Organization Details
A program of the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, a 501(c)3 non-profit. In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, pilina means “relationship,” and ʻāina means “land, earth, that which feeds us.” This inoa (name) reflects the growing direction and goals of the program as we adapt to the present and changing biocultural education needs of our Hawaiʻi communities. The piko (center) of Pilina ʻĀina is anchored in the idea of “I ola ʻoe, i ola mākou nei --- when you thrive, we all thrive,” and our mission is to cultivate ʻāina education opportunities through Hawaiʻi lifeways to nurture meaningful pilina that inspire a desire to live in reciprocity to ʻāina, steward place, and strengthen one’s community.
Working alongside the US Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, and the University of Hawaiʻi, Pilina ʻĀina works with Hawaiʻi island schools, teachers, and communities to provide immersive and empowering ʻāina-based learning opportunities and education resources that encourage, facilitate, and enhance student’s, teacher’s, and community relationships with ʻāina. These experiences, anchored in ʻāina and place, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, mālama and aloha ʻāina stewardship values, and Hawaiʻi culture, cultivate a deeper and personally transformative understanding of Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems as ʻohana and enable students, their families, teachers and other community members to fulfill their kuleana to these ʻāina through actively participating in restoration and conservation efforts. These experiences also provide enhanced secondary education and career preparedness for keiki as well as helping teachers to become community resources bridging the gap between academia and the wider community to foster shared kuleana (responsibility) for natural resources. The majority of our work centers on the ʻāina and rural communities of Hilo Palikū and North Kona/South Kohala in connection to the Laupāhoehoe and Puʻuwaʻawaʻa units of the Hawaiʻi Experimental Tropical Forests, as well as the ma uka forests of the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge.
Opportunity Details
WHERE: Puʻuwaʻawaʻa State Forest Reserve 71-1645 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kailua-Kona HI. Koa unit at base of Puʻu.
Driving directions can be found at this link. Pull up to the main gate on the right hand/Hualālai side of the entrance. Drive to automatic gate until it opens (it opens away from you). The hiker check-in station is the first building you will see as soon you get through the gate. Take the left at the first fork and park in the parking area.
WHEN: SATURDAY 9/14, 11/16, 12/14
Meet time: 8:45a - allow yourself this time to use the lua (bathroom) at the hiker check-in station, complete ROD decontamination for footwear/vehicles, and sign any needed waivers.
Space is limited to 25 people per event.
General Agenda:
9:00am Hoʻomālie opening protocol & aloha to place, Hoʻolauna (intro to place and people)
9:15am Leave hiker check-in to head to Koa unit
9:45am Arrive Koa Unit, Sharing of place, Hana (work) demonstration
10:15am Hana - Handweeding around native outplants & seed collecting
11:45am ʻAina Awakea (Lunch) & Moʻolelo
12:30pm Leave Koa site to return to hiker check-in
1:00pm Arrive back at hiker check-in, A hui hou!
Please call/text ʻAleʻa (808)938-6534 if you are running late. After ho'olauna, we will depart to the work site. We will likely ask you to jump into our 4x4 vehicle(s), so please be prepared to do so.
HANA (Work):
Hand weeding around native outplants to help with watershed restoration. Potential of seed collection for future restoration. Tools are provided. Feel free to bring your own pair of gloves.
WHAT TO BRING:
Plenty of water: a 5 gal. water cooler will be available for refills
Lunch: we encourage you to bring a pūpū/potluck item to share, if you're able to. If not, please make sure to have lunch or something to hold you over until 1pm depart time.
Snacks
Any needed medication (i.e., epipen)
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Rain gear
Attire: long-sleeved, light shirts & pants recommended
Sturdy hiking boots/shoes (closed-toe) are REQUIRED
Signed waivers (if possible) - Waiver Packet
**Those planning to bring babies may want to consider bringing a baby carrier.
Waivers will be sent to your email following your RSVP. Please sign and return waivers electronically prior to the event date, if possible. Signed waivers are required to participate in this event.
RSVP by Friday, 9/13 for Lā ʻOhana on Sep. 14th, 2024
RSVP by Wednesday, 11/13 for Lā ʻOhana on Nov. 16th, 2024
RSVP by Wednesday, 12/11 for Lā ʻOhana on Dec. 14th, 2024
*Please note, event dates may change in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Events may be canceled due to extenuating circumstances. Should you need to contact us further, please call/text, ʻAleʻa, Program Kākoʻo, at (808) 938-6534 or email us at tchange@hawaii.edu.
Feel free to share this invitation! Please bring along ʻohana and friends! We look forward to building pilina (relationship) with you as we aloha the dear ʻāina of Puʻuwaʻawaʻa through mālama (hands-on work).