Reflection from Tamar Hoapil-Pelekikena

As I sit and think about my five days in Maui, Hawaii-a smile comes across my face! Mahalo Nui Loa to the LVHCC membership for allowing me the priveledge and honor of representing you, LVHCC and the Southern NV community at the 2009 AOHCC Convention. I was given the opportunity to meet other civic club members, learn about their triumps and defeats. I was given the opportunity to meet other current pelekikenas, past pelekikenas and future pelekikenas and learn about the TRUE mission of the civic clubs. I was amazed to see the Na `Opio participation level from the Maui Council--UNREAL! Maui has the YOUNGEST Pelekikena, I believe he is in his early 20's and has such great motivation. I was given the opportunity to meet leaders in our Hawaiian community that are "making a difference" or "leading the way" for us!...yes even here on the Mainland we can make a difference for our Hawaiian community. My hope is that this blog was able to give you a better picture and understanding of the AOHCC Convention and what it is all about. My hope is that you, the membership will attend next year and the following years....a club is only as successful as it's members and our mission as a civic club is only as successful as your participation. Mahalo, Tamar

Ka`ala Farms on `Oahu- Eric Enos

Eric Enos, Executive Director for Ka`ala Farms, speaking of the Ka`ala Cultural Learning Center in Waianae. Eric spoke of how Ka`ala Farms was started-- The project's founders spent years clearing overgrown brush to unveil lava-rock walls pieced together by hand centuries ago. Workers resurrected the prehistoric irragation system, sending water coursing from terrace to flooded terrace. Once again, Kalo plants stretch toward the sun, their broad leaves nodding in the breeze.
As today's students wade into the muddy lo'i to plant young kalo, their bare feet trace the footsteps of their ancestors. They listen to their kupuna in the shade of a hale na'auao thatched with pili grass. And they experience first hand the self-sustaining life of the traditional Hawaiian ahupua'a.
Seperated from the rest of the population by the Wai'anae mountain range, this stretch of the island has always drawn it's strength from within. In ancient times, defeated chiefs retreated here to regenerate. The area's largely native Hawaiian population is still known for it's fiesty spirit.
As waves of urbanization roll westward from Honolulu, Wai'anae holds out as a last stand. The residents of Wai'anae have a powerful sense of pride dispite the rumors of being one of the worst cities in Hawai'i. The work of the Ka'ala Cultural Learning Center is helping to reveal the true strength of Wai'anae and it's people. For more information visit http://www.kaalafarm.com/

Kaulana Park

Kaulana Park speaking of the importance of DHHL lands in the Waianae area.

DHHL Kaulana Park and KSBE Kekoa Paulsen

In the Waianae area, DHHL and KSBE spoke about a partnership of community outreach. KSBE is building a community center which will provide cultural/educational classes ranging from `olelo, working in a taro lo`i and more. Near this community, the DHHL will build Hawaiian Homestead homes. The partnership objective is to insure that the benefits from KSBE and DHHL will services Native Hawaiians. While they are not restrictions to Native Hawaiians the maps in the photos show that Waianae/Leeward Coast has a higher concentration, thus the services will benefit Native Hawaiians.

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Uncle Henry Gomes leading the education committee meeting. Speaking about the various educational opportunites available for native hawaiians

Pat Biley

Photo includes Pat Biley, a weed specialist with The Nature Conservancy who spoke about nature conservation

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Our na 'opio Chyenne Cadaoas with OHA CFO Stan Enomoto discussing OHA strategic plan. For more info on their plan visit their website at www. Oha.gov