Punahou Middle School students from the spring-fed waters of Kaneloa visited Ulupo yesterday, December 1, for a hands-on introduction to the spring-fed lo‘i of Kanepolu. They were hosted by Kaleo Wong and Maya Saffery who led them in the ceremonial eating of ko (the word means "sugar cane" but also "to fulfill" -- thus the eating of ko can symbolize a request for fulfillment) followed by the telling of mo‘olelo, the sharing of oli, and the restoring of taro lands. Mapuana and I got there at the end of their stay, just in time to hear the "how did it ko" circle. Many kids said that they hoped to have fun and did, but several spoke of the value of learning about the living land and its still-living stories. We were quite impressed (in Mapuʻs words, "I donʻt think this is the same Punahou I went to"), and we offer our mahalo to teachers Lorelei Saito and Kaniela Lyman-Mercereau for helping Hika‘alani in its efforts at ‘aina-based education. -- Kihei de Silva
