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Sunlight in the sky
A fresh rain to clear the mind
Learning once again

Review: There are rains and storms on the path of learning, but it can also help to go through struggle. As we are part of a community, the learning community, the Hawaiian community, the local community, we must break through barriers to evolve. We must walk through the storms to see the sunlight crest over the hill. How else could we cherish the warmth of the sun if we do not know the cold of the rain?

This picture showcases the beauty of mother nature and a flourishing māla (garden) abundant with Hawaiʻi's diverse flora. The sunlight symbolizes hope, serving as a beacon of perseverance amidst the growing pains of life. The sun plays a vital role in the water cycle, heating the kai (sea water) which then transforms into wai (freshwater) that nourishes the ʻāina (land) through rainfall. The meticulous care of the māla ensures that both kānaka ʻōiwi and others reliant on these natural resources can benefit from its abundance.

The interconnectedness of these natural elements mirrors the harmony necessary for sustaining life, reminiscent of the traditional ahupuaʻa system that ranges from the mountains to the sea. Thriving to me signifies a state where all components are in balance. As Kamehameha III eloquently stated, “Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono. The life of the land is preserved in righteousness.” Although this quote was created when Hawaiʻi had a restoration of sovereignty, I believe this saying also applies to when things are in balance the land will flourish. When our people are in balance so too will the ʻāina be in balance for nature is an extension of the Hawaiian people.

This picture was taken at Ka Papa Lo‘i ‘o Kanewai, and to me it describes both the challenges to thriving and thriving itself because of the story of this lo‘i. Prior to as it stands today, the area was once a landfill, being hurt by the trash and debris dumped onto it. In the 1980ʻs, a group of Native Hawaiian students at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa had discovered the remains of an ‘auwai on the side of the landfill, rediscovering this land called Kānewai. Before Kamehameha I conquered O‘ahu, this land was highly valued for its productivity and through many decades, the land fell to the ownership the University. Since the discovery of the ‘auwai, many have worked hard to get the lo‘i to where it is today—thriving because of the ‘auwai that exists from before. Similarly the challenges we face may be “dumped” onto us, hindering our growth and prosperity, but, at the same time, with the right support, love, and foundation, we may grow, learning to flourish once again. Ka Papa Lo‘i ‘o Kanewai is a source of connection, a safehaven, as well as a cultural beam shining light on the importance of care—paralleling to us as individuals and Kanaka ‘Ōiwi.

This photo represents Cohort 1. The six of us traveled in new waters and navigated our way through a new council created for change. We jumped in not knowing the full extent and possibility of the group. As we developed rules and guidelines for our path, we grew together. When we would come across a challenge, we would navigate it together and discuss our thoughts. This helps the boat push forward and continue to move ahead. Each of us then took different responsibilities and was a part of one huge effort. This is shown through the paddlers all trying their hardest and helping the whole unit. I am so grateful for the opportunity this council has presented. We have worked hard for the betterment of our community and have walked with intent to raise youth voices. I look forward to seeing the future of NLoK and watching the canoe push forward into the future.

This is a photo of a section of our farm at Hoʻoulu ʻŌpio. We have 7 acres of land and only 5 classes to take care of all that ʻĀina. During COVID, we were rendered void of community workdays as well as limited help from our community partners due to quarantine. Our farm was struggling, and it truly enlightened us to how important it is to form and strengthen community partnerships because in the world of Mahiʻai, no community means slow prosperity.

In Hawaiʻi, transportation can often be characterized by its inconsistency, presenting challenges for both residents and visitors alike. The island state's unique geography, with its diverse terrain and scattered population centers, contributes to a fragmented transportation infrastructure. Over time, the City and Transportation system have improved their time intervals and ratios for the Honolulu routes, making traveling between Eastside areas easier and more predictable. However, this improvement has not extended to the Westside commutes, where the Department of Transportation's delays in implementing Hawaiʻi's rail project have affected all routes, exacerbating difficulties for travelers. The introduction of a "new efficient route" has led to reduced frequency in Westside connecting shuttles, with services running only once per hour instead of the previous 15- or 30-minute intervals.

Moreover, the discontinuation of articulated buses for the Westside routes has resulted in overcrowding, particularly during rush hour. The challenges faced by the Wai’anae coast in transportation reflect broader issues of neglect and disparities. As a resident of this area, I have chosen to use this situation as my photo voice to shed light on the struggles endured by those who commute in and out of the Waiʻanae Coast daily. I aim to bring awareness not only to transportation issues but also to other challenges faced by the Westside community. Through advocacy and activism, we can work towards creating a more prosperous and thriving environment for the entire Waiʻanae Coast.