Hawaii's deep-seated tradition of natural resource management and cultural practices is being highlighted in a video series that connects the local expertise to broader ecological health and sustainability. According to a news release by the DLNR, the "ʻIke Kaiāulu," or "Community Knowledge," series is an initiative by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), which promotes historical stewardship through personal narratives and cultural teachings.
Adding to the series, four new videos feature specialists discussing their fields and personal stories. Kumu Hulu Mele Kahalepuna Chun speaks about the importance of Hawaiian featherwork and its connections to forest bird populations, while Paepae o Heʻeia Executive Director Hiʻilei Kawelo shares insights on fishponds and their role within the mauka to makai, or mountain to sea, ecosystems and the health of these ecosystems.
"What I want to say to our keiki is to make sure it lives. Just holomua: keep it going," Mele Kahalepuna Chun told the DLNR when discussing the significance of perpetuating her family's tradition of featherwork. In a similar vein, regarding the management and longevity of cultural practices in Hawaii, Dr. Kawika Winter stated, "We’ve been here a long time, we’re going to continue being here a long time."
These videos not only celebrate knowledge transfer from elders to new generations, with Chuck Kealoha Leslie, an ʻōpelu fisherman, underlining the joy that comes with the responsibility of learning from the past and evolving it, but they also express a shared optimism about the durability and relevance of these practices for the future. "If they want to do fishing, make fishing their life and make it joyful," he asserted, as noted by DLNR.
Serving a purpose greater than simple documentation, the series takes a firm stand against the notion that these age-old Hawaiian crafts and customs are fading into obscurity. The interviewees unanimously emphasize the enduring vitality and significance of their cultural heritage, which deeply resonates with the management and preservation of Hawaiʻi's unique ecosystems. The interviews and the series can be viewed online, providing access to anyone interested in learning about and from Hawaii's rich heritage and ecological consciousness.
