Ho'ailona...

I had a beautiful, but powerful day this morning at Makua Valley along the Wai'anae Coast. It was good to get out on the 'aina and feel the energy and the love of the kupuna. It was a site visit to try and get a handle on some of the activities going on in the Makua Military Reserve with ongoing activities by the U.S. Army. There are some issues with Unexploded Ordnance clearing activities in and around Native Hawaiian cultural and historical sites in accordance with a recent Federal Court decision impacting Makua, and the issues surrounding the idea of cultural access. I have a better understanding of the salient issues now. Kaumaha and 'eha mixed with a deep sense of Aloha. Kanenuiakea was present. The light drizzle at the end help to consecrate my thoughts. Mahalo Colonel Margotta for making the time. Truly appreciated. When I showed Koa and Elliott this picture I took of the valley at the end of the visit, they both exclaimed, "Look at the eye in the sky!" I saw it. They also can see the po'o, or skull above the eye, without mandible. Mahalo Ke Akua for being there for us and bearing witness of our collective efforts...