SECOND SATURDAY COMMUNITY WORK DAYS AT ULUPŌ NUI
In late 2017, Hikaʻalani entered into a five-year curatorship agreement with the Department of State Parks that allows us to care for Ulupō Heiau and the land that connects it to Kawainui (we call the whole of it Ulupō Nui, Greater Ulupō). In the tradition of the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and ʻAhahui Mālama i ka Lōkahi – the previous curators of Ulupō and our kaikuaʻana in the work of Kawainui stewardship – we continue to host an Ulupō community work day on the second Saturday of every month of the year.
Who Can Participate
Individuals and small groups of no more than 8 are welcome to attend our work days without giving prior notification. Larger groups should contact Kaleo Wong at least two weeks in advance in order for him to better plan and co-ordinate the day's work. Since these work days often involve strenuous activity in potentially dangerous situations, we do not encourage children – especially youngsters – to attend. Children who do attend must be kept under the constant supervision of their parents or guardians. If you are interested in bringing keiki to Ulupō for an experience tailored to their age and abilities, we ask that you schedule a separate visit with Kaleo.
How the Day Goes
We start at 8:30 am and work until noon (or sometimes a little later). We meet in the lower parking lot of the Kailua YMCA (it faces the heiau), sign and collect waivers, begin with oli and orientation, and form up into work crews whose assignments usually include cutting back hau, bucket-brigading branches and trimmings, weeding walls and ‘auwai, stacking rocks, clearing out invasives at our bird pond, and preparing/planting/maintaining our lo‘i kalo. We often end the day with a talk-story session and the sharing of Ulupō grown food; breadfruit or kalo or even a lū'au stew.
What to Wear, Bring, and Expect
The Hikaʻalani Work Day Crew
Our coordinators include Kaleo Wong, Ryan Ueunten, and Kaʻolu Luning – with occasional guest appearances by Maya Saffery, Kamuela Bannister, Kalamaʻehu Takahashi, and Kaimi Scudder. They all know their stuff.
Who Can Participate
Individuals and small groups of no more than 8 are welcome to attend our work days without giving prior notification. Larger groups should contact Kaleo Wong at least two weeks in advance in order for him to better plan and co-ordinate the day's work. Since these work days often involve strenuous activity in potentially dangerous situations, we do not encourage children – especially youngsters – to attend. Children who do attend must be kept under the constant supervision of their parents or guardians. If you are interested in bringing keiki to Ulupō for an experience tailored to their age and abilities, we ask that you schedule a separate visit with Kaleo.
How the Day Goes
We start at 8:30 am and work until noon (or sometimes a little later). We meet in the lower parking lot of the Kailua YMCA (it faces the heiau), sign and collect waivers, begin with oli and orientation, and form up into work crews whose assignments usually include cutting back hau, bucket-brigading branches and trimmings, weeding walls and ‘auwai, stacking rocks, clearing out invasives at our bird pond, and preparing/planting/maintaining our lo‘i kalo. We often end the day with a talk-story session and the sharing of Ulupō grown food; breadfruit or kalo or even a lū'au stew.
What to Wear, Bring, and Expect
- Wear get-dirty clothes (because you will definitely get dirty), sturdy shoes for dry-land action, and reef tabis or rubber boots for working in the loʻi.
- Bring a towel or pareu in case you get wet – and maybe a change of clothes in case you experience total Ulupō "immersion."
- If can, please bring a small cutting or digging tool (we have a large supply of tools to share with you, so don't let this be a deterrent).
- Don't forget: hat, gloves, water bottle, bug repellant, sunscreen, and maybe a snack.
- Expect a long hike up the hill to the YMCA restrooms in case you need to use their facilities; plan your morning meal and coffee intake accordingly.
- Expect to sign a liability waiver and media release form (available that morning) before participating in the day's work.
The Hikaʻalani Work Day Crew
Our coordinators include Kaleo Wong, Ryan Ueunten, and Kaʻolu Luning – with occasional guest appearances by Maya Saffery, Kamuela Bannister, Kalamaʻehu Takahashi, and Kaimi Scudder. They all know their stuff.
A PSA FROM HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE STUDENTS AT KAILUA HIGH
The public service announcement below was made by Tanner Matsushita, Dylan Pedrina, and Alika Teramoto of Kailua High School for the Windward District CTE Performance Based Assessment competition. Mahalo to all who were involved in this CTE effort, especially to Tanner, Dylan, and Alika for their decision to make a PSA 'ōlelo Hawaiʻi. They braved it and make us proud.