Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 8, 1 August 2011 — Year of Kanaloa-Kahoʻolawe culminates in October [ARTICLE]

Year of Kanaloa-Kahoʻolawe culminates in October

Submitted by the Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana The Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana (PKO) is a eom-munity-based islandwide grassroots organization committed to protecting Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe. Members of the 'Ohana first touched the 'āina in 1976 through a series of occupations. In 1977, two of our members, George Helm and Kimo Mitchell, disappeared in the oeean off of Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe while protesting the bombing of the island. As a result of an 1980 'Ohana civil suit, Aluli vs. Brown, the U.S. Navy signed an out-of-court agreement known as the consent decree. The consent decree recognized the 'Ohana's intent to be Kahu o ka 'āina: stewards committed to protecting the Island

of Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe. On March 18, 1981, the entire island of Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as the Kaho'olawe Archaeological District. On Oct. 22, 1990, the bombing of Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe stopped. In May 2004, management of the island was given to the State of Hawai'i by the Navy, whieh is known as the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve (KIR). KIR shall be used solely and exclusively and reserved in perpetuity for the preservation and practice of all rights customarily and traditionally exercised by Native Hawaiians. The PKO is celebrating its 20th anniversary of Stopping the Bombing on the Island of Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe and is launching a yearlong series of

events across the Islands. Goals of these events are to share what's happening with the island and its future, celebrate and honor those who have helped stop the bombing and share what's happening with other 'āina issues. These events are free and open to the community. Throughout the year, events on eaeh island feature: » music, entertainment and poetry » the film Mai Ka Piko Mai, A Ho'i: Return to Kanaloa, the parallel stories of the struggle to free Kaho'olawe from the U.S. military and the challenge of re-establishing inter-Polynesian voyaging by the Polynesian Voyaging Society through Hōkūle'a » envisioning KanaloaKaho'olawe as a sacred cultural trust of the Hawaiian Nation

» issues of Hawaiian selfdetermination »information on current 'āina issues » a kānoa ('awa bowl) ceremony ('aha 'awa) for participants to unite in a commitment to Aloha 'Āina and Kanaloa- Kaho ' olawe » silent auction and fundraising » 'ono food and drinks On Hawai'i Island, events will be as follows: » University of Hawai'i at Hilo Campus Center Lānai, Aug. 6, noon to 8 p.m. Film to show at 7. » Kanu O Ka 'Āina Charter School in Waimea, Aug. 9, 6 to 10 p.m. Film showing at 8. » Keauhou Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona, Aug. 12, 6 to 10 p.m. Film to show at 8. "Oct. 22, 2010, to Oct. 22, 2011, is the Year of KanaloaKaho'olawe," said 'Ohana leader

Craig Neff. "By participating in these events and drinking from the kānoa, you signify your support and solidarity with KanaloaKaho'olawe, Aloha 'Āina and the unification of Hawaiians for selfdetermination - all our aloha in one kānoa!" Events will culminate Oct. 22 with the dedication of a new mua (monument) at Honokanai'a on Kanaloa-Kaho'olawe and a central ceremony with the kānoa that will have gathered the mana (strength) and support of participants throughout the Islands. For participation in the Hawai'i Island events and/or donations, contact Craig Neff at (808) 9347171 or email Momi Wheeler at oopu_5@yahoo.com. Send mail to: Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana, P.O. Box 39, Kaunakakai, HI 96748. ■

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