Inspired by places and people that welcomed and shared their ʻike and aloha with us on Oʻahualua this week, a brief reflection on our visit to Ulupo, Kukanono, Kailua with Kaleomanuiwa Wong of Hikaʻalani and our time spent with other poʻe aloha ʻĀina at the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference:
Here we wield the power of
Snares made of cordage and stones
Sourced from each corner of this ʻāina
Carefully set in darkness
Collective strength growing
With each huli planted
Mana embodied in places
That remind us
Dirt is not dirty
Wealth looks like
Buckets filled with kalo
Water flowing endless
And the continuous exchange
Of breath and stories.
– Noʻeau Peralto of Hui Mālama I ke Ala ʻŪlili (huiMAU)
Here we wield the power of
Snares made of cordage and stones
Sourced from each corner of this ʻāina
Carefully set in darkness
Collective strength growing
With each huli planted
Mana embodied in places
That remind us
Dirt is not dirty
Wealth looks like
Buckets filled with kalo
Water flowing endless
And the continuous exchange
Of breath and stories.
– Noʻeau Peralto of Hui Mālama I ke Ala ʻŪlili (huiMAU)
Photo: Kaleo Wong