Ground Breaking On Luana

Helena and Kevin - surrounded by ALOHA!

Last Saturday about 30 people attended a ground breaking celebration right here on Luana Street just a little ways down from our hale.  Just as the sun was going down, a conch shell sounded and we were led by three musicians in singing a favorite Hawaiian chant

Ua Mau ke Ea o ka 'Āina i ka Pono O Hawai'i - 
also the state motto.

The words to the chant are complex in meaning, but a simple definition follows:  "Mau" implies an unending continuation;"Ea" means not only "life", and "breath" but also, and more importantly, "sovereignty**."  “Aina”  refers to the land, it is about relationship and responsibility for the land and its care. Pono is a well-used Hawaiian word that cannot be concisely translated. It includes aspects of goodness, excellence, fairness, order, propriety, completeness, care, value, organization, purpose, and hope. 

You must understand that "ground breaking" in Puna means something very unique; the land here is so new, you are lucky to even have an inch or two of soil; nonetheless, we all cheered (and chuckled knowingly) as the shovels hit the ground.  We joined hands as Helena asked us to center our intentions, calling in all those we love, in body and spirit as we offered our blessing and gratitude.  What followed was great food, conversation, and neighborly good cheer.  Recently we also met Doug and Rumi who just completed a beautiful bamboo house, and just across the street Hope and Laura are beginning to build their house too.  After only a year and a half in our house, we have met nearly everyone on our street!  To those dear friends we left behind in Humboldt County -- know this:  Although we miss you all, we have been graciously welcomed in this new place and feel very much a part of this community.  Mahalo nui loa na ho'olaule'a me la kaua.  (Thank you for celebrating with us!)

** The issue of sovereignty among the kanaka maoli (indigenous Hawaiian people) is similar to cultures around the world -- like the Native Americans whose land was taken from them and whose culture nearly destroyed.  We non-Hawaiians have a responsibility to learn about and respect their legitimate grievances.  For more information: Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom