Mahalo From Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana

…The Na Pali Coast `Ohana wishes to express mahalo nui loa to all the participants, logistical support, volunteers, sponsors and Evan and his family. The awareness continues to be raised with each passing year of the sacred quality and ecological fragility of Na Pali. The donations generated by the event have supported the NPCO’s unified efforts of restoration, education, and preservation. This past year saw lots of late rains and the first team that came into Nu’alolo Kai for work access had their hands full of clearing the winter’s growth over the trails, sites, and new areas of invasive plants. We experienced torrential rains and thunderstorms that revealed 5 waterfalls going off in normally dry areas. Following accesses focused on weeding and clearing the native plant nursery and goat exclosure. An indication of how far the `Ohana has come over the years is that wauke was harvested from the garden and pounded for tapa that will be used in the re internment of iwi kupuna and offered to the founding kumu hula at the recent international hula conference held here on Kaua’i. The conference also brought in a huaka`i of participants from around the world to experience first hand this storied place in chant and dance. They offered ho’okupu beneath the peak of Kamaile and were able to see first hand the many wahi pana, sacred sites of Na Pali. Work continues this summer with a mason team coming in to continue restoration work on the walls and compounds damaged by goats and eroded over time. The team consists of cultural practitioners from the west side and Haena working side by side and following in the footsteps and hand holds of their ancestors. A youth group will come in to learn cultural values and stewardship firsthand in a place based learning setting. We all appreciate how the ocean continues to connect us and provide access to a living vibrant practice of Aloha`Aina, Malama Kai. To all of you, we extend heartfelt gratitude and prayers for the safety that arises from recognizing and being in harmony with the elements and rhythms of a powerful and awe inspiring place on earth.

 

Mahalo,

Kelvin Ho NPCO

Photos Courtesy of Na Pali Coast `Ohana. © Cat Ho

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