Members of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) visited Ulupō yesterday morning as a prelude to the convening of their organization's World Conservation Congress 2016 in Honolulu next September 1-10. They were met with oli, hula pahu, oratory, and ceremonial eating; with less-formal introductions to the Kawainui partner-organizations and agencies; and with a walking tour of our reclaimed lands on the marsh's edge. Members of the reception team pictured here include Lehuakona Isaacs (‘Ahahui Mālama i ka Lōkahi), Kaleomanu‘iwa Wong (Hika‘alani), Puakenamu Leong (Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima), and Māpuana and Kihei de Silva (Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima, Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club). Lehuakona and Kehaulani Watson-Sproat are especially deserving of kudos, respect, and gratitude for organizing and reorganizing (and re-re-organizing) an ultimately moving and very rewarding exchange of mana‘o. Food for the ceremonial eating was prepared, served, and explained by Kaleo Wong and included kalo and ulu harvested from Ulupō itself. Photo credit: Charles Doc Burrows (Hui Kawainui-Kailua Ka Wai Ola).
-- Kihei de Silva