THE POWER OF THE SHAKA

with Andy Bumatai

It’s an expression of aloha recognized around the world. Legendary local comedian Andy Bumatai stopped by our audio podcast WHAT SCHOOL YOU WENT? to explore the origins and the power of the shaka.

Listen on pbshawaii.org or anywhere you get your podcasts, including Apple and Spotify.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the advancements women have made in society. As gains continue to be made, what can women do to further close the gender gap?

Join the discussion on INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAIʻI (Thurs., Mar. 10, 7:30 pm). You can phone in a question or leave us a comment on our Facebook livestream during the program. INSIGHTS also streams live on pbshawaii.org.

Settle in for another evening of amazing talent from all over Hawaiʻi Island on LIVE FROM THE EMPTY PALACE (Wed., Mar. 9, 7:30 pm) with performances from Big Eye Band, Robert Savery, Kaʻahele, Bella O’Toole, Wendell Ing and Drew Daniels.

NOVA: Dog Tales (Wed., Mar.9, 9:30 pm) takes a closer look at the animals who have long been dependable friends at our sides. Researchers reveal how humans tamed fearsome canines over tens of thousands of years, and how modern dog intelligence and behaviors have made them beloved companions.

Dolly Parton and Friends: 50 Years at the Opry (Mon., Mar. 7, 9:00 pm) celebrates the country music legend’s golden anniversary as a member of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Dolly delivers some of her biggest hits, with guest appearances by Emmylou Harris, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Margo Price and others.

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Final thought… contrary to what some may believe, “shaka” is not a Hawaiian word… but there is no mistaking where the famous hand gesture was born. It is amazing what curling your three middle fingers, while extending your thumb and baby finger, then quickly turning your hand back and forth with your knuckles facing outward, can mean. Think about the many messages flashing a “shaka” is saying, without saying a word. “Howzit,” “hang loose,” “right on,” “thank you,” “things are great,” “take it easy,” “shoots,” and of course, “aloha.” The late David “Lippy” Espinda, a used car pitchman, ended his TV commercials in the 1960s with an enthusiastic “shaka, brah!” In 1976, the “shaka” sign was a key element of Frank Fasi’s third campaign for Honolulu Mayor. Join us on the next “WHAT SCHOOL YOU WENT?” when the only Hawaiian, Filipino, French and German comedian in the entire world tells us what the “shaka” meant growing up in Waiʻanae. Hawaiʻi’s first stand-up comic: Andy Bumatai will have you laughing out loud with his hilarious stories as he takes you down memory lane.