(An update by Miki Tomita and students from University Lab School, O‘ahu)

Recently, we had the privilege to participate in a focus group to envision what the future of Kahoʻolawe might be through a process that explored our own personal relationships and experiences with the Island and each other.


During the different stages of the focus group discussions and activities, we all learned many things and got to know people; some people we already knew, but we got to know them better.   We really enjoyed starting with “Guts on the Table”, where we shared deeply of ourselves; as the day progressed, we worked with one partner exclusively and shared much of our thoughts and ideas with them.  At the end of the day, we shared everything we had built based on our partnerʻs visions and ideas, and they shared what they interpreted and learned from us.  “I learned more about myself through someone elseʻs eyes.” -Baylee J.  


Becoming part of this process was harder for some of us because of a lack of personally experiencing the Kahoʻolawe journey; however, it was interesting to hear about other peopleʻs experiences, and soon everyone was sharing ideas of what is important and special about Kahoʻolawe. “It was interesting to hear someoneʻs experiences of Kahoʻolawe even though they have never been there.” - Joey C.


We learned what others think about Kahoʻolawe and shared our thoughts on the island and our relationship to it; we learned deep things about ourselves and others; and we learned a unique history of Kahoʻolawe through everyoneʻs different experiences.   It was very moving to hear about what others hold sacred and the deep emotion that people feel when they talk about the Island.  “When another group member said: ʻYou see the sunrise every day but on Kahoʻolawe it is different because it hasnʻt changed for hundreds of yearsʻ, I felt it too.” -Kailee R.


Our groups were made up of high school and college students, teachers and other education professionals, a mother and daughter, cultural practitioners and experts on Kahoʻolawe, and a local government official.  It was cool to see how our alumni could participate in this process too, through Google Hangout video-conferencing.  It showed us that people near and far can experience and contribute to the future of Kahoʻolawe.


We are grateful for being involved in this process to continue the healing and restoration of Kahoʻolawe, and to envision the future of the sacred and beautiful island.

To view a recent news article and video about the 2026 Strategic Planning for Kaho‘olawe, click here.

Our Ala Loa team has been working hard to continue building the path that will eventually circumnavigate the entire island of Kanaloa-Kaho‘olawe.  We realize that this dream is a huge feat, and with the kōkua of our many volunteers from various community and school groups, we continue to push towards our goal of a beautiful path so that our generations to come may carry Lono in the traditional Makahiki circuit.  

So far, here is what we've been able to accomplish:

• approximately 1.4 miles of Ala Loa from Lae Pakī towards Honoko‘a
• approximately .75 miles of Ala Loa from Kūheia towards Papaka
• approximately 1.28 miles of Ala Loa from ʻIwi Koholā towards Kuikui

We appreciate everyone's hard work and good mana and we are so proud of all of the work thus far.  Here are some photos that were taken while working on the Ala Loa during recent huaka‘i.  Check back for more updates in the future!

The 'Ohana would like to send out a sincere thanks to all of our supporters who attended our fundraiser this past Sunday evening.  We are happy to say it was a great success and an awesome night with good people and excellent music for an amazing cause!  We now have funding for Mahakiki closing in late February, continued Ala Loa work, supplies for our new kitchen structure in Hakioawa, as well as other 'Ohana activities.
Mahalo to all of our sponsors who graciously donated door prizes and silent auction items:

Hawaiian Force
Po Mahina
Live Laugh Aloha
Keli‘i Beyer
Lauren & Holly
Sunset Surf Sales
Hi'ilei Kawelo
Kasha Ho
Nā Haumāna O Ko‘olauloa
Kealoha Hoe
Hale Kealoha-Ai Pono
Polynesian Voyaging Society
Kat Ho & Nā Pali Coast ‘Ohana
Kava Kine
Candy Diaz
Dawson Technical
Uncle Bobby Luuwai & The Lu‘uwai ‘Ohana
Pomaika‘i Freed of Pā Ola Hawai‘i
Hawaiʻi's Finest Clothing
Oʻahu Grown Clothing
Mike Nahoopii
Mailelaulii Maii
Martha Evans
Mamoliʻi Productions
Ricky Pa

For select photos from the event, check out the ‘Ohana Facebook page.  Thank you again to all for your support and for helping the 'Ohana further our mission of aloha ‘āina!

(Hakioawa, Kaho‘olawe)  The Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana is grateful to Senator Daniel Ken Inouye for his contributions leading to the return and healing of Kanaloa Kaho‘olawe.  

The following Mele Kupuna, Ancestral Chant, was composed in 1992 to honor Senator Inouye and pay homage to his ancestors.  It was chanted by Kika Nohara for Senator Inouye to enter and sit upon the Mua Haʻi Kūpuna, Kahualele (Monument in Honor of the Ancestors) on the bluff at Hakioawa during E Kahoʻolawe, E Hoʻomau ana hou i ka Mauli Ola, the August 1992 ceremony of healing for Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe.

NO KANIELA KEN INOUYE
by Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele

On October 22, 1990 President George Bush ordered the halt to all ordnance delivery exercises on Kahoʻolawe. Later that year, when Senator Inouye, then-Congressman Daniel K. Akaka, and others passed the military appropriations, it was with the provision that none of the military monies could be spent on ordnance-related exercises on Kahoʻolawe.  They also set up the Kahoʻolawe Island Conveyance Commission (KICC) to make recommendations to the U.S. Congress as to the future use of the island.  

The ceremony in Hakioawa on August 16, 1992 brought together kūpuna from each island and major decision-makers.  Over ‘awa, each leader pledged to do all in his or her power to protect and heal the island for the future.  Included were U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Congressman Neil Abercrombie, Governor John Waiheʻe, III, with his young son, John Waihe‘e, IV, and Hawaiʻi Senator Mālama Solomon; and OHA Trustees A. Frenchy DeSoto, Thomas Kaulukukui and Abraham Aiona.  Senator Daniel Akaka and Congresswoman Patsy Mink sent representatives.

The recommendations of the KICC and the commitments made at this healing ceremony led to the return of Kaho‘olawe to the people of Hawai‘i in May 1994.  Senator Inouye secured $400 million over the next 10 years for clean-up and remediation.

Mahalo Senator Daniel K. Inouye for your contributions to heal Kanaloa Kahoʻolawe.  

Aloha a hui hou . . . until we meet again upon the pathway to Kahiki Moe.

Click here to download the official press release.

Join the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana for an evening filled with friendship, music, and lots of fun as we raise funds to support the PKO and their efforts in the restoration of Kanaloa-Kaho‘olawe.  
This fundraiser promises to be a night of good fun with a entertainment lineup that promises not to disappoint -- Konahuanui, comprised of PKO kua, Ernie Cruz, Jr., the ‘Awa Root Band, and more!
We will also have raffle prizes, a silent auction, and a country store featuring new and exclusive PKO gear, gear from the Hawaiian Force, smoked meat, and lots of other goodies.  
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from ‘Ohana members or by clicking on this link.  This is a 21 & over event.  Free valet parking fronting Aloha Beer Company.  We look forward to seing you there!

Our community volunteer access for September 2012 took place on September 20-23 with volunteers from Prince Kūhiō Hawaiian Civic Club, University of Hawa‘i at Mānoaʻs Kōkua A Puni office, and University of Hawai‘i at Mānoaʻs Ethnic Studies 221 students of Professor Davianna McGregor.  We had a great access in which volunteers worked extremely hard to expand, clear, and build our Ala Loa further towards Kuikui Point.  Here is a short video for everyone to enjoy!

Mahalo to Wahine‘aipōhaku Tong for filming and editing this video documenting our July 2012 Huaka‘i to Hakioawa, Kanaloa-Kaho‘olawe with ‘Ahahui O Nā Kauka.

The theme and focus for this particular huaka‘i was 'Ai Pono, Ola Pono - healthy eating, healthy living.  The purpose was to strengthen the connection between healthy local food systems and improved health and wellness outcomes for clinicians.