Wish of a shooting hoku,

Just imagine, laying in the grass up at peacock flats in the dark with just the starlit sky. I must say, it is just a wonderful sight to see. Couple of us took notice of all the stars and just gazed out into the beyond. As the time passed, we seen various amounts of shooting stars. Which brought us to the question, "If you seen a shooting star what would your wish be?" Of that being, my answer would be "I would use my wish to have everything I do, we do have a positive affect every where in the world. No matter it being just a kick of a stick of the flip of a rock, every action happening leads to a positive outcome." With that being said, everything we have done this summer has a positive outcome. Which I am glad to say I was part of, that all of us in Oahu Team D was part of. I am super excited to go back to all the spots we gave our kokua to in a couple of years, and by just getting the chance to say I did that with my HYCC team. Together we all made a difference which all have positive vibes to them all!

-Khaelyn

Jah Bless!

Shooting stars In Hawaii Nei!

So if i saw a shooting star and i had to make a wish, my wish would be playing major league baseball and inviting Oahu D all to my mansion!! cheeee heeee, lol hope it comes true one day. So this past week we were at pea cock flats again and working with the Army Natural Reserve. Our jobs were to do trail maintenance for the rat traps and make it more accesible to check in the Waianae mountains/(Near Pahole). Also cutting down our favorite tree, the strawberry guava, oh how i know we love this species.... haha but just cutting down the keiki guava and herbiciding so that it wont take over the natives growing space and so it doesnt spread anymore through out the native forest. Well anyway i wanna say its been a great pleasure working with such wonderful people and having the privelege of going to places where many people may not have access too. I have to say we got choke work done and im glad all 6 weeks we've had good reviews from the site managers because it shows us how hard we work with eachother and just shows us Oahu D is just straight up BEAST!! hahaha I have to say also this program i think i has changed who i am now and it changed me in a good way being around nature all day and being around you people and it just creates a good blend of hmm life and happiness for me... lol yeah i know i sound like a monk or buddha but yeaaa, had to say dat!! Well this summer was super fun and really funnyy!!! haha im glad i was with you funny people, it was like every personality all in one group, which was Oahu D!! ;D Im really gonna miss you guys, and i love you guys like my family. Oh i forgot! Im gonna write a Oahu D song lol i forgot at camp but yeaaa see you guys on sunday!!!

- Aushhhtinnn

Shooting Stars at Camp

This oddly enough is the most troubling post I've made yet. It's my last post, it's not a reflection, yet, I'm stumped. My team has given me the inquisition: "If you could pretend that airplanes in the night sky were like shooting stars..."(nah, just playing--good song though, yah?). The real question to my dilemma is

If you had the chance to see a shooting star, what would you wish?

I think I'd want to wish that I too, affect someone's life for the better. I've dreamed as a kid to become a doctor so that I can save lives (let's hope it becomes a reality), but I'm realizing now that just to make someones day, sharing laughter and aloha, can be just as impacting as saving lives. Because in the long run, we're all a community, an ohana. We may not always get along perfectly but we need each other to thrive.

I know my statement seems cliche, but I'm sticking to it, and have Kupu's HYCC program to thank that's getting me thinking a bit more profoundly. The program has truly been a life experience, thanks for the hook up.

Guys, for the last time we got'er done. Fo real this time-- Mmmm dat one, pau hana!
I'll miss working with you, thanks for all the fun filled memories, choke laughs, ono grindz, and for the many teasing and stories. Hope you guys have all your wishes come true. I love you guys like family. Stay pono.

Love, your igarot from "Oahu Team D!!! (fist pump)"

Last Post, OANR, Kahanaiki, Camping @ Peacock Flats.

So we were asked to blog our wish if we had seen a shooting star, while we were camping...

I originally wished for strawberry-guava to no longer be a problem in Hawai'i, and that my project on Sunday at the pauhana party is a success.

But after careful thought, I think I want to re-wish if that's possible?

I wish that I could positively influence/affect every person I meet.

It's been good, it's been fun.

Aloha, Auntieeeee (:

Wish upon a star...

If I had one wish on a shooting star, I'd wish for all my hard work in school to pay off and in the future I'd be able to provide and support my family and be happy.

- Fa Mulan.

Mud Fights at Kakoo Owi

Ho bahhhh! This week was like a "pono-test." As we like to brag and call ourselves the "No Fuss team," we almost fussed everyday out in the lo'i. He-he, give us a break. I believe there's something in that California grass that's provoking us to be so fussy-- yup, worms, millipedes, centipedes and toads! Yet, the mud wasn't gonna clear out by itself and our team always strives to "git'er done."

Boy, did we dig out a great chunk in the end of it all. Throughout the week we've been teaming up with rakes and shovels, using our hands and arms to depend on our stamina. We had people just murdering the California grass soil, tugging and hauling on huge chunk-a-lunka boulders to manicure the wall for the Gator to get around the kalo. We all pretty much all got into the "doo-doo" water (it got warm at times xP) at least once (except "Auntie" until she got ambushed in our awesome mud fight today :D) and it does go waist deep. But this week's work takes the win for back-breaking work! I'm praying for no hernia. But we ended another great week--MUD FIGHT! The best kind of wars ;)

We're intense, even after all the hustle and bustle I think in the end when we reflect over this week, we just roll our eyes and shake our heads because we are the "no fuss team" and fussing is exactly how we don't roll!

Love, the igarot

Week 5 Already?!

So this week we've been working at Mahuahua Ai O Hoi, which is right across the street from He'eia fishpond where we were working a couple weeks ago! The main thing we've been doing this week is working in the lo'i. Monday July 11- We cleared mud out of the lo'i that Oahu Group E and Group B(?) had cleared in the weeks before us. I saw the pictures of what the area looked like before we got to it and it was amazing. A drastic change! I give you guys props man, good job! Anyway, so Monday we stayed in there clearing out mud and grass and spreading it around evenly while building up the wall/ walk path at the same time. Tuesday July 12- Back in the lo'i! Except this time we were working on pulling the mud out of the lo'i and putting it on the wall to increase the width of the walk way so that eventually the workers would be able to drive a golf cart through! Half the team worked on the wall while the other half worked behind the lo'i and started cutting through to make a new one. It was a pretty testy day but our team pulled through! Wednesday July 13- Today we had a surprise visit from Noah! He helped us out in the lo'i that some members of our team had just cleared the day before. So our whole group was getting down and dirty working together and cracking jokes. It was pretty fun! Thursday July 14- Today our team was back in the lo'i that we had just started clearing on Tuesday, and so far we've already gotten about half of it done! I'd say that's pretty impressive for only two days work! Today was my most favorite by far because we had a MUD FIGHT!!!! :D So as we were getting ready to go back to the tents for lunch, all the girls were on one side of the wall fixing and touching up whatever we had missed and all the boys on the opposite side digging and looking through the mud for who knows what, all of a sudden we hear a splash and someone yells, "This calls for war!" And all of a sudden Robynne, Khaelyn, Shyla, and I were scooping up mud and grass and rolling them into balls and whipping them across the lo'i at Pono, Chase, Noah, Austin, and Robert. Aunty and Donna had fled the scene cause they didn't wannt to get dirty :((( Anyway, the mud was flying and by the end of it all we were all covered in mud from head to toe. In our hair, ears, on our face, in our pants (HAHA!) it was a blast and certainly something I'll never forget. Tomorrow, Friday July 15 the plan is to work in the lo'i in the morning and have a potluck for lunch and just hang out. It should be a pretty fun day! I love the Friday's with our team and site managers :) Well, get ready for the 10 hour work days, no running water, and more cooking our own meals next week guys! See you tomorrow!

-Eliseeeeeeeeeee, Fa Mulan.

Ahupua'a of He'eia

This week O'ahu Team D worked at the Ahupua'a of He'eia:

Monday, July 11th - Friday, July 15th: We used the rakes and shovels to move the mud and California grass (Brachiaria mutica) to make a wall. The wall we tried to create would ideally be 5ft. wide, so that the gator could easily move across the wall. Our goal was to move the mud so that their was a nice mixture of mud and water, to create an effective and fertile habitat for the kalo.

This week really pushed our team, with the hot weather and mud to our waist. However, we persevered through all of these tough conditions! Tomorrow we plan on continuing work in the lo'i and having a potluck at lunch time (:

Kiana

Mahuahua Ai O Hoi

This week we worked at Mahuahua Ai O Hoi, non-profit wetland organization in He'eia, Hawaii. Their mission is to restore the old He'eia ahupua'a system which stretched all the way to the base of the Ko'olau mountain range. Along this purpose, we spent a majority of our time in the developing lo'i, clearing grass and patches of mud along the ground and using this debris to help build up the walls around the lo'i. It was definitely one of the harder, wetter, and dirtier tasks we had thus far in the program, but we stuck through the initially unpleasant working conditions, and did our jobs. We also spend some of our time helping to maintain the nearby stream, which contained the spring water that supplied the lo'i. We removed California grass from the edge of the stream, to better and maintain the stream and perhaps to clear room for future kalo cultivation (I noticed that they were growing Kalo along the edge of the stream as well). Yesterday, we had also collected tree trunks, branches, leaves and other fallen debris (they were clearing a section of the land) and loaded them onto a truck, which properly disposes of the material. It was definitely a testing week for most of us, with greater bumps this time around, but we're glad to have made it this far, and we are more than determined to finish strong

-Robert

Kualoa bebeh!!

So this is kinda lates haha but well last week our group was at Kualoa ranch and it was pretty fun yo! We had the oppurtunity to work in the Lo'i and planting native/endangered species. Our work we did was removing the weeds on the lo'i and also clearing streams for the the water to go through all the other taro patches that werent getting as much water. It was pretty cool working in that lo'i because it was part of an old ahupua'a and it really felt like i was one true kanak haha. But other than that, Oahu D was just ownin. straight up! Through all the fuss, sweat, hot weather conditions, we still got plenty work done and i just love how we can all work together and get along like no problem. The best part of Kualoa was going to the movie sets or secret island lol and robyne and i filming scenes from 5o first dates! lol classic classic... Well big mahalo's to our site managers!! for letting us work in the lo'i and going to secret island all for free!! This was a very great expierence and a fun one! Almost pau team, keep up the Hard work, and lets giiter done. - Austin

More Than Horseback rides and the Zip line

Yes, as you can see my Dynamite clan and I did go to Kualoa Ranch as our third work site. Remember the zip line during training week? Yup, we got to go back...and clean up everything that is! We did a lot of things there from working in the lo'i clearing up the streams so that they could have many more water pathways to drink from to planting for our first time some native plants to restore the area. This week was pretty remarkable having the opportunity to work in the lo'i like how it was back then in the old ahapua'a, but after deweeding the hill and area around we did something I thought was just the most bomb-diggs thing that day--restoring more water pathways, we cleared up another stream! In the beginning, that area just looked like rocks and mad and weeds, at the end of our intense work it became a live waterfall! Yah, Oahu D, git'er done!

But the whole experience there was so fun filled and great, thanks Makana, John, Kawena, and Murphy for making that experience for us. We'll miss you plenty, much mahalos!

Love, Robynne G.

Kualoa Ranch.

Sorry I didn't do this last week, but I'm gonna do it now! So this week we worked at Kualoa Ranch Tuesday-Friday, short week due to July 4. Tuesday we worked in the lo'i, Wednesday was in the enclosed funded fence, Thursday was more lo'i (and stream) work, and Friday was at Mo li'i Fishpond! (Sorry I think I spelt it wrong in my journal.) I'd have to say by far, Thursday and Friday were my most favorite work days this week. On Thursday, after finishing clearing up the hill by the running stream and lo'i patches, we planted many native species such as carex, 'awa, 'uki'uki, palapalae, etc... so where there once was reeds, grass, chlamydia, and other invasives, there will now be a thriving spot of beautiful native plants for tourists and locals to enjoy. My favorite part of the day was going to the stream, which before had only one water way going through the lo'i and down through the rest of the property, there are now maybe three or four water ways that channel through two different lo'i patches before entering the main stream again. It was so amazing to watch as our team worked together and dig out trenches for the water, clear out sediment and debris, and move rocks and mud getting down and dirty and wet to help the aina. I was so fascinated by the kalo leaves because water just gathers and rolls off of it. It's hard to explain, and maybe a little strange to hear, but I just wanted to take a leaf home and play with it because it intrigued me so much! Not that I have a kalo leaf fetish or anything, no that would be weird -.-" But I'm so amazed by all these things that I never really noticed before, never really cared to notice actually, but this program has had such a huge impact on my outlook on nature. When I went to Kaua'i this past weekend I was driving around Kapa'a and I saw all these plants that before this summer, would have been just plants to me. But as I was driving around I recognized a lot of the plants and was naming them and saying whether they were native, non native, indigenous, invasive, endemic, etc... And that's something I could never do before so I'm really thankful and proud to be able to do that. Although I think my boyfriend thought it was strange when we went to a lookout and there were invasive plants growing in the ground and I started pulling them out because I was still in "kill mode" ;p Anyway, that's my intake on Thursday's work day. Friday, I just wanted to say how awesome I thought it was that we got to go to Secret Island, for free mind you! It's usually about $20 per person to go there, but it was a nice way to end the week after working long and hard, but having fun at the same time. I had a lot of fun in the two man kayak with Robert racing Chase and Pono and getting boarded by Chase then flipped over by Pono! Haha, it was really fun. We made some good friends this week and our site managers were great (as usual)! It was a really wonderful experience and I hope the rest of my group enjoyed it as much as I did. Oh! And I'll never forget Robynne and I's near death experience when weeding on Tuesday with Kawena, hahaha! :) Alrightey good night guys see you tomorrow.
-Eliseeeeeee, Fa Mulan.

Week 4 Kualoa ranch

This week we had the privilege of working in Kualoa Ranch with Makana, Kawena, John, and Murphy. We worked at the lo'i in the mountains trying to restore the water channels/system there, removing invasive grass/weeds from the lo'i patch, and planting numerous (several endangered) native plants. It was a week full of mud, rain, sweat, hard work, and great fun. We rode the incredibly fun "jungle Expedition" and were allowed to cruise at Secret island after a hard day's work of removing invasive limu. Our team also reeancted various scenes from "50 first dates". After a fun day of kayaking, swimming, and paddling on Friday, we all left the site feeling extremely accomplished and rewarded. This was a great week!!

-Robert

Week #4- Kualoa Ranch

This week, TEAM D had the pleasure of working with Makana, Kawena, John, Susan, and Murphy at the beautiful Kualoa Ranch.

Tuesday 7/5-

The team worked to removed the Honohono grass from the lo’i. After lunch, we worked a little further down the mountain where we removed all but native species along the hillside. This was done as a part our week’s plan to do native out-planting. We removed the honohono grass because the grass invades the lo’i and represses growth and reproduction of the kalo. The mission of the Kualoa Ranch educational program is to restore the ‘aina, or the land. Ideally, we would like to return the lo’i and the land back to what it looked like when the ancient Hawaiians roamed the valley. The honohono grass however, is detrimental to the growth of kalo and the restoration of the land. Following lunch we cleared the hillside of weeds, and other invasive species like the Clidemia as a part of our plan to do native out-planting. As we talked to Makana, she explained to us that volunteers before us have done the same thing; removed weeds. So why were we there weeding the same exact area...? Because, no one bothered to prevent the weeds from coming back. This is why we are going to do native out-planting. If we weed, and then plant native plants in their place, this will encourage the perpetuation of native plants on our ‘aina, and discourage the invasion and growth of weeds and invasive species.

Wednesday 7/6-

The team weeded around the native species that were planted in the enclosure. I worked around a keiki koa tree. We then lined rocks along the border of weeded area and put mulch in the enclosed area. After we finished that, we then weeded the mountain side and planted native species, like the Hawaiian hibiscus along the mountain. As a team, we weeded around about 20 different native species in the enclosed area. This was done to create a larger more spacious area for the native species to root its roots, and not be choked out by invasive species. We then lined rocks around the border and put mulch in the enclosure to discourage weeds from growing near the native species. The mulch also helps the soil and ground retain water, better than the soil by itself. In general, we were just trying to create a better living habitat/environment for the native species. We then did something similar along the mountain side. We cleared the area of weeds so that we could create a better living space for the native species that we planted. The area had to be clear of weeds, and the ground soft enough so that we could dig a hole in the ground for the plant to be planted. The planting of native species, is part of the larger vocation to restore the ‘aina to it’s original state. We want to promote the growth and planting of native Hawaiian species.

Thursday 7/7-

As a part of the restoration project, the team planted native species where we had weeded on Tuesday. Following lunch, we cleared the stream, and got it to not only flow, but flow in a desirable direction or area. We planted native species in the area we had weeded two days ago primarily to help keep weeds out of the area. Otherwise, weeding the area would be pointless. Why weed the area if the weeds are just going to come back? Planting the native species should encourage native plant growth and discourage the growth of weeds and other invasive species. Following lunch, we cleared the stream to get the water flowing into water sparse areas. For instance, once we cleared one area of a stream it began the flow into a lo’i that was water scarce. Increasing the flow of water may also better water quality by decreasing turbidity. The cleared stream will encourage the flow of the water, and therefore the growth of native species along the streamline. Hopefully it will promote an adequate habitat for fish to swim and live in the stream

Friday 7/8-

We used the nets and bamboo to remove the gorilla ogo (Gracilaria salicornia), and other algae in the Moli’i Fishpond. We then left the gorilla ogo on the dock to dry, and to be composted in the near future. We were then treated to a beautiful day at Secret Island, where the team got to kayak, paddleboard, swim, and just relax in some hammocks. What a great way to end the week!

TEAM D truly appreciates not only the hospitality by the team at Kualoa but their generosity and willingness to share their mana'o of the 'aina and Hawaiian culture.

Again, mahalo to Makana, Kawena, John, Susan, and Murphy!

Kiana (:

Kualoa Ranch!!

this week at kualoa ranch was a lot of fun but it also presented us with many challenges that we overcame. I had a lot of fun working in the lo`i getting muddy and clearing the streams. on the first day we had some people weeding out the lo`i, some clearing around newly placed native plants and I helped Makana (our sight manager) clear grass, shrubs and trees that were around the electric fence. the perimeter of the lo`i had an electric fence to keep out pigs and other animals. fortunately it was turned off while we were working so we didn't have to worry about getting shocked. the next day we all went up to a fenced in area in the back of the valley where there is an area that its reserved for the growing of rare plants. we had to remove a bunch of invasive plants such as clydemia that were competing with the native plants. one of the challenges that we came across was that we were working with a lot of small plants so we had to watch our steps so that we don't crush any native plants. we got around this by taking our time and working slower than normal but we still got done early and did more work than expected. this day was special because it was the first day that we did planting. we also did planting the next day when we went back to the lo`i. one of the main things that we planted was `ai`ai. this plant is a ground cover and likes very wet places. it grows and takes root fast and is perfect to hold the soil together. it grows so fast that it can grow across a river in a few weeks. on our last day, we worked at the kualoa fishpond. our work was to clean out gorilla ogo and other invasive limu from the north side of the pond. the work was hard but somehow enjoyable. I had a lot of fun during and after work. after lunch we spent a few hours on secret island. we did things like swim, paddle board, kayak, play ping pong and much more. it was so much fun and I didn't want to leave.

-Noah /cupcake

Who didn't get burnt at He'eia?

Oh Boy, were we in for a treat! Paepae o He'eia was quite the catch, literally, we caught handfuls of Samoan crab throughout the week and lemme tell you they were tasty... looking (we never got to eat them, bummer, but I'm sure they were onolicious). We've been working on this hill behind the Paepae garage, and you'd figure after doing a weeks worth of trail maintenance, we'd be pros at this kind of thing...nope! It's Satan's Slope or something. Just looking at it intimidates us. It's not what we do there that's driving us off the hill it's more like all the slashing away at false taro with knats and other flying creatures eating us alive! So gross and itchy. But remember, our team's strong, and we eventually git'er done ;) That hill was a test of patience/ no fussing. Lesson time: So what's the genius behind this great kuapa (wall that makes the pond)? Well this is a 600 year old fishpond after all and we wanna keep it that way. Pretty mush ancient Hawaiians built the wall to section off a perfect pond for their fish (using the intense math and geography of the mountains to map it) with rocks and ko'a (coral). Then they made gaps in between the kuapa called and made makaha (gates). Here's the genius part: With this gate small fish would get attracted to the pond, stay and feast on whatever, and then when they become bambucha, they wont be able to fit through the gate anymore! Akamai, yah? Yessuurryyy, we got to work in the pond! Nice and sedimenty and salty, nah, it's not bad (especially if you think about how much more public beaches have turned into shi-shi water). We'd split into groups hauling rocks/ko'a onto the gator (golf cart truck) then have others haul those boulders onto a pontoon and into the other. Pontoons don't move themselves and we had to get them across the low kuapa (this u-shaped wall made up of log-shaped cement). Amen when we worked in high tide the waves really helped alot during those pivotal points, otherwise it's the perfect all around body muscle workout! Cheehuu! In the end it's all worth it because we are so blessed, no rain (amen), no fatal injuries (only minor--bc we're tough like that), a perfect view of He'eia pond and Kaneohe Bay, and a great staff at Paepae o He'eia that took care of us while we worked side by side with them (and the new intern friends we made too). We'll surely miss all of you guys With all our Aloha, Team Oahu D wants you guys o know we had a blast, swimming in your pond, grind'n with you guys, working with you guys and just your aloha and vast knowledge of the great He'eia fishpond, MAHALO! Love, Robynne G. (igarot) P.S. Being (dark) brown should have its benefits--so why did I get burnt? I'm sore!!!! So junk :P

`Ai Pohaku o He`eia!

Chi pono! Talk about Ma ka HANA ka ike bule! Everyday this past week has been awesome. Yasterday we worked on moving a HUGE mound of ko`a out the fishpond wall and then filling in the low spots of the wall with it. The ko`a we used came from Waimanalo gultch in Nanakuli. It's really white and dence unlike the original finger ko`a that was firest used to build the wall. I over heard the site managers saying that their so fortunate for the hycc team this week cuz if they didn't have us i would take them about 4 months to move that mound of ko`a. It was super hot yesterday so we're lucky to have been able to cool off in the water after. My favorite part of the day was playing SUMO with robert on the shuttle barge while it was getting towed through the fishpond! If it wasn't so shallow i'm sure robert woulda flew me off like nothing! Thanks for being nice rob :). I can't wait for fridays potluck it should be yummy!

Aloha

-Shyla

End of the our work week at He'eia Fishpond

Aloha TEAM D and Visitors to our Site,

TEAM D had an awesome work week! We had the pleasure of working with Pae Pae 'O He'eia at He'eia Fishpond. Site managers, Keli'i, Kinohi, Kaika, and Benji helped us work through the week as well as helped to educate us about the biological and cultural aspects of the pond.

WEDNESDAY, 6/29 TEAM D learned about the invasive mangrove plant that fills the edges of the pond, as well as along the wall of the fishpond. The three main types of mangrove that we removed were the Rhizophoria mangle (Red Mangrove), Conocarpus erectus (Silver Mangrove), and Laguncularia racemosa (White/Oriental Mangrove). The team used laupers and a chain saw to remove the mangrove. Something TEAM D found refreshing, was unlike the strawberry guava trees we cut down last week, once the mangrove is cut, it will die.

THURSDAY, 6/30 TEAM D moved ko'a, or coral to the other end of the pond. We did this to help fill in the lower parts of the pond to prevent flooding. This will allow easier access to the wall for volunteers, workers, and keiki.

TEAM D is excited for our work day tomorrow, but is sad that it is our last day at He'eia Fishpond. We have learned so much, and met so many new people. We are excited for what is in store for our team next week!

Aloha,
Kiana (:

Sun kissed at He'eia

This week went by like a breeze. Even though we are all sun kissed by the sun, we still enjoy are days at work. Given the duties of loading, unloading and passing the rocks and coral to each other was tough at some points through out the days but hey we made do and got it done! Donna said something to me today that made me laugh inside, which was "Khaelyn are you okay?" "I was just asking because your face doesn't show it" Haha Donna, Im perfectly fine. I just look that way at times of the day, especially today because I was super hungry. Any way, back to talking about the days work. Today, Benji took me out on the boat to check the crab traps, and what do you know we check every single one and there wasn't even one good size sole' crab! I was kinda bummed out, but it was okay because I got the chance experience the whole thing for me to at least remember. The last time I did that was maybe ten years ago, which makes me 8 at that time. Im gonna just write what ever else is on my mind from today, so bare with me okay guys? My body is super sun kissed (burned) that every time I pass by some one when I got to my grandma's house they touched my back to say hi and give a honi which really hurt! haha. Well, tomorrow we have a a good day planned for us. See you all in the AM!

Jah Blessings!

-Khaelyn

Paepae O' He'eia Fish Pond

Whoaaaaaaaaa, Week 2 Down! This week was a really nice transition from the work we did up in the mountains last week. It was really nice and refreshing being near the water and not having to be constantly soaked by a sudden downpour of rain. This week's work location was at the He'eia Fishpond on the windward side of Oahu. We did various work trying to restore the pond, such as transporting heavy, jagged rocks and coral to the outer walls of the pond. It was pretty tiresome having to haul the pontoon loaded with the heavy rocks and coral, especially because of the mucky sediment and mud at the bottom of the pond (which had fallen from the mountains during heavy rainfall). It was pretty cool learning about the history and cultural significance of the pond, which was surprisingly 600 years old. The pond was created by old Hawaiian chiefs in order to grow fish, which would be difficult to catch during the winter months. The organization's mission is to restore the integrity of the walls of the pond, which were destroyed by the introduced, in order to restore the pond to its former condition so that they can continue to foster the growth of numerous fish such as moi. We learned many different things, such as the 3 different species of mangrove (the button, oriental, and the caribbean mangrove), the mangrove's role in slowing down water that flowed from the mountains, and trapping sediment, and the cultural storied surrounding the pond and nearby mountains. Other work we did included removing tons of wicked underbrush on the property's hill, in order to prime the soil for 'uala. The organization wants to utilize the land in order to grow useful plants and herbs, such as 'uala, the Hawaiian sweet potato. We really did get down and dirty removing the weeds and unwanted shrubs (not to mention the plethora of creepy critters that flew into our ears and noses and crawled onto our backs). Despite the dirty work, this was a really successful and fun week.

Tired and dirty, but still esmiling,
your friendly neighborhood Pilipino,
Robert.