Aloha ‘Āina (love of land) is both a feeling and a movement. What makes Hawai’i unique is the sense of relationships to this beautiful land from an indigenous perspective and how does that contribute to building resilience for a place and as a result people.

Join Practitioner, Kumu ‘Aiha’a, and Educator Leialoha Ilae-Kaleimamahu, MEd in a workshop that will inform, ignite and enhance your journey to a meaningful Hawai’i connection through the practice of Aloha ‘Āina.

A brief look at the origins and connections to land, and its resources, through the eyes and experiences of an Indigenous Hawaiian Activist.

Facilitated by Ana Kon, an Indigenous Hawaiian, Steward of ʻĀina, Mahiʻai Kalo, Kumu of Hawaiian Culture, Activist of Hawaiʻi’s resources, Co-founder of Waihu Coalition, Co-Director of Kūkulu Kumuhana o Puna, Executive Director of Nā Maka Hāloa O Waipiʻo.

We will briefly look at Hawai’i and more specifically Puna’s long relationship with ‘awa through mo’olelo and oli. This will be followed by some contemporary perspectives on ‘awa from interviews conducted with longtime Puna residents. The presentation will conclude with how ‘awa can help ensure the longevity of our cultural and natural resources in Puna and the greater Pae ‘Āina of Hawai’i.

This class will be facilitated by Ma’ema’ewai, the Assistant Archaeologist at ASM Affiliates and a Graduate Student at UH Hilo, pursuing a M.A. in Heritage Management.

The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op is a farmer-owned business working to revitalize ‘ulu (breadfruit) and other Hawai‘i-grown staple crops such as kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato) and palaʻai (pumpkin) by empowering farmers as change-makers in Hawaiʻi’s food system. The co-op is committed to the revival of ʻulu to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food security and to the value of mālama ʻāina – care or protection of the earth – by using environmentally responsible production methods. Come talk story with HUC’s Farmer-Member Coordinator, Kyle Jackson, and learn about some of the benefits of ʻulu based agroforestry and cooperative structures for local organizations.

Kyle Jackson graduated from UH Hilo’s Tropical Horticulture program where he spent time interning with CTAHR and the UH Hilo Farm program. Prior to working with the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative (HUC), Kyle worked with the Farm Service Agency office under the USDA inspecting local farms for the Crop Loss Insurance program. Kyle is a crucial connection between the HUC operations and the farmers, working to make sure everyone stays happy and gets what they need, while also enhancing HUC’s existing farmer outreach and education program in order to increase production capacity as well as farmers’ understanding and adoption of breadfruit agroforestry practices. 

Regenerative agriculture is the nexus where resiliency, sustainability, food security and a pono relationship with the climate, the ʻāina and the community come together. The window of opportunity for creating an infrastructure for a functioning sovereign food system is open. It is essential that we act now, if we are going to seize that opportunity, and that we act collectively. It won’t be open for long.

Odysseus currently serves as the President of the East Hawai’i chapter of the Hawai’i Farmers Union United and in his role as Director of Social Responsibility for the Daily Wellness Company for the last several years, he has served as a community liaison advocating for farmers, regenerative agriculture and strong local food systems, and actively engaging in community service projects. Odysseus first moved to the Big Island in January 2000. His ancestors are from the Greek Islands of Crete and Kos, where he spent a decade raising his son and farming heirloom watermelons, sweet melons and choke tomatoes.

This class topic will focus on what it means to, Mālama O Ka ‘Āina, to Take Care of the Land here in our Hawai’i home. Come broaden your understanding of our local plant species, and develop your ability to distinguish between native, non-native, Polynesian-introduced and invasive plants. Through this overview on Hawai’i vegetation issues and solutions, learn six tangible actions you can take to help improve our lowland environment. Jaya C. Dupuis serves as President of Hawai’i Environmental Restoration and Project Director of the Keau’ohana native rainforest restoration project.

Jaya C. Dupuis has since 1989 immersed herself in the natural world of subsistence farming and the study and restoration of native rainforests of Hawai‘i. Jaya’s mission also involves community outreach and education of critical lowland vegetation issues. Through this work, she wishes to inspire the appreciation and re-integration of native species into Hawai‘i’s lowland environment as well as to support the control of invasive species that threaten native forest integrity and the general lowland environment.

Hundreds of potentially invasive species are brought into Hawai‛i, both accidentally and intentionally. They spread quickly, taking over any growing space they can find. Some of these weeds are even sold in stores! This is a great introductory presentation that covers the development of life on the Hawaiian islands and the harms posed by invasive species. Join us in learning more about these invasive plants and how to treat them so a more balanced environment and native species can thrive.

When we share requirements for maintenance, upgrades for performance, best practices for water conveyance, and what is required for pathogen free water for household use and consumption, Tilo & Archer have accomplished their goal – Empowerment through Clean Water Education.

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water team have offered 70+ Free Clean Water Classes at their storefront in the Pahoa Marketplace as well as around the island.

The quality of your water is a direct link to the quality of your health. Clean Water = Healthy Communities! Water is the foundation of all living things. Without Clean Water eventually all infrastructure will fail.

Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water team publishes in the Tribune Herald and Ka’u Calendar monthly education tips for Rainwater Harvesters. They have received Best of Best East Side Hawai’i for 4 years running. The Education tab on their website is a great resource for Rainwater Harvesters to also start. TilosCleanWater.com

The Men of Pa’a are a well-known and well-respected organization in the Puna District that participate in projects across the island of Hawai’i. Pa’a is often translated to solid, durable, or firm in ʻōlelo Hawai’i and also serves as an acronym in this organization for Positive Action Alliance. Their organization offers a holistic and culturally relevant approach to restorative justice, healing, and self-development. Culturally-rooted values and community service projects are foundational to their mission to empower Kanaka Maoli, particularly native Hawaiian men, who seek recovery, restoration and reconciliation with themselves, their ‘ohana, and the community through the process of Ho’okanaka. This culturally-rooted and communally relevant process of personal change is catalyzed by servant leadership, and in “people helping people, help people” they serve to build relationships and the resilience of our communities. Join founder Iopa Maunakea in learning more about the Men of Pa’a’s inspiring efforts and how their programs contribute to a healthy and resilient Puna community.

Māmaki is a valuable medicinal plant that calls the Hawaiian native forests home. Just getting to know this one plant in its natural setting can teach us a lot about how to grow food and medicine in communion with a forest ecosystem. Learn how to nurture māmaki and its companions in a way that feeds your family and regenerates a landscape.

The presenter, Jordan Westerholm, is a regenerative farmer and environmental educator who works with Hawai’i Forest Farms located near Volcano Village on the island of Hawai’i.

Join us for an informative and fun workshop; Seed Saving Basics with Donna Mitts, Garden Educator and Seed Grower for the Kohala Center’s Demonstration Farm, Nāmoku. Participants will learn the importance of saving our seed (especially in Hawai’i), seed saving strategies and techniques including how to process wet and dry seeds and how to make a seed drying bucket.

We will end the workshop with a seed share so feel free to bring your favorite seeds to share with others. No plants or soil please.

Join Tony from Mayan World Farms as he discusses Mayan Healing Rain, an all natural organic spray that will keep pests like white flies and aphids away, and that protects against issues like Banana bunchy top virus. Learn how to use Mayan Healing Rain to heal plants from damaging pests, what to look for before and after application, and when to apply Mayan Healing Rain to get the utmost benefit from this product. 

Tony Vera has a farm called Mayan World Farm located in Orchidland that produces oils, herbal teas and treatments, with plants also grown on the farm. Every year they grow giant vegetables and have a state record for a 77.5 lb Napoli squash along with a 57lb watermelon, and many other giant fruits. His studies are in business and agriculture in soil and agronomy, and they offer consultation to anyone who would like a little more help in the garden.