"A'ohe hana nui ka alu'ia..." (No task is too big when done together.)

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Cooking with Kumu's - 6/20/2014

Cooking With Kumu's


Today, the class learned how to turn the organic vegetables in our garden into a healthy snack. Early in the morning, we got down into the dirt and picked our most abundant vegetable, the Japanese white radish, Hakurei.



Mr. Matsumoto gave the class a lesson on Hakurei and why they are so helpful to have on hand. First of all- they are easy to grow (which is why we have so much). Hakurei is also an ingredient that can be used in so many different dishes- whether eaten raw or fried on the stove. Lastly, Hakurei is quickly made and does not require much effort.




Ms. Kirkland heated up our pan as we gathered around her. She used some Kauai sea salt and extra virgin olive oil to season the Hakurei. She fried up the all the ingredients and then we got to try them. Surprisingly, they were delicious! As students, we were impressed by Ms. Kirkland's easy recipe and how it was tasty, yet healthy.



This lesson taught us how to make a simple recipe using the ingredients we have around us. It also saves us money and teaches us how to be sustainable. Being able to pick something that you grew and turn it into a meal taught us how fun it can be and that when we grow older, this can be a lifestyle. It got us thinking of how we can grow our own food at home and even cook for our family.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

HARC - 6/19/14

Hawai'i Agriculture Research Center

The Hawai'i Agriculture Research Center (HARC) is an organization that falls under the category of a highly controversial issue: genetically modified organisms (GMO's). Originally established in 1895 as Hawai'i Sugar Planter's Association (HSPA) and changed to HARC in 1996, HARC has been modifying crops for farmers for years. The intircate science that is behind all of this has been misconcepted by many since they were introduced- which is why we were learned with the real story. 

We started with a tour of the property, escorted by environmental engineer, Ming Lee. She taught us about how genetically modifying a crop can sometimes be simply changing the tempurature of the environment that plant lives in or as technical as extracting the DNA trait from one plant to another. But, all of this work isn't just to make 
money. Ming Lee informed us that they recieve crops from farmers which they multiply into thousands, using their farming fields. Then, within 6 months, the thousands of crops are given back. The non-profit organization also researches new technology that can heal sick plants, prevent diseases and insect infestation, and notify them of future fertility failure in order to reserve time and work.
We also got a chance to sample GMO papayas, extract papaya DNA, participate in gel electrophoresis activity, identify different genders of papaya, and be a part of a DNA dance that would help them better understand the behavior of DNA.

Before going to HARC, our understanding of GMO's were very little. Being able to learn the technical science of how these plants actually behave turned out to be neat. At first, we were guilty to admit that we thought GMO's were totally bad, but after learning about them, we were astounded and estatic to spread the word about the real deal of genetically modified plants and their not so bad existence.

Ma'o Organic Farm: 6/17/14

Ma'o Oraganic Farm


We recently had the opportunity to pay a visit to the largest organic farm on 'Oahu. Ran by interns only from the west coast, Ma'o farm is located deep in Lualualei Valley. It is surrounded by rich Lualualei Vertisol soil- a unique soil only found in Lualualei Valley. During our visit we were informed of the many opportunities that the non-profit organization offers and we also got a chance to learn how to make organic, vegetarian  pizza from one of the farm's most beloved employees, Aunty Teri.

Before engaging in the fun pizza making activity, we were taken on a tour of the farm by Aunty Teri and Social Enterprise Director, Uncle Kamuela Enos. They told us about the different jobs within the farm, the variety of plants, and also explained to us that Ma'o farm offers college scholarships to interns.  We were impressed with all of the generous benefits offered by Ma'o farms.


We also participated in a small landscaping project where we did some weeding in front of the main building. Our main goal was to make it look more presentable for an upcoming event that would host important investors.


Our classmate Kameron cleared all of the unsightly invasive weeds!


At first, we were apprehensive about trying the different pizzas and salads that contained vegetables we had never heard of before, not to mention the fact that there would be absolutely no meat. But, once we took our first bite,our 
attitudes totally changed. We all got a pan and piled our pizzas high with the healthy organic ingredients. Who knew 
eating healthy could be so delicious?


As a young student, I was pleased to learn about how this local business was thriving. But I was really impressed with the different aspects of this business. It was quite evident to me that this business was more than just a farm. It was 
clearly important to them that they share their mana'o (knowledge) with each of us. They taught us about the scientific aspect of things, such as where we get our food, the importance of the quality of the soil in order to successfully grow food, and the pride that comes from sustaining our Hawaiian traditions. This experience really opened our eyes to the fact that this could be a lucrative and fulfilling career. This field trip made us aware of how  Ma'o farm is a model example of a business that is contributing to our community in multiple ways and has really got us thinking of our future goals, careers, and healthy living.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Wai'anae Geology Bus Tour

Geology Bus Tour of Wai'anae



Day 3 of Field School was the day of the Wai'anae geology bus tour. Starting with our Nānākuli Valley, Dr. John Sinton from the University of Hawai'i taught the students about different geological features along the west coast. After serveal stops, the students were able to identify different lava flows and rock formations within the entire Wai'anae volcano.

No one would think much of the rocks shown above. But actually, the rocks above are remaining pebbles stuck in the wall of an extinct lagoon (left), a fossilized fan shell (upper right), and a rusted rock from a horizontal lava flow (bottom right).


Palikea Hike

Palikea Hike



The Palikea Hike was the first field trip for Malama 'Āina Field School. The journey began at 9:00 in the morning on the mountain of Mauna Kapu where the Nanakuli oli was recited to ranger Thomas Anuheali'i (a.k.a Anu) to ask permission to enter. 






The trek across the Palikea trail was strenuous but it was worth the view. We learned many new things about our valley that we never knew before- like the legend of Maui pulling up the sun on our Heleakala mountain. This trip opened our eyes to the historical culture of our beloved place and how blessed our Nānākuli people are.


Along the way, we were able to learn about many plants, both native and invasive. The 'Ōhi'a Lehua tree (bottom) grows vibrant red flowers and is native to Hawai'i. The Uluhe (top right) is an invasive plant which grows layers of intertwined branches.



Day One of Field School

Day 1

The first day of Malama 'Āina Field School started with our daily Nānākuli Oli (chant). As we all gather together outside it is pretty early in the morning and there is still a lingering chill in the air. As I look around I notice that most everyone's body language seems to be reflecting what I'm thinking, which is "Why am I up this early during summer break?" But then Cameron powerfully belts out the first words and we all start to chant. We chant of the majestic mountains that encompass our valley (Heleakala, Palikea, 
Mauna Kapu, Manawahua & Piliokahe).  We face these mountains and countinue our chant as the sun gently warms our skin. It's then that I am struck by the ancient beauty of this place where I live. This place nestled in between lush green mountains on one side and sandy white beaches on the other. Gradually, I am filled with this sense of deep gratitude as pride for my hometown explodes in my heart. I stand up a little straighter, chant a little louder, breathe deeply of the clean sweet morning air and I am so thankful for what I have been blessed with. I look around at my class mates and I can see a transformation in them too. I can see that same pride shining in their eyes and then I realize that this is why we do our morning Oli. This is a sacred thing that our ancestors did long ago and our group just honored that tradition today. As our chant comes to a close and we head on inside I feel pono (right) and ready for the day. Next it's time for morning circle. Everyone takes turns sharing their reasons for joining Field School. As we speak we each wrap a piece of yarn around a cardboard cylinder to symbolize each persons mana (power) and committment to our program. Later we will use the yarn to construct the 
class' "ball of power."




As a class bonding event, students learned the history of an 'Aha and later got to make 'Aha keychains. An 'Aha was a council made up of different Ali'i (chiefs) in ancient Hawai'i. An Aho was a single Ali'i. When all Aho met together, they were a strong group. Students learned that individuals working together can form a strong foundation and is capable of doing many great things.


Mr. Joe McGinn from Hawai'i Natural Farming came and taught the students about organic cultivation. He introduced fermented plant juice (FPJ's) and lactic bacteria acid (LAB's) to the students. FPJ's and LAB's are used as fertilizers for different plants and is made with natural ingredients. He also taught students the easy process of making these concoctions at home as a means to practice sustainable living.


Friday, June 6, 2014

Welcome to our Field School blog!


Aloha,

Welcome to the blog of the Mālama ʻĀina Field School at Nānākuli 2014! We are so fortunate to be able to conduct a second summer program for students at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School. This year, we have a class for rising 8th graders and another for rising 9-11th graders.

This program represents learning based on experiences gained in the field. Skills and concepts in science, math, English, and social studies are infused in the five week program that takes students and teachers across the island and particularly along the Waiʻanae Coast.

Mahalo nui loa to the many organizations and individuals that are giving so much to make this program possible for our students. Funding is graciously provided by Kamehameha Schools Ka Pua program, Marisla Foundation, and PALS/PLACES with in-kind support from Nānākuli High & Intermediate School, University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu and Mānoa campuses, Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, MAʻO Organic Farm, and Mālama Learning Center.

This blog is written by one of our students, Galilee Kamai, a rising 10th grade student (see photo below).