HGCI Fall 2015 Session: Look to the Limu

Hawai'i Green Collar Institute Fall 2015 Session: Look to the Limu for Students and Teachers

Keawanui Fishpond Moloka'i

October 4-6, 2015

We ran our first ever HGCI session on the beautiful island of Moloka'i based at Keawanui Fishpond and it was truly unforgettable! Our 3-day workshop combined both teachers and students representing 3 different islands (O'ahu, Lāna'i, and Moloka'i) making it a very unique learning experience for all. Throughout the 3 days, program participants were immersed in a variety of activities, which included a hike in the Ka'amola ahupua'a to view and learn about the watershed and fishpond from a mauka perspective; we explored the Keawanui fishpond from within discussing native and invasive limu, fish production, and key features of the wall; and heard from respected community leaders such as Stephanie Dunbar, uncle Mac Poepoe, uncle Walter Ritte, and aunty Penny Martin regarding topics of aloha 'āina. We also took an impromptu trip to Hālawa valley and learned about some of the legendary mo'olelo of Moloka'i. This workshop was inspired and is dedicated to the late Uncle Henry Chang Wo who so generously shared his love and knowledge of limu with communities across Hawai'i. Mahalo nui loa to our generous sponsor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Education and Training Mini-Grant program for providing funding to run this workshop as well as our program partners, For 'Ewa Pono and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association! We also want to send out a special mahalo to Hui o Kuapā for coordinating the speakers and site activities and providing a wonderful space to work and learn alongside each other!