Dark clouds, but luckily no rain. Photo Credit: Grace Cajski
When folks arrived, we had some breakfast goodies laid out, and took about 20 minutes to begin the day in casual conversation before circling up to oli and introduce ourselves. Kapono explained E Ho Mai to the folks who did not know it, and together we offered to oli to Waikalua. Afterwards, the birds were singing right back to us. These are the songs of life, we said!
Learning E Ho Mai. Photo Credit: Grace Cajski
Everyone introduced themselves by their name and their group or who they are with today, as well as what they hoped to receive from this gathering. We heard: new people, learning, laulima, community, connection, free lunch, being outside, work, service, relationships, strength, restoration, malama, to be present, and more.
“Connecting with each other, connecting with place, makes it work more meaningful. So I would encourage you to find somebody you didn’t come with today and try to make a connection, make a connection. Introduce yourself, say hi, learn something about that person,” said Kapono before closing. “And definitely introduce yourself to the space even if you know the space well. Let the space introduce itself to you.”
Derek encouraged us all to walk out into the bay, because the tide was exceptionally low. It was remarkable, and only lasted for a moment before the sediments were covered with water once again.
Leon in the middle of the Bay! Photo Credit: Grace Cajski
Rare view of the mākāhā from the Bay. Photo Credit: Grace Cajski
The group split up to tackle the hana, trimming the milo along Kaneohe stream and the mauka side of the pond, removing rubbish, and removing mangrove. It was hard and satisfying work, and we closed out around 11 to hui up before the usual lunch. Everybody offered one word which they got out of the day: kilo, beauty, fun connecting proud pono endless happy, clear, self-sustaining, nice, balanced, peaceful, community, sustainable, pilina, kuleana, appreciation, refreshed, green, opportunity, fulfilled, progress, full, aloha, grateful…
Milo moving action. Photo Credit: Grace Cajski
Milo trimming action. Photo Credit: Grace Cajski
Mangrove removal action. Photo Credit: Grace Cajski
We closed out the circle encouraging the students in the group to apply to the Windward Youth Leadership Fund to support their communities and service work.
We also shared that folks should please save the date for an upcoming PAF gathering on Saturday May 9, 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Waikalua Loko Iʻa!
By the time we were back under the tents, the Mololani wind was pumping and we were cooling off from the morning sun.
