Kamaliʻi Navigate Ocean Safety through Puaʻama O Ke Kai 2024-07-05 Kamaliʻi Navigate Ocean Safety through Puaʻama O Ke KaiUnexpected joys happen whenever the kamaliʻi of Liliʻuokalani Trust are at Pōkaʻi Bay in Waiʻanae for weekly Puaʻama O Ke Kai sessions. Once, a playful dolphin swam past the group. Another time, the double-hulled canoe Iosepa was observed in the distance. The kamaliʻi, ages 6-11, are participants of the ocean-themed program by the Trust’s Kīpuka Waiʻanae in West Oʻahu. Puaʻama O Ke Kai runs every summer and spring break, with 20 participants per session. Each session starts with a pule (prayer), an oli (chant), and a breakfast at Kīpuka Waiʻanae, followed by three hours of ocean activities and learning at Pōkaʻi Bay.It's a partnership between the Trust and two nonprofit groups. Leahi Swim School provides one-on-one swim instruction, and Nā Kama Kai teaches canoe paddling and sailing, ocean safety, conservation, and stewardship.As a collective, the partners weave Hawaiian culture and values into their lessons on land and in the ocean.For example, the kamaliʻi learn to kilo (observe) their emotions, other people, and the surrounding environment. They also practice hanu/ha (breathing techniques) to calm down, relax, and focus on water safety and environmental protection.At Kīpuka Waiʻanae, a gathering place for LT Teammates and the kamaliʻi, the group recites a pule (prayer) and an oli (chant), composed by Makalauna Feliciano, the Advisor, Practice Development and Cultural Practitioner for the Trust. Additionally, LT Teammates conduct lessons on Hawaiian values:Kuleana. Responsibility to respect the ocean and marine life, and promote safety in the waterMālama. Caring for the ocean and understanding how the ocean takes care of themOnipaʻa. Steadfastness in protecting the ocean to which they are connectedʻImi ʻike. Knowledge about the environment and its connection to lōkahiPilina. Relationships with one another and their environmentAloha. Love and respect toward one another, and all living things “The kamaliʻi practice aloha by being respectful in our space, and to ourselves and one another,” says Kristi Medeiros, Direct Services Specialist for the Trust.Emphasizing these principles not only strengthens the group’s cultural identity but deepens their appreciation for Queen Liliʻuokalani, who established the trust in 1909 for children in Hawaiʻi.Medeiros accompanies the group to the beach, along with a Certified Lifeguard from the Trust, and Social Workers Chelae Primacio-Taua and Kalaʻi Thompson. They ensure the children are safe in the water and under the sun.Seeing the children learn new skills in the ocean brings great joy to Medeiros and her Teammates at the Trust. “Our kamaliʻi receive expert guidance in water safety swimming,” she says, “and they learn to mālama the ocean and land, improve their physical health and water competence, and reinforce values, such as environmental awareness and aloha.”Puaʻama O Ke Kai helps them to build resiliency and thrive in their futures.