Kaho`olawe Access

October 22-24, 2004

Aloha `Aina (Historical event)

 

Written by: Roshelle Butihi, Senior, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism

 

This was a three-day event filled with interesting stories, wonderful people, and a lot of great food. We took the Lehua II, a Force 25 boat transferred to us from Kailua High School, to the island. We were supposed to escort the Mo`olele, a 42’ sailing canoe, but they weren’t ready in time. Before departure at Lahaina Harbor, we spent some time going over safety procedures, equipment checklist and a brief lesson on Hawaiian navigation. On the ride over each student was given the opportunity to be Captain and steer the boat. Let me tell you that steering a boat is nothing like driving a car, you could easily over steer without knowing it right away.

 

Before landing on Kaho`olawe a chant must be done to ask permission to go ashore. We did the “Mele Komo”, which reminisced of our journey across the sea and gave the feeling that we were seasick and really wanted to go ashore. After we got a response back from the hosts on shore we jumped into the crystal clear water and swam in. We began to socialize with people from all different islands such as Kaua`i, Moloka`i, Hawai`i, and Maui. Our agenda was pushed back about 2 hours or so because the 3 canoes, Hokule`a, Makali`i and Hokualaka`i, were delayed due to the weather not cooperating. Famous Hawaiian navigators that were present included Uncle Eddie, Chad Baybayan, Nainoa Thompson, and Mau Piailug.

 

There were 3 major ceremonies that went on during our stay. The first ceremony was the dedication of a recently constructed navigational platform at Kealaikahiki. We got to partake in this event by presenting Ho`okupu (gifts) from our home islands to the this site.

 

The second event was held at Moa`ulanui where we had a Kaneloa and planting ceremony. We also participated in presenting more ho`okupu to the shrine that was built to gather up the “Na`ulu” rain from Maui and bring the rain to Kaho`olawe. It ended up working, because an hour later it started to rain on us. The last ceremony that went on, involved the planting of coconut trees at Honokanaia.

 

On our last night, after a traditional Hawaiian feast that included poke, breadfruit, kalo, poi, kalua pig, and chicken long rice we all gathered around the main tent to hear stories and past events from the original Hokule`a crew and Protect Kaho`olawe Ohana who organized the first illegal accesses of the island. After this “talk story” session, the sailing canoes loaded up and left for the Big Island.

 

Overall, it was a very touching experience. I felt the pain, sorrow, joy, and happiness that these magnificent Hawaiians felt. I truly wished that Sunday was going to be stormy, so we didn’t have to leave! Some advice that I have for everyone who reads this article is that if you ever get the chance to visit this amazing island, to please take advantage of it because it is well worth it! This was my second time to Kaho`olawe and sure won’t be my last!