OHA and KKOA to host ‘Aina to ‘Opu event

ANAHOLA — The Office of Hawaiian Affairs and nonprofit Kukulu Kumuhana O Anahola will host ‘Aina to ‘Opu, a hands-on learning event starting Monday.

KKOA was awarded a $10,000 grant from OHA to host the event.

“The ‘Ahahui grant provides an avenue for KKOA to connect the Anahola community with skilled mahi‘ai and cultural practitioners willing to share their mana‘o with the next generation regarding the importance of kalo (taro) in the culture. Resources and recipes, demonstrations and hands-on activities will be available to all participants, KKOA Executive Director Rae Nam said.

The immersive session, scheduled Dec. 20 to 22, runs each day from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with lunch provided, and starts out with a meeting at the Ulupono Anahola Mauka site with cultural practitioner Tim Reis, who will teach a lesson on traditional and modern methods of creating pohaku ku‘i‘ai (poi pounders) and papa ku‘i‘ai (poi boards).

Throughout the day, attendees will learn about different types of woods and harvesting methods, and have an opportunity to learn more about kalo or ulu (breadfruit).

Day two includes a down-to-earth approach to community mala and soil remediation with Kaipo Like of the Waipa Foundation. Later in the day, the Hui Maka‘ainana O Makana and Limahuli Garden team will lead a hands-on, kalo-planting session as a way to help provide nourishment for the Anahola community.

The session concludes with a trip to Kupanihi Farms, where attendees can pick lau and learn to make laulau.

For more information on the event or to register, go to bit.ly/Aina2Opu or visit kkoa.org.
Source: The Garden Island