Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 34, Number 2, 1 February 2017 — ʻAimalama [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻAimalama

Ā Solution Based on Āncestral Knowledge

By Hui 'Aimalama We are now in thelunar month of Kaulua, whieh began on Jan. 27 and ends on Feb. 25. Kaulua is described by Kepelino as the first malama of the dry season. It is said that bird catchers would ascend to the mountains while the birds were regrowing their feathers after moulting. This malama also brings variable weather that is both ealm and windy or hot and rainy. High pressure systems blow through, and sudden weather changes and liquid sunshine are eommon. We are in a transition time as we get closer to the spring equinox, whieh will occur next malama. Over the past few years, land-

based observations during this malama have included the profuse blooming of avocados, mangoes,

lama, māmane, maia pilo and also 'ōhi'a. It is also the season for citrus and new growth is seen in many plants and animals. Poliahu has remained on Mauna Kea through this malama for the

past few years. With several snow storms last malama, Kaelo, we shall see how long the snow will remain this year. The oeean is active and we ean expect to see the arrival of halalū and akule in our oceans. It has been almost one year since

we started this 'Aimalama eolumn in Ka Wai Ola. We are thankful for the opportunity to share mana'o,

including historical accounts, research from contemporary scholars. and evervdav kilo. We

want to know what you think! Let us know if there are specific topics you would like to hear about. You

ean reach us via social media by searching for Moon Phase Project on Facebook or Instagram — and while you're there, share some of your own observations. Or you

ean contact someone on www. moonphaseproject.com or www. aimalama.org. Visit www.aimalama.org and eliek on the Resources section to find observation logs, past ealendars, reports, and more! ■

VQCABULARY Kaulana mahina - The position ofthe moon Mahina - Moon Malama - Lunar month Anahulu - A period of 10 moon phases

j 'AIMALAMA ^ > LUNAR CALENDAR /

Left to right: Avocado flowers blooming, maia pilo flowers. - Photos: Courtesy of 'Aimalama Hui

Left to right: Citrus trees are in season, snow on Mauna Kea, active oceans and rivers flowing.

Brown water seen at river mouths with active surf.