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Kapu ka Hāloa SUMMER 2023

Hoʻāla ʻĀina Kūpono

Kahana, Koʻolauloa, Oʻahu

All ages

Summer 2023

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Testimonials:

PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

The Kapu Ka Hāloa program has achieved significant learning outcomes in various areas, including river maintenance, removal of invasive trees, learning mele and oli (traditional Hawaiian songs and chants), and understanding the moʻolelo (stories) Hāloa. Additionally, the program has contributed to the restoration of Loʻi kalo (taro patches), a critical cultural and agricultural practice across Hawaii.


Here's a breakdown of the achieved learning outcomes:


1. Restoration of Loʻi Kalo: The Kapu Ka Hāloa program actively contributes to the restoration of Loʻi kalo. Participants have learned the traditional methods of cultivating kalo and have actively engaged in the restoration and maintenance of these agricultural areas. This learning outcome promotes sustainable agriculture practices, strengthens the connection to the land, and contributes to the preservation of a vital component of Hawaiian culture.


2. River Maintenance: Participants in the Kapu Ka Hāloa program have gained knowledge and skills in the maintenance of kahawai and awai. They have learned about the importance of keeping waterways clear of debris, sediment, and invasive species to maintain healthy ecosystems. This includes activities such as removing trash, debris, and sediment from rivers, ensuring proper water flow, and promoting the health of aquatic life.


3. Mele and Oli: Mele (songs) and oli (chants) are integral parts of Hawaiian culture and tradition. Participants have had the opportunity to learn and practice mele and oli as part of the Kapu Ka Hāloa program. This learning outcome fosters a deeper connection to Hawaiian heritage, language, and spirituality. Mele and oli are often used to express gratitude, tell stories, and invoke the presence of ancestors, establishing a sense of cultural identity and connection to the land. In addition, mele and oli is an important learning tool to identify and associate space and place.


4. Moʻolelo: The program has provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the moʻolelo (stories) associated with Kahana and Koʻolauloa. These stories encompass the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of Kalo farming, the relationship between kānaka and the ʻāina, and the importance of sustainability and stewardship. Learning moʻolelo helps to instill a sense of pride, cultural awareness, and a deep appreciation for the traditional practices and wisdom passed down through generations.


5. Removal of Invasive Trees: Participants have learned about the negative impacts of invasive tree species on native Hawaiian ecosystems. They have acquired skills in identifying and removing invasive trees, which helps to restore the natural balance of the environment. Removing invasive trees also creates space for the growth of native plants, thus enhancing the biodiversity and resilience of the ecosystem. Some invasive trees that were removed were, iron wood, mangrove, and african tulip.


6. Cultural Arts Perpetuation: By combining indigenous lashing and weaving skills with plant identification, the program encourages the perpetuation of cultural arts. Participants learn not only the technical aspects of lashing and weaving but also the cultural significance and symbolism associated with these practices. This learning outcome fosters a deeper appreciation for indigenous art forms, strengthens cultural identity, and helps to ensure the preservation of these traditions for future generations.


Overall, these outcomes promote a holistic understanding of Hawaiian culture, instill a sense of environmental stewardship, and contribute to the preservation and perpetuation of traditional practices and knowledge through ʻāina based education.

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