Students work land, learn
By Eloise Aguiar
Windward OÎahu Writer
KAILUA — Ha'aheo Sai, 12, patiently digs at the roots of a foot-high koa haole, determined to help clear a spot of land overlooking Kawai Nui Marsh of the invasive species and replace it with Hawaiian plants.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
All around Sai, younger students from the Hawaiian immersion school Ke Kula 'O Samuel M. Kamakau, ignore the panoramic view of Kailua, Mount Olomana and Kalaheo and pull weeds at Na Pohaku Hauwahine as the older students cut the larger koa haole brush that will be laid to make a path in the marsh. The students are here every week.
Ke Kula 'O Samuel M. Kamakau students Kuike Kamakea-Ohelo and Kukea Naber are helping restore Kawai Nui Marsh.
The Heritage Foundation and 'Aha Hui Malama I Ka Lokahi have been working to preserve and restore the area for many years. Hundreds of children and community groups have worked there, usually on a one-time basis. Now Ke Kula 'O Kamakau has adopted the area and made a commitment to helping restore it, including building a waterway from the mountain to the sea to help native species thrive again.
The goal is make the area into a learning center, but the school is already taking students there to learn. History, science, physical education, culture and biology lessons are being taught as they malama (care for) the land, said Makalapua Ka'awa, school program director. The lessons each week tie into the school's emphasis, which is health and wellness.
"We look at our own physical health, and the health of our environment is part of that," Ka'awa said. "We want to instill into the children as young as possible our relationship with the ocean and the mountains as stewards and caretakers."
Ke Kula 'O Kamakau, opened in January 2000 and received its charter from the state Department of Education last spring. It has 46 students in grades kindergarten to 12 and is a family-based school where siblings are encouraged to be involved and parents are required to take language, parenting and cultural classes.
Each Wednesday, the students split into two groups and head to the mountain site at the marsh and to the ocean at Alala Point, at the entrance to Lanikai. They have lessons, and they clean, water and plant the areas.
The projects set a foundation of self-worth and sovereignty through service, said Ululani Victor, a teacher at the marsh site. Students learn that sovereignty — which Victor calls a loaded word these days — is something they already possess.
"It's all right here," she said touching her gut. "The way we can regain sovereignty is to reaffirm our connection to the land, so that is what we're trying to do right here. Plus, this is good for students to spend time not on themselves."
Sai said restoring native plants to the rock outcropping, just off Kapa'a Quarry Road, is important but she didn't learn why until her school adopted the area.
Hauwahine is the guardian lizard, or mo'o, of the marsh, and she lives in the rock outcropping.
"I thought (the site) was nothing, but now that I learned about it, I know it is important," Sai said.
Hiking along the hot, muggy trail and clearing the land involve physical dexterity and stamina. Yet, the students said they would rather be outdoors than in a classroom. Teachers said the students aren't always aware that they are learning.
Restoring the habitat, including waterways and ponds, will bring back the native birds and fish, saving them from extinction, said Kaipo Lucas, 10. While the student are learning about things they're also learning "to be leaders, set the example to get everyone else to do it," Lucas said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.
