4. Nā Waʻa Mauō: Paddling, Plankton, and the Kumulipo

Meet Hōkūokahalelani Pihana at Nā Waʻa Mauō Marine Stewardship Program.

Nā Waʻa Mauōʻs Honuaiākea Voyaging Program (HVP) immerses at-risk high school students from East Hawaiʻi Island in an experience that strengthens their academics, STEM skills, and personal well being as they transition into adulthood. During the Honuaiākea program experience, students learn how to conduct marine stewardship research using an integrated methodology that blends institutional and indigenous sciences. Their research projects focus on the effects of climate change on the marine environment and ways to increase community resilience to climate change. The open ocean readiness piece trains students in ocean safety to attain their lifeguard certifications, and the college to career success component prepares students for college through undergraduate mentorships and STEM research experiences. Collectively, the Honuaiākea Voyaging Program aims to perpetuate the practice of our kūpuna, strengthen the next generation of marine stewards, and sustain the cultural identity of Hawaiʻi Nei.

Website: www.kahalemauo.com/nawaamauo

 

Tags: Hawaiʻi, Hawai’i, Hawaii