Mālama ʻĀina Foundation June Newsletter 2023
Mālama ‘Āina Foundation Newsletter
June 2023
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To start off 2023, MAF’s Hilo, Kohala, and Oʻahu staff led place-based programming with haumāna.
In Hilo, haumāna from Hilo Intermediate School went to Kaumaui in Keaukaha where they were hosted by Hui Hoʻoleimaluō. Uncle Jojo taught them how to cook, clean, and ku'i kalo to make poi. Each participant was able to make between 2-4 pounds of poi, while building connections with traditional foods and plants.
On May 16th, 2023 our Hilo Intermediate School haumāna hosted their ʻOhana Night to celebrate the second semester of the Mahope Program. Haumāna presented on the Māla ʻAi curriculum that taught them how to cook healthy meals using plants they grew in their school māla. Everyone in attendance was provided with dinner made by our staff and haumāna. Each ʻohana was provided with produce boxes by OK Farms and funded by Na ʻŌiwi Kāne. It was a night full of excitement!
In Kohala, haumāna from Kohala Middle School visited The Good Good Peace Garden on March 8, 2023 in North Kohala. They got down and muddy while helping Uncle Geoff mālama the lo'i and prepped huli for replanting. They also harvested kalo to take home to cook with their ʻohana. Participants hope to return next school year to see how big their kalo has grown.
Kohala hosted their 'Ohana Night on May 23, 2023. Haumāna opened up the evening with Nani Wale O Kohala, in appreciation of their ʻāina. They gave presentations on huakaʻi, their experiences cooking yummy food, and some of their favorite memories in the program. This was followed by a tour of the māla and dinner, including lomi tomato and cucumber kimchi prepared by the haumāna. Each ʻohana was provided with produce bags provided by Kohala Food Hub and funded by Na ʻŌiwi Kāne. The highlight of this event was the vibrant, joyful energy shared between the haumāna, ʻohana members, and staff.
On Oʻahu, haumāna from Kamaile Academy visited Mokihana Farm, also known as Ku'u Home Kulaiwi. They cleared out invasive grass species in the loʻi and learned how to kuʻi kalo. Each participant was also able to take home poi to share with their ʻohana. Some highlights included experiencing the freshwater spring and making lauhala bracelets. Many expressed a desire to return next year.
Kamaile Academy held their ʻOhana Night on May 16, 2023. Haumāna showcased what they learned in the second semester of the Mahope Program with live cooking demonstrations of fruit salads. Each ʻohana was provided with produce boxes provided by Kahumana Farms and funded by the Administration for Native Americans. It was an enjoyable night of celebration!
Hoʻomaikai to all of our Mahope haumāna for what they have accomplished this year. Mahalo piha to everyone who made this school year a success!
On May 16, the Blue Water Youth Exchange was featured in a nationwide webinar as part of the USDA Forest Service’s celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. MAF’s Cultural Specialist and Blue Water facilitator, Kamuela Bannister, and Blue Water alumni, Kaile Luga and Cooper Salomon, shared how the program’s emphasis in cultural relevance helps guide participants’ personal growth and connection to their own kuleana. Read more about the Forest Service’s Blue Water Youth Exchange feature here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/excel/nlue-waters-program-inspires-current-future-environmental
