our work
two core programs
He Pili Wehena ‘Ole O Nā Kalo
Kalo, an unseverable relationship
He Pili Wehena ‘Ole O Nā Kalo seeks to inspire and train new generations of practitioners to the perpetuation of Hawaiian kalo varieties and to the landscapes, traditions, science, art, practice, health, hard work and economic vitality of kalo farming and other Hawaiian food crops, on farm and through partnerships with a diversity of individuals and organizations.
Eaolamāmā
Ea is life, air, breath; ola is also life, as in health and well-being, and māmā is to lighten a load or ease pain. Together they form the concept of Eaolamāmā, the modern equivalent of “oxygen.” Native forests and trees are the lungs and sponges for water on our islands, elements essential for life. It is their breath (hā) that attracts the clouds and their presence that allows the rain to “walk.” Their decline has impacted lower elevation microclimates which are becoming increasingly drier and more fire prone. Restoring and caring for native habitats and traditional agricultural landscapes is an integral part of “restoring the breath” (kūpaku) of the land.
three core practices
Learn, Share, Care for
so that we may all be cared for in return.
Learn about our projects by clicking on the images below.
We've been around a long time, just never had a website before. We prefer our work speak for itself.
E kūpaku ka ʻāina
a ten year picture
Cultivars protected in the Hawaii Rare Plant Propagation Lab
86
Kalo collections verified and part of the conservation network
14
Kalo distributed
47,212 lbs
Huli (planting material) distributed (58 kalo varieties)
100,786
Other produce distributed
(ʻulu, maiʻa, kō, lāʻau, wauke, lei material, and more)
24,345 lbs
Volunteer hours
23,099
Interns
20
Young farmer mentoring support
157
Schools and alternative education organizations engaged
28
Students mentored
147
Workshop participants
3,144
Archival research translations
416 pages