Auwahi

It's been awhile updating the blog and much has happened since February. As usual, we have been busy working and surfing. In between that, I've also been dealing with some minor health issues which included anemia and fatigue but all's well now and hope to start getting back into shape and doing some down wind paddling next week.

And then there was the Merrie Monarch last month.....as always, many late nights preparing before, then enjoying seeing old friends and meeting new ones there at the craft show. Mahalo to everyone who stopped to see us there.

Today we had a fun time with the kaikamahine and parents of Halau Kekuaokala'au'ala'iliahi making puniu. It makes us feel good to see how happy the keiki (and parents) are to have completed a challenging project to end up with something they can use and treasure. We wish them good luck at Keiki Hula in July!!

Yesterday we had the opportunity to do some planting up at Auwahi. Where once lived a thriving native dry land forest is now dry pasture with many invasive plants and animals.

In the photo above, you can see the dark green patches where the native reforestation efforts are taking place. The drive out to our destination was an adventure and the views spectacular.

Once there, we put on our backpacks, picked up an 'o'o, plants and hand shovels and began our hike past the fence line and into the new forest. Our leaders pointed out special trees and plants, explaining the roles each will play in the forest, much to think about.

Some of the native plants: 'a'ali'i, 'ulei, koli'i, lama and 'alahe'e.

Kent and I were partners, he dug the holes with the 'o'o while I came in behind and planted. Our group consisted of a few canoe paddlers and the other group was the graduating Hawaiian Immersion class of Kekaulike High School.

Hele maua 'o Kent i ka papa 'olelo no laila, hau'oli no a'u i lohe ai i ka 'olelo ana o na 'opio. Kupaianaha maoli no.......

We had lunch under this 'ohi'a tree with the misty fog approaching. After a short rest it was time for a few more plantings before pau hana.

This turned out to be such a pleasant and fulfilling experience......one that we look forward to doing again and again. And I encourage anyone who can, to do the same.

For more information see Malama Koa.