. Mendiola sings the song "Aloha Kauai" written by Maʻiki Aiu Lake, her kumu hula, and explains the meaning of the song. Interview spans 2 videotapes.
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