We routinely overlook the vital role subsistence fishers play in preserving cultural traditions that have taught us to take no more than we need from the oceans. Culture teaches us to think in terms of the needs of at least seven generations. Capitalism drives us to maximize profit in the short term.
This flipbook, Kamu and the Pueo, is the creation of Damien Kenison. He wrote the story in 1994, drew pictures and colored them. He was inspired to write it to convey a message of humility, respect, and spirituality.
It is this kuleana which drove advocates to push for the recognition of limu kala as the Hawaii state limu. We believe doing so will spread more awareness of limu as an important resource to be cultivated and protected. We urge Gov. Green to enact this bill into law to ensure this feature of our food systems and cultural practices is continually cared for.
KUA’s ED, Kevin Chang, pictured here with Secretary Deb Haaland, returned from Washington DC with a sense of having participated in a historic event of many firsts.
The wisdom of Hawaii communities and families can lead, as they know best the places they call home intimately. A culture that supports and promotes co-stewardship and community-based management is at the core of KUA’s work. Uncle Mac Poepoe of Mo’omomi, Molokaʻi, one of our founding kupuna, was ahead of his time when in 2002—two decades ago—he expressed the view that communities around Hawai’i could benefit from learning directly from one another how to better mālama ‘āina. And they have. They also learned they need to build their capacity and support the capacity of responsible, accountable, resourced partners and relationships.
Will we — the community, and those who govern — have the wisdom to embrace stewardship practices that have served us for generations?
I am shocked to see that Senate Bill 92 has been introduced this session to put an expiration date on traditional practices of the kind reflected in our CBSFAs. For the sake of those who will come after us, I trust it is the bill that will expire quickly.
Why must our lawai‘a and their ‘ohana suffer for the wrongs that the collectors have perpetrated upon our fishing grounds? One pakuikui to feed a family of four is a shame. I hope people of goodwill will support this bill. Lawmakers should stop this destructive practice before our mo‘opuna forget how to catch and eat reef fish.
Ka Hiʻa o nā Kūpuna is an initiative built upon a connection between lawai’a ‘ōpelu, Uncle Chuck Leslie, from Nāpoʻopoʻo and practitioners from Ke Kula Nui o Waimānalo and Kahana communities.
Earlier this month, we celebrated the closing of the Year of the Limu in style. We invited all the members of the Limu Hui, the network partners and friends who […]
God bless the great stoic, skeptic, jokester, always up to something, surfer, bard of Hā’ena, Hawaiian scholar, bandmate, surfer, friend, father, grandfather, husband, Uncle Carlos Andrade. Carlos passed away on Kauaʻi July 30, 2022 surrounded by his loved ones.
