This is the first in a series of HRHF blog posts aimed at combining western biological sciences with traditional Hawaiian knowledge as they relate to marine life on Kaua’i. With each blog, we will highlight a different fish, coral, or other marine animal, and explore the basic biology and cultural connection of that animal. Each blog provides a preview of …
Ka’analike (sharing ideas between cultures)
Recently, Hanalei River Heritage Foundation, Earth Law Center, and representatives from the World Indigenous University, Hawaii Pasifika got together to discuss our ongoing projects. Specifically, we discussed and presented on the Rights of Nature movement and how it might help Hawaii further environmental and cultural protection. Rights of nature can strengthen community involvement in environmental management and revitalize the traditional …
Visit to Hanalei 10-26-2020
Nana I Ke Kumu (Looking to the source) – As we re-establish our presence at Opukahi (Blackpot Beach) to continue work in the Hanalei Watershed, we are reminded about the importance of our connection to this area based on Imi Ike (the protocol of observation) and Hoihi (respecting kupuna). It is only fitting that our day started with a huakai …
Kupaa Kamawaelulani – Keauhou (new beginnings)
Keauhou (new beginnings) – the HANALEI River Heritage Foundation recently started a new project, Kupaa Kamawaelulani. For this project, we are taking a basic biodiversity & cultural inventory of various coves/waterways around Kauai and are developing an online educational tool that can be accessed by local schools to facilitate na haumana (students) understanding of the kai regions of the ahupuaa …
Haloa – Genealogy the foundation of learning Olelo
Eia mai ka manawa kupono no ka holomua ana i ka haawina olelo! Now is the right time to move forward with learning our beloved Hawaiian Language! We now sponsor a beginners class in Hawaiian Language Class on Monday’s at Hanalei Pavilion from 600 to 700 pm. There is no charge at this time for classes but gratuity is welcome, …
Pono? The Blackpot Comfort Station
1.6 million dollar bathroom installed at Blackpot Beach! No environmental and cultural assessment for a building that is sure to wash away in the next flood and is built in some of the most culturally significant and environmentally sensitive areas of our beloved Hanalei Bay. In other places like Florida and even on Oahu, they build bathrooms across the street …
Aina Hoopulapula – Konohiki Restoration Project
I spent the morning with our partner’s, The Konohiki Restoration Project in the aina uluwehi (lush valley) of Wainiha. With UA as the background sound, I was treated to mo’olelo of their journey as a community group working to restore aina to provide mea’ai for their community. Imua!
Keauhou – new beginnings in Hanalei Valley
Mahalo to the Alapai and Napolis Ohana from Hanalei Valley for sharing their moolelo (stories) about the impact of the floods and water diversions on their aina. Keauhou…..a new beginning, as we work with these ohana to restore their aina. One day we hope to see lo’i kalo and auwai flourishing again!
Kahena Wai – the flowing waters of Wainiha
We look forward to our next huaka’i with Konohiki and hosts, Ka’imi Hermosura and Mokuboi Puulei Chandler. Join us on March 18, 2020 as Konohiki (caretakers/chiefs) share their vision of restoring Auwai, Lo’i Kalo, and Aloha ‘Aina to the Wainiha Ahupua’a. Eo Wainiha!
Ho’omau – we endure and win!
Despite all the challenges of running a community non-profit in Hanalei, we “hoomau” (endure) and go with Plan B, if Plan A can’t happen. We return to work closely by the kai on our Waa Work Day to study about ocean conditions and make laulau at the same time. Mahalo to the Aloha Aina Warriors who continue to nalu, flow …