News From the Ahupua'a

Our February volunteer day was a major success, despite forecasts of inclement weather! Attendees helped clean up Pali Akamoa Trail, the Portuguese Oven area, & Bond Forest Trail.

In March, students from Kohala Elementary & Kohala Middle School enjoyed visits to 'Iole's restored lo'i.

We anticipate a busy April with special events including April 6th's Farm to Fork Tour of the Historic District's lo'i, Risley Farms food garden, & HIP Ag's GRACE garden & April 20th's fundraiser Hunting Tournament weigh-in.

Join us for continued walking meditation, hosted the first Saturday of each month, as well as Tai Chi & Qigong hosted each Monday at 'Iole.

Be sure to sign up for a 2013 Friends of 'Iole Membership & receive valuable discounts at local restaurants!

Put our May 29th Trail Clean Up on your calendar & let us know if you would like to volunteer for other events or as a docent in 'Iole's Exhibit Center!

Monday Tai Chi & Qigong at 'Iole

Tai Chi instructor Karen Miller has been gathering a group at 'Iole to share her Tai Chi expertise as well as demonstrations of techniques she learned at a retreat with Qigong Master Liu Jianshe. The group has been meeting to practice movement each Monday from 10:00am -11:15am on the lawn near 'Iole's hale wa'a (canoe house) surrounded by banyan trees & macadamia nut orchard. To attend, email Karen at karenpmiller@yahoo.com.

Kohala Kindergarten's Morning Visit

February 12th, Kohala Elementary's Kindergarten classes visited 'Iole's hale & lo'i.

The students pitched in to help at the lo'i, practicing laulima (working together) & hapai pohaku (carrying stones) for a border wall. In gratitude, 'Ōhua O Nā Kia'i No Nā Keiki O Ka 'Āina (The Protectors of the Children of The Land) presented each child with an 'uala (sweet potato) plant to bring home.

Ocean Warriors' Afternoon of Cultural Exploration

On March 6th, Kohala Middle School students visited 'Iole as part of Malama Kai Foundation's Ocean Warriors program. Developed to engage local youth in stewardship, the Ocean Warriors program weaves together culture, science, service learning, mentorship, & community involvement in a way that is both fun & relevant.

At 'Iole, the Ocean Warriors learned about hale building & farming then played traditional games like 'ulumaika.

April 6th Farm to Fork Tour

Join us Saturday, April 6th, 1:00pm-4:30pm for a tour & tasting of 3 farms centered in the Bond Historic District.

Explore ancient lo'i (taro patches) with 'Ōhua O Nā Kia'i No Nā Keiki O Ka 'Āina (The Protectors For The Children Of The Land), the inspiring group of Kohala volunteers who have successfully revived kalo (taro) farming at 'Iole. See how traditional crops such as 'uala (sweet potato), mai'a (banana), 'olena (turmeric), kō (sugar cane) & kukui (candlenut) are grown alongside lo'i.

Learn more about traditional Polynesian crops at Hawai'i Institute of Pacific Agriculture's GRACE Garden, which features mai'a (banana), kalo (taro), 'uala (sweet potato), 'awa (kava), niu (coconut), 'olena (turmeric), 'ulu (breadfruit) & kō (sugar cane). The garden is designed to serve Kohala's youth & community as an educational demonstration site.

Experience a walk through scenic Risley Farms food garden, with its mission to grow "food for the body & food for the soul" while supplying Kohala with quality produce including bok choy, broccoli, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, onions, & a variety of potatoes & sweet potatoes.

Advance Registration is required. Contact Karla (808) 224-1404 or karla@andreadean.com

April 20th Hunting Tournament Fundraiser Weigh-In

A group of Kohala volunteers known as 'Ōhua O Kia'i No Nā Keiki O Ka Āina (The Protectors of The Children of The Land) who have restored kalo (taro) growing & Hawaiian cultural education at 'Iole, are holding a fundraiser pig hunting tournament. The weigh-in will take place 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, April 20th with prizes for Longest Tusk, Heaviest Sow, Heavist Boar, and Heaviest Lahole. Following the awards ceremony, enjoy an obstacle course & greased pig competition. Food from the 'āina (land) will be served, & all proceeds will support Ōhua O Kia'i No Nā Keiki O Ka Āina's educational programs. For an entry form, contact Mahi Vaefaga (808) 494-8294 or Oliko Cookman (808) 896-2376.

2013's Friends of 'Iole Membership Program

Submit a membership form along with cash, check, or online contribution at JustGive.org to enroll as a 2013 Friends of 'Iole Member & receive valuable discounts at local restaurants!

King's View Cafe, Courtyard Cafe, J&R's Place, Gill's Lanai, Minnie's, & The Blue Dragon Restaurant have generously pledged to give 10% discounts to 2013 Friends of 'Iole cardholders.

With gratitude to all who help care for the land & historical treasures of the Kohala community,

Kerry Balaam

'Iole Education Coordinator