The Protect Kahoolawe ʻOhana (PKO) marked 50 years since activists began efforts to stop military bombing on Kahoolawe, according to Hawaii News Now. Once used for bombing, the sacred island of Kanaloa, god of the ocean, is now a site for ceremony and cultural activities.
Activist Walter Ritte, one of the original organizers, emphasized the importance of engaging the next generation, saying at a press conference: “In order to aloha aina, in order to know what your kuleana is.” On January 4, 1976, Ritte and eight others landed on Kahoolawe to protest its use for target practice, launching the Protect Kahoolawe movement. Their efforts led to the end of military bombing on the island four years later, according to the University of Hawaii News.
This year, the PKO celebrates 50 years of advocacy for “aloha ʻāina” and stewardship, including educational efforts like the Makahiki ceremonies and the ʻI Ola Kanaloa program at the University of Hawaii. PKO leaders use the framework of “Laʻa, Maʻa, Paʻa” (to sanctify, sustain, and solidify) to guide the protection of Kahoolawe.
The PKO is hosting events, including a gallery opening on Kahoolawe’s history, panel discussions, and a commemorative concert. These activities honor George Helm and Kimo Mitchell, two pivotal figures lost at sea, and highlight the ongoing effort to protect Hawaii’s environmental and cultural heritage. Updates are available on the Protect Kahoolawe ʻOhana website.
