Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana
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    • ʻUluʻulu Digital Archives - Kahoʻolawe Related Videos
    • PBS Hawaiʻi Archives - George Helm Footage
    • Hui Waʻa O Kahoʻolawe
    • Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli - Protecting the Land and People of Hawaiʻi
    • Kahoʻolawe - The Movement That Cannot Be Silenced
    • Nā Moʻolelo Lawaiʻa o Kahoʻolawe
      • INTRODUCTION
      • HAKIOAWA
      • PAPAKA
      • KUHEIA/KAULANA
      • AHUPU
      • HONOKOA
      • KEALAIKAHIKI
      • KUNAKA/NAALAPA
      • CONCLUSION
      • RAW INTERVIEWS
        • ROBERT (UNCLE BOBBY) LUʻUWAI
        • CJ ELIZARES
        • NOA EMMETT ALULI
        • KA ʻOHANA LUʻUWAI
        • N. ALULI, C. NEFF, K. BAKER & J. CHING
        • UNCLE LESLIE KULOLOIO
  • Kahoʻolawe Studies and Reports
    • Ka Lāhui Hawaʻi 30 Kēkēmapa 1875 ʻAoʻAo 3 - KA HUAKAʻI ALIʻI A Kalani Mōʻīi Davida Kalākaua Ma nā Hono a Piʻilani.
    • Archaeology of Kahoʻolawe
    • Kahoʻolawe Place Names
    • Na Wahi Pana O Kahoʻolawe
    • A Local History of Kahoʻolawe
    • Kahoʻolawe Water Resources
    • Water Resources on the Island of Kahoʻolawe
    • Geology and ground-water resources of the islands of Lanai and Kahoolawe, Hawaii
    • Kahoʻolawe: Restoring a Cultural Treasure
  • Donate to the ʻOhana
  • Other Kahoʻolawe Island Conveyance Commission Reports
  • He Haliʻa Aloha no Noa Emmett Aluli
  • Home
  • Kahoʻolawe
    • Moʻolelo ʻĀina
    • History
  • Huakaʻi
    • Huaka‘i Requirements & Forms
    • Chants & Protocols
    • Huaka‘i Safety Video
    • Makahiki
  • About The ʻOhana
    • Vision & Mission
    • Current Projects & Accomplishments
    • Contact
  • Official Merchandise
  • Blog
  • I Ola Kanaloa
    • Download I Ola Kanaloa Final Plan
  • Resources and Links
    • Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission
    • Kahoʻolawe Aloha ʻĀina Video - ʻŌiwi TV
    • Kaho‘olawe Video Archives (Nā Maka O Ka ‘Āina)
    • ʻUluʻulu Digital Archives - Kahoʻolawe Related Videos
    • PBS Hawaiʻi Archives - George Helm Footage
    • Hui Waʻa O Kahoʻolawe
    • Dr. Noa Emmett Aluli - Protecting the Land and People of Hawaiʻi
    • Kahoʻolawe - The Movement That Cannot Be Silenced
    • Nā Moʻolelo Lawaiʻa o Kahoʻolawe
      • INTRODUCTION
      • HAKIOAWA
      • PAPAKA
      • KUHEIA/KAULANA
      • AHUPU
      • HONOKOA
      • KEALAIKAHIKI
      • KUNAKA/NAALAPA
      • CONCLUSION
      • RAW INTERVIEWS
        • ROBERT (UNCLE BOBBY) LUʻUWAI
        • CJ ELIZARES
        • NOA EMMETT ALULI
        • KA ʻOHANA LUʻUWAI
        • N. ALULI, C. NEFF, K. BAKER & J. CHING
        • UNCLE LESLIE KULOLOIO
  • Kahoʻolawe Studies and Reports
    • Ka Lāhui Hawaʻi 30 Kēkēmapa 1875 ʻAoʻAo 3 - KA HUAKAʻI ALIʻI A Kalani Mōʻīi Davida Kalākaua Ma nā Hono a Piʻilani.
    • Archaeology of Kahoʻolawe
    • Kahoʻolawe Place Names
    • Na Wahi Pana O Kahoʻolawe
    • A Local History of Kahoʻolawe
    • Kahoʻolawe Water Resources
    • Water Resources on the Island of Kahoʻolawe
    • Geology and ground-water resources of the islands of Lanai and Kahoolawe, Hawaii
    • Kahoʻolawe: Restoring a Cultural Treasure
  • Donate to the ʻOhana
  • Other Kahoʻolawe Island Conveyance Commission Reports
  • He Haliʻa Aloha no Noa Emmett Aluli

The protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana OPENS the 40th makahiki season on Kaho‘olawe. LONOIKAMAKAHIKI!

12/2/2020

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An update from Moʻolono C.M. Kaliko Baker:

​LONOIKAMAKAHIKI!
LONOIKAMAKAHIKI!
LONOIKAMAKAHIKI!

Welina ke aloha e ka ʻOhana.

After careful planning and consideration of our ceremonies and safety, we were able to create protocols that not only ensured safe engagement, they also arguably lifted our ceremonial focus. Win–win for sure. Having SO MUCH aloha in getting us there was critical to our huakaʻi. Lono is fed and is bringing his kino lau to re-green Kanaloa Moku. Mahalo nui to everyone who contributed to us being on Kahoʻolawe to fulfill our kuleana Makahiki. It was certainly a collective effort.

I wanted to share a bit about our huakaʻi. Given that there were 17 participants, the work was a bit more for each individual than normal. We were able, nonetheless, to get everything prepared in a timely manner. Pictured below are the new ʻauamo and the first iteration of their stands. The lama was rescued by Tom some years back and he soaked it in his loʻi for a few months before he and Wendal had the 10+ inch in diameter log milled down. Craig took the lead on shaping and carving four kiʻi into the ʻauamo. One day, we hope that all the ʻOhana can meet them.
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Lama from Hawaiʻi Island, fashioned into ʻauamo to be used for ʻAha Makahiki.

Ultimately, the access went well because of all the planning, foresight, collective effort, and, of course, Lono's will for us to be there. Part of that effort was the tremendous food prep. D Mar led that effort and ran the kitchen. Kelvin managed the water. We had super ʻono grinds and clean water.

We learned a lot from this process. Makahiki will change moving forward because of what we learned. For example, pre-Makahiki video conferencing is critical to preparedness. Being mākaukau translates to better ceremonial focus.

Anyway, as we enter our fourth decade of Makahiki practice on Kahoʻolawe, we all wish you good health and prosperity. We plan to start planning our closing soon. We'll keep you in the loop.

Me ke aloha nō,
Kaliko.
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ʻAha Makahiki during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing, ceremony-appropriate face coverings, and a sequence of simultaneous hā in place of honi. Photo: Leimomi Wheeler
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Huakaʻi Ala Loa i Ahupū  - July 2020 Update

8/9/2020

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The Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana deemed a period of sabbatical for community huakaʻi due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was necessary for a few of our kua and critical support individuals to access the island to continue work on our Ala Loa. A small contingency of ten (10) participants accessed the island in the days during the recess of the inter-island travel quarantine rules. Unfortunately, their huakaʻi was abruptly interrupted by the eminent threat of Hurricane Douglas and the group evacuated from Kahoʻolawe two days earlier than planned. We are thankful that all participants returned to their homes safely. Continue reading for their full report.

Aloha ʻOhana,
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​We wanted to report back on our July huakaʻi to Ahupū. Group of ten went to Ahupū to reestablish camp.  Kitchen items, tools, and equipment items were purchased and transported to island.   Mahalo to the Ala loa crew for all their planning. Mahalo to the ʻohana for all their donations and pule during the fire recovery. 

Some highlights:
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Water catchment tank and Kitchen hale Hāweoikeaopili at Hakioawa, the ʻOhana's home base on Kahoʻolawe
Hakioawa
It was beautiful on the morning of Day 1. In between boats, a small crew was able to check camp. Water catchments were full and the  water looked clean.  Bathrooms were also clean and secure. The Spice Cabinet had no evidence of mice.  Kudos to Momi and the Hālau ʻŌhiʻa gang for leaving everything so tidy. Crew noticed heavy beach erosion in Hakioawa.
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Ahupū and Ahupūiki
Unsure of what to expect after the fire, the colors were amazing and it was exciting to see new growth. It appears that the fire was a smoldering one, burning low-lying brush and kiawe.

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We were able to set up camp, including tent to secure tools and push back the brush to create a  larger fire break; expanding the camp site.
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We were also able to visit the petroglyphs in Ahupūiki which was a great way to reconnect with the space.  On Day 2 we were able to do some ala loa work before having to break down camp and leave early due to Hurricane Douglass. We were able to flag about .5 mile and weed whack .25 mile.  It is noted that, in addition to Papakanui, Aikupau, and Kuheia, Ahupū is now set up as a hoʻomoana to serve as a field site with basic kitchen, work equipment, and lua to accommodate small group access. Ala loa trailheads are open to the east and west directions. Water conditions allowed unloading by zodiac to come close to shore.
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This huakaʻi  was rescheduled numerous times due to the pandemic. Everyone's safety and health was of utmost importance for this huakaʻi. Ala Loa crew drafted up some plans to maintain sanitation, social distancing, and plans of action in case someone from the group began to show symptoms.  It was trying at times to follow our safety plans.  We hope soon to have a meeting again to discuss this and the viability of this with larger community huakaʻi.  In the meantime, some things that we found that worked well:
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•       Uncle Kelʻs foot pump for our water jugs to dispense water
•       Numerous Hand Sanitizer Spray bottles at the bathroom, near water jugs, kitchen area, and so on.
•       Gloves for kitchen prep area
•        Wearing facemasks during boat transport 
•       Waterfall technique for Kapu Kai (Yeah Kahale!!!)

 Aloha ʻĀina, 
Jay Boy, Poʻokela, Kahale, Josh, Brutus, and Pearl
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HE WĀ HOʻOMAHA NŌ IA

6/22/2020

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The Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana has declared a Wā Hoʻomaha, a period of rest, for our huakaʻi to Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe. The Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana (ʻOhana) holds the utmost concern for the safety of our huakaʻi participants and our collective community that supports Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe and Aloha ʻĀina throughout our Pae ʻĀina ʻo Hawaiʻi. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ʻOhana has made the difficult decision to pause community huakaʻi through February 2021 or until further notice. The possible risk of exposure to participants while together on the island, as well as the potential for participants to expose their own ʻohana and home communities is too great to ignore. Our Lāhui has a history of disproportionate rates of infection and mortalities due to widespread disease. We must be makaʻala and continue to assess the potential dangers of the current pandemic.
As we move through the current time of change, we would like to urge everyone to take this time to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities. We encourage our broader ʻOhana to continue to hold space and pule for Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe and Aloha ʻĀina. We also encourage everyone to seek out Aloha ʻĀina opportunities in your own communities. Please remain safe and healthy, remember to care for our kūpuna and our ʻohana. The Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana reaffirms our commitment to Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe. We look forward to welcoming our extended ʻohana back on the island when it is deemed safe. I ola Kahoʻolawe, I ola ka lāhui, I ola kākou. Aloha.
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"Ka Hae Nani ʻo Hawaiʻi, E Mau Kona Welo ʻAna" - A Story of Hope

3/12/2020

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This Hae Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Flag, was left in Ahupū by our Ala Loa Crew in September 2019 to mark the camp they established there. The flag remarkably survived the recent fire unscathed. (Image: Poʻokela Hanson)
A recollection by Poʻokela Hanson, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana Kua

"To watch Kaho’olawe burn & not able to do anything was hard to stomach. This weekend, the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana was able to access the island to assess the damages caused by #KahoolaweFire. A small group of us were able to go, by zodiac, to Ahupū, the location of the newest Ala Loa field camp. As we approached Ahupū, Syd Boy (Kawahakui) Uncle Kel (Ho) & I imagined the worst.
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When we landed on shore, we got out of the zodi & quietly walked about our separate ways to assess the aftermath of the fire. Walking around the trail & our camp, I began to think about the equipment, progress we made the last time we were here, & the setbacks we would experience as a result of the fire. As I approached the area where our gear & equipment was stored, I noticed all that was left of our supply tent was damaged gear (weed whackers, chainsaws, cooking equipment, & work supplies). I was disheartened, to say the least. My eyes shifted quickly to the location where I recall us leaving raised on a PVC pipe, our beloved Hae Hawaiʻi, our Hawaiian Flag. What I saw was awe-striking: In the grass, intact, & right at the base of where the fire stopped, laid our Hae Hawaiʻi! Such an amazing hō’ailona & incredible thing to witness. The reaction of Syd & Uncle Kelvin when we brought the flag home to Hakioawa was even more memorable.
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The resolve & strength of our ‘Ohana and Lāhui is represented by this flag. As we struggle to protect our culture & home, images like this will forever be cemented in my heart because it serves as a reminder of our pride & resiliency as a lāhui. Just like our kūpuna, we refuse to be erased from history. This symbol of pride, unity, & strength will be remembered forever. Honor the people that came before us, take care of each other, & love one another until the last aloha ʻāina.
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We may remember this flag as the one that graced the backdrop as Po and the 4 Fathers (@po4fathers on Instagram) blessed us with their voices in the #Jam4MaunaKea rendition of Liko Martinʻs composition, "All Hawaiʻi Stand Together." In these trying times, let's all remember the lyrics of this mele: Hawaiʻi loa, kū like kākou, kūpaʻa me ka lōkahi..." All of Hawaiʻi, stand together. Stand firm in unity."
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The Ala Loa must continue. To the hundreds of people that set their pōhaku on this path, we need your kōkua now more than ever. Donations of any sort will help the ʻOhana replace the damaged equipment needed to complete the Ala Loa. Please visit http://charity.gofundme.com/kahoolawefire to make a donation. You may also visit at @kahoolawe on Instagram to learn about other opportunities to kōkua recovery efforts. We understand these are difficult times for many in the face of global events. Sharing this story with others, your experience on Kahoʻolawe, or spreading our value of aloha ʻāina is also a valuable contribution.
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Your continued pule & aloha is appreciated. Aloha ʻĀina, Aloha Kahoʻolawe, E ola Kanaloa! ​"
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Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana 2019 Annual Report

3/3/2020

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Mahalo nui to the following participants of 2019 Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana huakaʻi:
  • KUPU
  • Ka Papa Loʻi ʻo Kānewai
  • Kiaʻi Kanaloa (UH Mānoa)
  • ʻAha Hui ʻO Hawaiʻi (UH Mānoa Richardson School of Law)
  • Mililani High School
  • Manuhealiʻi ʻOhana
  • Makena Resort
  • Hawaiian Canoe Club
  • Honolulu Community College
  • Gellert-Collins ʻOhana
  • Hale Kōkua
  • Waimānalo Limu Hui
  • UH Hilo
  • Hawaiʻi Community College
  • Kaiser Medical Center Doctors
  • HAAS
  • Andrade-Bertelman ʻOhana
  • UH Mānoa Ethnic Studies
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Slowing Kahoʻolawe Fire Has Two Heads: One To Hakioawa and One Mauka Heading Back to Honokanaiʻa

2/27/2020

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Image 1: Aerial photograph taken Thursday morning of the fire line on Kahoʻolawe. Image courtesy of Poʻokela Hanson.
Kanaloa-Kaho‘olawe - At 8:01 am this morning, February 27, 2020, four members of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana (ʻOhana) safely landed by zodiac in Hakioawa. Initial observations from this morning’s aerial survey (Image 1) of the island indicated that the fire on Kahoʻolawe has two heads: one near Kuheia progressing northeast toward the base camp of the ʻOhana at Hakioawa, and one heading southwest back toward Honokanaiʻa. 
The primary goal of ‘Ohana members accessing Kaho‘olawe is to create a fire break around our primary structures - a traditionally-constructed hale, a pavilion, storage areas, and water tanks - as the fire continues to head north toward the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana base camp in Hakioawa. The roof of the hale has been sprayed with water and the surrounding area cleared of debris in an effort to create a fire break and prevent the structure from catching fire (Image 2).
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Image 2: On Thursday February 27, 2020 a small group of ʻOhana members prepare a traditional hale for potential fire spread to Hakioawa by spraying the pili grass (Heteropogon contortus) roof with water (left) and clearing the area of grass. Image by Luna Kekoa.
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Image 3: A potential firebreak is created around Nāmakapili, our traditionally-constructed hale pili, by weed whacking invasive vegetation surrounding the hale. Image by Luna Kekoa.
​As the Hakioawa base camp has been twice cleared of unexploded ordnance to a depth of four feet, and the structures are close to the ocean, it is hoped that fire buckets might be able to be deployed to protect the structures. We continue to encourage the public to pule, focus on strong prayer, with us.
PULE FOR RAIN
He ua lā, he ua 
A rain, a rain

He ua pi‘i mai
A rain travels inland

Noenoe hālau,
Covering the hālau in mist

Hālau loa o Lono
The long hālau of Lono 

Ō lono ‘oe
Listen!

This is an excerpt of a traditional pule, as provided by Kīhei de Silva, available here.
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Image 3: Dr. Clay Traurnicht (@claytrau on Twitter) of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Natural Resource Environmental Management (NREM) Wildland Fire Cooperative Extension network shares the first satellite images from Sentinel 2 from February 25, 2020. Last night's #SuomiNPP shows the fire slowing down, custom script by Pierre Markuse (@Pierre_Markuse).
The ʻOhana acknowledges the KIRC’s diligence in assessing the current situation on the island and has been working closely with KIRC staff to mitigate damages to structures, archaeological features, and restoration areas. The ʻOhana’s access to Hakioawa this morning would have not been possible without the support of the KIRC staff who graciously went above and beyond their duties.

More Information


The Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana is a grassroots organization dedicated to the island of Kaho‘olawe with a vision of Aloha ‘Āina and the mission to perpetuate Aloha ‘Aina throughout our islands by means of cultural, educational, and spiritual activities that heal and revitalize the bio-cultural resources of Kaho‘olawe. In our work to heal Kaho‘olawe, from ranching (1858-1910; 1918-1952) and military use (1941-1993), we strengthen our relationship and pay respect to elemental phenomena connected to land.

To donate to the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana visit: www.protectkahoolaweohana.org

​For conversations relevant to the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana on social follow: @kahoolawe (IG); @protectkahoolaweohana (FB)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana Announces Call to Action:Pule, Alert and Positive Reflections for the Current Kaho‘olawe Fire

2/25/2020

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Kanaloa-Kaho‘olawe - Kaho‘olawe is a sacred island that in modern times has served as a foundation for the revitalization of Hawaiian cultural practices. On the morning of Saturday, February, 22, 2020, a brushfire started on the southwest end of the island (Kealaikahiki - Honokanaiʻa). Since then, over 5,400 acres have been burned by the fire. As of this afternoon, Tuesday, February 25, the fire continues to consume the island.
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Image 1: Taken by Kai Hudgins of the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, resident of Kōhala on Hawai‘i Island, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 3:15PM. Black areas indicate burn areas or fire scars on the landscape of Kaho‘olawe.
Craig Neff, a Senior Advisor of the Protect Kahoʻolawe ‘Ohana (ʻOhana) and owner of “The Hawaiian Force” in Hilo stated, “As the extended family for Kaho‘olawe for the past 44 years,  we have kept the spirit of the land alive through our cultural and spiritual practices and clearing the island of invasive species and healing her natural resources. Now, our ‘Ohana feels like our ʻhome’ is on fire. We call upon the public to focus on pule, strong prayer, to provide rain for the island.” 
This call is rooted in the practices of Hawaiian ancestors who historically composed rain chants. “We are especially focused on manifesting the abundant rains, known as Nāulu,” declares Dr. Kaliko Baker, a leader of Makahiki ceremonies with the ʻOhana and an assistant professor of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language. Nāulu is a rain cloud that forms on Maui in the uplands of ʻUlupalakua and has carried rain to Kahoʻolawe from historic times to present (Image 2).
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Image 2: The Nāulu rain cloud formation, by Anela Evans, from the water looking towards Kaho‘olawe. Naulu can be seen connecting Honua‘ula, Maui with Honua‘ula, Kaho‘olawe. The rain bridge is distinct, and can be seen year round but has reduced over the years due to deforestation on Maui and Kaho‘olawe. Reforestation efforts in both locations are underway.
An example of such a rain chant, as shared by Dr. Baker, is “No Leialoha”. This chant comes from Kamapua‘a, a demi-god, who calls for his sister Leialoha to bring rain down on to the earth, this rain form is called Nāulu. 
NO LEIALOHA
‘O ka haka lei o Paoa,
Ō Māhele ana ka ua me ka lā ē,
E iho e iho mai ana ta ua i lalo nei,
E ka pūnohu nui o ‘Ikuā,
Ka‘alewa ka ua koko!
Po a Kama a ka po i hana ai,
He ‘ino nou, he pa ‘a ia, he pa ‘a ai!
E uli ē, ma hea ke ala!?” 
“In Hawaiian traditions, fire is viewed as instrumental in creating new lands and life as well as purging or cleansing the land of elements that are unnecessary. It is an essential part of the life cycle and serves to catalyze new growth and activity,” notes ‘Ohana member ‘Ānela Evans of Lāna‘i. 
Dr. Davianna McGregor, ‘Ohana member and professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa acknowledges both the negative and positive impacts of fire. “Our immediate concern about the fire is the destruction of infrastructure, traditional hale, water catchments and tanks, storage units, equipment and supplies that will be costly to replace,” said McGregor. “At the same time, we can foresee the positive impacts of the fire - the clearing of invasive species, the revelation of archaeological sites, opening up the coastal area for an Ala Loa or around the island trail that has already taken 10 years to clear. We can build upon the remnants of the fire and move forward.” 
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Image 3: Dr. Clay Traurnicht (@claytrau on Twitter) of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Natural Resource Environmental Management (NREM) Wildland Fire Cooperative Extension network identifies extent of previous fire reach, or fire scars, on Kaho‘olawe to provide understanding about where the fire is burning and where it may weaken. Fires are currently burning over areas where they were recorded in 2002-2003.
The fire is reportedly being fueled by bio-masses of grass that are invasive to Hawai‘i. Currently, one physical structure that is utilized by the ‘Ohana during volunteer and cultural accesses has been consumed by the fire as of 4:00 PM today Tuesday February 25, 2020. The brushfire is hoped to cease once it reaches the hardpan, a dense layer of soil that is impervious to water. The hardpan provides for a natural fire break on the landscape (Image 3) and a physical separation from Hakioawa, the basecamp for the ʻOhana on the northeast end of Kaho‘olawe. While natural firebreaks are present to help reduce the spread of the fires impact, members of the ‘Ohana remain vigilant.
The next visual assessment by Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission staff and ‘Ohana members will occur on Thursday, February 27, 2020. We also ask our community to keep the health and well-being of the members of the Maui Fire Department and the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission staff and all monitoring the fire in our thoughts.
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Image 4: Preparing a canoe for launch into Kealaikahiki channel in 2007 next to Kuhike‘e. This area has already been impacted by the fire. Image by Momi Wheeler.
The protocol for brush fires on Kaho‘olawe is for total evacuation due to remaining threats of surface and subsurface unexploded ordnance, also known as UXO. UXO may also be exposed by the fire. Members of the ‘Ohana are trained to identify ordnance, report sightings, and steer volunteers clear of marked areas. 
Evans of Lāna‘i shares, “we appreciate our community’s willingness to kōkua and we mahalo those who have reached out to offer resources. At this time, the ‘Ohana is focusing our efforts on manifesting rains to squelch the brushfire and re-green our beloved island in conjunction with our overall mission to heal the land. While the landscape consumed by the fire may be left scorched, the rich cultural and historical significance of these special places will always remain.”
Kealaikahiki, where the brushfire originated, is home to cultural sites actively used by the ʻOhana for the Closing Makahiki ceremony. Kealaikahiki is tied to ancient voyaging traditions and is home to a navigational compass known as Kuhike‘e. Wayfinders, voyagers, and those in-training from around the Pacific have gathered to study navigation and train in contemporary times at Kealaikahiki on Kuhike‘e (Image 4). The voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a and the Polynesian Voyaging Society have commenced many of their journeys to and from the South Pacific at Kealaikahiki where the fires have cleared the land of brush.
Other culturally and historically significant resources in the fire-impacted areas include old-growth maʻo (Gossypium tomentosum, an at-risk, endemic cotton) fields at Kealaikahiki, Honokoʻa, where Kalākaua journeyed to cleanse himself when ascending the throne, and Puʻu Moiwi, an ancient lua koʻi, or adze quarry.

More Information

The Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana is a grassroots organization dedicated to the island of Kaho‘olawe with a vision of Aloha ‘Āina and the mission to perpetuate Aloha ‘Aina throughout our islands by means of cultural, educational, and spiritual activities that heal and revitalize the bio-cultural resources of Kaho‘olawe. In our work to heal Kaho‘olawe, from ranching (1858-1910; 1918-1952) and military use (1941-1993),  we strengthen our relationship and pay respect to elemental phenomena connected to land. 

Audio for “NO LEIALOHA” provided in attachment and is chanted by Dr. Kaliko Baker. 

To donate to the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana visit: www.protectkahoolaweohana.org

For conversations relevant to the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana on social follow:
@kahoolawe (IG); @protectkahoolaweohana (FB)

Media contact:
Dr. Davianna McGregor, 808-222-9728
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Six schools join together to solve Kaho'olawe problems through Mathematics

2/16/2020

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Hawaiʻi Department of Education hosted the 2020 Math Challenge on Saturday, February 15 at Kapiʻolani Community College.  Specialists from Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, Office of Hawaiian Education, and local innovation non-profit Education Incubator partnered to host a place-based, project-based learning day focused on helping to solve challenges related to Kahoʻolawe. Students from Waimea, Molokai, Kapolei, Farrington, Aiea, and Castle High School worked on solving problems that were connected to the island using design thinking and mathematical practices.

"Getting young people involved in solving authentic challenges we face, using their skills of public speaking and activating tools in science and math -- that is how we help answer the question ʻWhen will I ever need to know his?ʻ, which we so often hear in our schools. Building towards a thriving Kahoʻolawe leads to a thriving Hawaiʻi, which leads to a thriving planet."
Miki Tomita, Education Incubator.


They were able to think of ways to help control invasive plants and mice, use nets to collect moisture, plant Ohia trees to improve soil quality, and spread the word about the struggles facing Kaho'olawe to a wider audience.  The ideas shared not only affected the students involved, but the teachers and administrators that attended. 

​"Preparing the next generation with the passion for our natural environment and the skills to care for its future is critical to ensure the work our generation has started is carried forward."
Michael Naho'opi'i, Executive Director, Kaho'olawe Island Rese
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HIDOE Superintendent praises PKO, Island Style Math Challenge

9/16/2019

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Huakaʻi Update - 2019 ʻAukake

8/28/2019

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An update from our Huakaʻi i Kanaloa-Kahoʻolawe participants from the month of August 2019.

Aloha ʻOhana,

We wanted to report back on our manaful August huakaʻi with UH Hilo/HawCC and Waimanalo Limu Hui - such a great exchange of knowledge, laughter, and connections made.

Highlights:
  • Aha at Rain Koa Naʻulu
  • Sharing of Hei
  • Observing Ali Ho and Koi Lorance taking on more kuleana this huakaʻi
  • Learning more about ala loa and practices around building trail
  • Melia and Pono Kaʻakua first time on island
  • Mist at Moa Ulu Nui
  • Kanikapila sesh in the evenings
  • Providing food that we had grown or harvested every day​
Hōʻailona
Kanaloa was happening! Iwa were everywhere! Good amount of iʻa too. The first iʻa caught was returned to Kanaloa. The Poʻo and Hiʻu of our largest ʻōmilu were placed on the kūʻula ʻAiʻai and the upright pōhaku below the traditional Hale Mua respectively. J-Boy made sure that we (Koi and Kalama) took care of this kuleana.
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Mist covered the hike from beginning of planting area to Moa Ula Nui. Hikers were cooled by the clouds

ʻAha at our Rain Koʻa Naulu were manaful! Hoʻokupu ʻAwa were presented along with our Pule ʻAwa and Hula - Ke Welina: kipa ʻia ke kapa ka noe - visited by a veil of mist. As these hoʻokupu were offered to Kāne, Kanaloa, and Kamohoaliʻi the kapa kanoe established the kapu space for this ʻaha focusing pule to Kahoʻolawe.

28 Wai from the Pae ʻĀina o Hawaiʻi from Ka Hoʻi Wai a Kanaloa, Waimānalo Limu Hui, and PKO were presented at the Rain Koʻa Naulu. Hahai nō ka ua i ka ululāʻau - Rain always follow the forest. 41 kanaka formed the forest and brought the wai from their ʻāina bringing water to back Kanaloa.

Puʻuhonua o Waimānalo - Limu Hui
Kahaluʻu, Kona - Malia Kīpapa
Olaʻaloa, Hawaiʻi - Kaiʻanui
Keaʻau, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Drew
Kaluaʻa/Waiʻeli, Oʻahu - Taz
Puʻu Pūʻowaina, Oʻahu - Alliya
Keaʻau, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Kaylyn
Wākiu, Hāna, Maui - Chris
ʻŌlaʻa, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Bruce
ʻŌlaʻa, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Lei
Waikahekaheiki, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Isaac
ʻŌlaʻa, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Allie
Keaʻau, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Kamalani
Kailua, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu - Tamara
ʻŌlaʻa/Keaʻau, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Lihiwai
Kaiholena, Kāwā, Kaʻū - Shari
Panaʻewa, Waiākea, Moku o Keawe - Uʻilani
Waiākea, Moku o Keawe - Kaoru
Piʻihonua, Hilo, Hawaiʻi - Mika
Kapuʻeuhi, Puna, Hawaiʻi - Koʻolani
Hulali, Kalaoa, Hawaiʻi
Waimānalo, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu (Wai Niu) - Pono Kaʻakua
Miloliʻi, Kauaʻi - ʻOhana Ho;
Kahaluʻu, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu (Ua Pōʻaihale) - Kasha and Prentice
Kahaluʻu, Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu (Wai kahawai) - ʻOhana Chock
Pālolo, Kona, Oʻahu (Ua Lililehua) - ʻOhana Chock
Lilinoe - ʻOhana Chock
Waiau - Melia Kaʻakua (ʻOhana Neff)



Wai from Waimānalo came in ʻOhe. Wai from Ka Hoʻi Wai a Kanaloa came in an Ipu. Wai poured from the ipu came down in columns like the koʻiaweawe. Wai from niu was also poured by our youngest male Pono Kaʻakua and our youngest of the ʻohana, Melia Kaʻakua had the honor of presenting Wai from Waiau from Aunty Luana. This wai was in its own special Ipu, which whistled the entire ceremony.
After all wai were offered, Uilani Naipo, performed the hula ʻO Kaneokūkapao, depicting the movement of wai and called for the waters presented move to build the water table of Kanaloa, Kahoʻolawe. As the hui offered the final Oli - E Iho ana o luna, and the last Pū sounded the kapa ka noe had lifted.

At kau ka lā i ka lolo, upon Moa Ula ʻIki we were joined by our hoa from KIRC: Lyman, his ʻohana, and Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The 2 hui that mālama Kahoʻolawe, the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana and the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission held our sacred spaces on Kahoʻolawe, Moa ʻUla ʻIki. The view from Moa Ula ʻIki was epic. Each Mokupuni and their Mauna and their clouds were prominent. Hula and ʻOli for Kanaloa were performed as well as a Siva for Moa Ula were performed.

Drawing our sacred spaces together, The hei, ʻO Wākea noho iā Papahānaumoku… taught to us by the hui Ka Hoʻi Wai a Kanaloa, was performed toward all our mauna. Standing on Moa Ula and facing Haleakalā, Kamakou, Lānaʻihale, Kaʻala, Waiʻaleʻale, Puʻuwai, Mauna Kea. The same story the same fight. The common tie that brings us all together is our connection and relationship to ʻāina and our deep aloha for it. Aloha ʻĀina brings us together.


Limu Observations
Waiamanalo Limu Hui found 5 limu present in Hakio’awa bay: Wawahiwa’a, Hauula , Kala, Kohu and Puha. Most were found on the side banks as the interior of the bay is covered in sediment making it hard for lmu to grow there. Also found limu hauʻula floating in the shore.
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Kitchen Upgrades

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Led by Dean Crowell, Waimanalo Limu Hui assisted with kitchen renovations which included new drying rack, small prep table, and a staging bench for the coffee and hot water containers. Mahalo to KIRC for providing and staging the lumber and July group for getting ball rolling.
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Per July Kua suggestions added bumpers to wire rack for coolers, found them from beach clean up.
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Also tried to level under the action packers under the large tables to help with taking them out - perhaps next group can troubleshoot that more

Bokashiʻd all the luas and the compost. Recommend to start to use new compost pile and continue to cover at the end of each huakai. KIRC will be checking concerns regarding lua.

Water Catchment

Hawaii Island side catchment tank water was very green with algae growth. Treated with 1 cup clorox on Day 1, 2 additional cups clorox on Day 2: saw some improvement of green color (photos for reference).

Because of algae growth, we connected the filter to the Lanai side catchment tank. Water filter that was used (new) in July was producing bright green water (that came into the filter clear). Switched it out for a new filter. It started out fine, but decreased water flow through the filter throughout the day, and by Day 2 was only dripping. Conducted some troubleshooting of the water filter and got it to function again, but still slowly (~30 mins to fill one water jug). We took the water filter off island for Kelvin Ho to troubleshoot. Recommend installing a pre-filter screen/hose filter to prevent sediment buildup in the filter.
Added Y splitter to Lanai side for option to use catchment for both filter and washing dishes.
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Photo: Morning of Departure, picture of water from catchment


Aloha ʻĀina,
JBoy, Josh, Kasha, Kalama, and Pearl
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