PAN is motivated to do our work, in part, because we hear the stories of the people who are adversely impacted by our farm and food system that has been captured by corporate interests and made to rely on pesticides. These people are strong, competent individuals who seek to embrace the principles of agroecology and are working to build both their local and our global communities. Lorilani Keohokalole is undertaking a project to collect some of these stories from Hawaii that we will share with you over the coming months.
Nalani Kaneakua, President of the Hosea Lovell Foundation, is known for her passion and commitment to the preservation; restoration and education of the Native coastal and ocean areas of Ko’olau Moku on the island of Kaua’i. Nalani attributes her love of ocean and shoreline work to her Father, the Master fisherman, Hosea Lovell.
A world renowned Chef, former Hokule’a sailing canoe crew member, a business owner and a community Educator, “Aunty Nalani” is loved and revered in the communities she is engaged in. The study, science, spiritual and practical uses of Limu (Hawaiian Seaweed) is Nalani’s deep love and inspiration. As a Mother and Grandmother, it is her desire that the keiki (Children) will love Limu and help to protect our reef systems and coastal areas for generations to come.
What Does Aloha ‘Aina mean to you
When I think of aloha ʻāina, I am reminded of my profound love for food and the way I perceive it through the eyes of my ancestors. Aloha ʻāina embodies a deep reverence for the land and the ocean, which are symbolic of our ancestors.
Growing up in Anahola village, I observed that every home was adorned with a vegetable garden and a chicken coop. Families engaged in hunting and fishing, embracing a cultural lifestyle that sustained and nourished one another. This ideology, instilled in me during my childhood embodies the essence of food sovereignty, fostering a deep connection with the land and the ocean. Through this relationship, I honor the wisdom passed down through generations on stewarding resources, ensuring their availability for future generations.
The Ko’olau Limu Project
I have always loved the ocean. Our father was a master fisherman and was passionate about the sea and its resources. They instilled in us the importance of using the best gathering practices. It was simple: you only take what you need to feed your family.
Like a sea sponge, I was eager to absorb knowledge and learn as much as I could. I shadowed my father on all his fishing and gathering expeditions. These trips included open sea trolling, bottom fishing, diving for octopus, net throwing, and harvesting seaweed in the inter tidal pools. I soon became fascinated by the beauty of seaweed and that love has stayed with me long into my adult years.
Carpets of seaweed blanketed the outer reefs like palm trees swaying in the surf others burst with stars and some resemble birdlike feathers. But I have witnessed the decline of an area once abundant with an array of the most beautiful seaweeds. They have slowly disappeared and it became apparent that a restoration and replenishment program needed to be implemented for the survival of this critical resource and complex marine network.
The Ko’olau Limu Project is in its tenth year educating groups through community outreach programs, planting seaweed offshore and bringing the amazing world of seaweed into the classroom. A curriculum has been designed for fourth grade students and it immediately gained popularity among the science and math teachers, becoming one of the most sought out programs. This project teaches participants techniques on how to sustainably harvest seaweed to ensure its existence for all to enjoy and to educate the community of the importance of seaweed to our ecosystems, as a food source and for cultural preservation.
We humbly encourage all beach goers to respect the oceans reef and never touch or step on living corals as they are of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth.
Without a healthy ocean we do not have a healthy planet.
The Ko’olau Limu Festival
Nalani is very excited to share her love of Limu at an inaugural event in Anahola, on the island of Kaua’i. This event will bring together state, private and community organizations that support the education of all things Limu. There will be food booths, presentations by Limu practitioners and scientists, a General Store, Limu themed art, coastal management organizations, and music. All of this combined is sure to make for a great day.
The Ko’olau Limu Festival will be held August 17th at Anahola Beach Park from 10am to 4pm.
