Today we had two guest speakers, Ka'umealani and Kamoa'e from La'ie. They talked about the idea of accomplishing a goal. Some other things they talked about was traditional navigation. Ka'umealani is a teacher at Kahuku Kula Kaiapuni and Kamoa'e is a Hawaiian Language professor at BYU Hawai'i. He also sails on the Wa'akaulua Iosepa. They both taught us Hawaiian language as well as traditional navigation techniques using the stars, moon, waves, sun, birds and wind. They stressed the importance of navigating our world through a Hawaiian lens and worldview.
Today we went to Waimanalo Gulch located in Kapolei. We learned that most of their waste is burned and given to H- Power to create electricity for the island. Waimanalo Gulch was established in 1980. When we took our tour around the area, we didn't expect it to be like that because it wasn't dirty like other landfills we know or think of. For our second stop, we went to PVT land company, there we learned that more than $3.5 million has been spent on dust mitigation projects alone including extensive landscaping with plants. The PVT recycling system is able to process up to 900 tons of feedstock per day. They are responsible for taking care of the construction waste. Our day at Hoa 'Aina o Makaha began as we gathered under the hale. There we shared a bit about our selves things such as our name, the land that we personally tie to and, the person that we carry with us. As our time in the hale concluded we were given a tour around the land; stopping at places found significant to our hosts. Our first stop of the tour was at the "piko" of Hoa 'Aina o Makaha. The piko consisted of various stones from visitors from all over the world. One of the stones that shared about was a piece of limestone brought from Italy, the land that Mr. Gigi personally ties to. As our tour came to an end, we broke up in to groups to work (hana). From cleaning up fallen leaves from the ulu tree (breadfruit), to raking flowers to clean out the ahupua'a model and, even pulling dead leaves off of the sugarcane. The hard work that was done was our ticket to lunch. Our two hour lunch consist, pizza, fruit salad, ice cream and, salad. Everything that was consumed was made by us. As our day at Hoa 'Aina o Makaha came to end we chanted (oli) to show our respect and gratitude.
Today’s adventure was broken up into three parts all in which we were able to explored our own ‘ahupua`a. Our day began at Lyman Ranch a private owned property located at the base of our surrounding mountains. There we were greeted by Uncle Eric Enos who then educated us of the cultural structures and uses of that piece of land. Structures such as an ‘ahu (altar) and acres of what was once (‘uala) sweet potatoes mounds. As we hiked to where we ideally thought the ‘ahu was we were surrounded by the majestic mountains that make up our valley. Although we were unsuccessful in finding the ‘ahu being in an area of such cultural purpose was fulfilling. As lunch approached we headed down to Zubland’s for some water quality testing. Sampling both water from the ocean and Honiniwai (commonly known as “Stink Pond”), we tested both samples for pH, conductivity and, salinity. We also had the opportunity to plant kulekule and, pohinahina to the left side of the marsh-like pond. Clearing, the invasive pickleweed to extend the cleared plot there that will be used for future planting. As our time at Zubland’s ended we ended our day at Nanakuli ranch. There we joined in a circle and reflected on what was once in our valley and our personal thoughts for what the future holds. Although, beforehand we took into consideration that although visual we could not see any water multiple large monkeypod trees flourished. |