‘Aina Aloha Project

Community Contributed

By MHS O Hina I Ka Malama Students

Editor’s note: Students of Molokai High’s O Hina I Ka Malama Hawaiian language immersion program are working on a project called ‘Aina Aloha with their Kumu Mahina Hou Ross in which they will be researching about the history and stories of different parts of Molokai. Below are three short introductions to students’ projects, with more to be printed in upcoming issues. Ross would like to invite any community members who are interested in sharing their resources and stories with the class for their project to contact Ross at gandharva.ross@k12.hi.us or call 808-567-6950 ext. 66. 

By Kauale’a Helm

Aloha my name is Kauale’a Helm. I am in the 12th grade of ‘O Hina I Ka Malama. I am 17 years old and my Aloha ‘Aina project is about the ‘Aina of  Kaho’olawe. I chose this place because it’s very special to me and my family. George Helm who was a Native Hawaiian Aloha ‘Aina activist is actually the brother of my papa Adolph Helm. My uncle George was a musician and a hero from Kalama’ula Molokai. He helped many people and stood up for his community and that is why I chose to do this place. 

There are many beautiful and sad stories about this ‘aina but we will never forget what George Helm did to save Kaho’olawe. Kahoʻolawe has always been sparsely populated, due to its lack of fresh water During World War II and the following decades, Kahoʻolawe was used as a training ground and bombing range by the Armed Forces of the United States. Till this day nobody can go to Kaho’olawe, what I remember from being there as a little kid it was dry and very empty. In 1976, George Helm helped form the Protect Kahoolawe ‘Ohana and became its president. He was among the famous Kahoolawe Nine, a group of seven men and two women who made the first landing on Jan. 4, 1976, in protest of the bombing, an act that would inspire many other protest occupations. This is some interesting information that was stated in this article called,  “40 years after men’s disappearance at sea, their vision for Kahoolawe has become a reality.”

By Kamana Kanuha

Welina mai me ke aloha, o Kamana Kanuha au a e kakau ana au e pili ana keia wahi pana kaulana.

The largest land section on the western side of Molokai, Kaluako’i, is one of the most arid places on our island.  With no fresh water source, it was rarely desired as a place to live in ancient Molokai.  Despite this, this area is home to the birthplace of hula, the birthplace of Kalaipahoa and has within its boundaries places of famous mo’olelo, about Ilio Point and La’au Point, as well as home of the famous lawai’a, Aika’ao.  Kaluako’i is an interesting place, a place that I am interested in learning more about.  

By Nāmaka Ross

Mai ka wailele kaulana ʻo Mo’oula a hiki ika mala uala o Pāka’a welina mai me ke aloha e nā keiki, haumāna, kumu, a me nā kūpuna.  O wau o Nāmaka Ross a me ko’u mau hoa pakana o Ali’i Solatorio a me Kilikila Orlando. No keia pāhana ʻāina aloha ua koho makou i ka ahupua’a o Halawa. He wahi kahiko loa keia wahi. He wahi kupaianaha a kaulana i ka wailele ʻo Mo’oula a me Hipuapua. He wahi kaulana a maika’i no ka mahiai kalo ame ka lawai’a he wahi kahiko no ka mea ua loa’a i n āpo’e mua o Hawaii ma Halawa nei. He hale leka a he hale kula ma Halawa.