I love being able to help @manuiwa host groups at Ulupō. Every group is awesome and contributes so much, but I have to say that those who are from Kailua and our neighboring ahupuaʻa are the most special because they allow us to engage with our immediate community, help them to reconnect to their kulāiwi, and cultivate a sense of pride for their home that will hopefully reestablish relationships and regenerate responsibilities to aloha ʻāina. This past weekend we got to welcome students and teachers from Kailua Intermediate School who are a reflection of the community described in our foundational moʻolelo of Mākālei; paddlers from Kailua Canoe Club, a hui waʻa who can trace their origins back to community-lead ʻāina restoration efforts at Ulupō; and haumāna of Hālau Mōhala ʻIlima whose hoʻokupu of mele & hula reminded us all of the importance of telling our stories in the exact places that they took place. They all added their mana to our piko of Kailua and they hopefully took home something meaningful as well. I know Kaleo and I did. My goofy, joyful smile in this picture is proof. Eō ko Kailua! We are still here! – Maya Kawailanaokeawaiki Saffery
Photo: Kaleo Wong