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.

He'eia fishpond.

This week was amazing! We had awesome site managers and a whole lotta fun! It's really great that our team gets to experience different work settings. Just last week we were in the mountains and now we're working by the ocean! I think my favorite thing we did this past week was pulling in crab traps with Aunty Kiana :) We caught two wahine Samoan crabs and they were of pretty decent size! Working in the pond is definitely an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life because not many people get the opportunity we get to do all these amazing things. This summer truly is one I will treasure as long as I live and the summer's only just begun! See you all tomorrow. We're gonna have a great time pot lucking and having fun with the new friends we made at He'eia :)
- Eliseeeeee. (Fa, Mulan) ;)

He‘eia Fishpond (da kine short version)

This week we went to He‘eia fish pond and did a lot of hard work. We did many different jobs such as build the fishpond wall, cut mangrove and even removing weeds from a hill behind the pond. Our team worked hard at all the jobs that we did no matter what the conditions were or how we felt. Even when one person was unable to do a job, we would swap them into another job that they could do and work would continue without a hitch. My favorite job was building the wall. I liked it because it was in the water and cool breeze and i was able to do the work without getting too tired. I also enjoyed figuring out where to place each rock and time seemed to pass really fast while doing this too. The hardest day for me was the second day when we worked on the hill. Working on the hill was very hard and time just didn't go by fast enough. A few of the factors that made it a hard job was the fact that we were working on a very steep incline with little to no footing. The hill was very sunny just like when we were out on the wall, but it lacked the breeze so it was very hot and humid. But in the end we still got the work done and we did a lot of it. Working at the fish pond was a learning experience but it was also fun. A few days we would swim when we were done with work. Work was also fun because our team would always be in a good mood and we would make the work fun and every now and then we would throw in a practical joke or a small game like a race. Another thing that made work enjoyable were the people who work at the fishpond. They always had a smile on there face and they would always keep us happy and work was never boring and never too stressful. But my favorite thing was that you could snack while you work. The snack that I am talking about are the countless oysters that grow along the rocks at the fishpond. Many people would say that it is gross but they are actually very good and taste better than the oysters that you buy in the store. So all in all I really enjoyed this week and hope to return to the fishpond one day. I hope to return as a volunteer or maybe even an intern.

Aloha,

Cupcake :)

Jah He'eia Fish Pond Mon!

YOO, well this was a super fast hard working task for the giiiter dones of Oahu D! well im very proud of the team for working hard everyday this week in the fish pond because i know it was super hot and the water in the pond is not da best to step in but proud of you guys! I learned a lot about the pond and the history of what the rock wall represents such as seperating the good fish from the predators. I think transporting rocks for the wall was pretty beast, we probably get the record time for most rocks and Ko'a traveled across in the pond.. haha nah nah it was a honor to give back to the Kupunas and repairing what they built for us and whats left of ancient Hawaii and also removing mangrove, dang that thing grows everywhere but glad we got rid of some cause its very invasive. Best memory of this week was today bombing of the fish pond wall with everybody and busting out da austin original nut crackah bomb, auuurighhht haha. This has been a really fun week working in the water the whole time and hope next week can be fun like this too! k shooooties, AUSTIN

fish pond

dannnng, this week went by fast, to building rock walls, cutting mangrove, catching samoan crabs. this whole week was awesome, i just want to thank the staff of Paepae o he'eia, like kealii, piilani, mahealani, kaika and benji them. it was a good oppertunity to give back to the community by fixing the fish pond, and trying to get it to be a sustainable food source. i learned so much about fish ponds this week and big mahalos to my team for working hard.

cookamongacrackkillas and the fish pond

today was pretty nuts cuz, we started to work on the hill, by cutting weeds. also i took a rock to my shin and a rock to my head, and robin kept on throwing austins water jug at me for no reason. lol. nah, but any whos i had good fun working on the fish pond, and i got to swim a little bit, it was refreshing from working in the hot sun all day. it makes me feel good when i can give back to my communtiy by restoring one of hawaiis fish ponds. i learned some pretty cool stuff today from my site managers. i learned that ancient hawaiians built there walls by lining them up with the significant landmarks, like Mt. Konahuanui and keaalohi point. i thought it was pretty cool because they were way ahead of their time. thats all folks...giter done

Boulders in Bulks (Day 1--Monday)

Week 3 and we're just poundin 'um!

Another great day, no rain, no fuss, and no Guava! But little do I know, we'll be working with guava's apprentice--Mangrove! It's all g though, team D'll git'er done :)

Keep it up group, it's looking like an exciting week for us. And don't forget to come with new stretching techniques for our aching muscles. ;]P

Love,

Robynne G.

Da Fish Pond

By far, the fish pond at he'eia is great to work at. Besides my encounters with the gecko or lizard, I really am enjoying the limited time we have there. I love hearing all the stories our site managers have told us. The whole time they were telling the stories, I would zone out and picture the description they give us. Which by the time I came to reality, it felt like I took a trip back into time when things were all beautiful and natural. It gives you the thought, that everything little thing does have a reason behind it. I entirely enjoyed the time we move the pohaku from one end of the pond to the next on a barge. Even though everyone liked the walk in the water, I personally enjoyed strengthening the wall. Because in so many few days, months or years I can look back in time and tell whoeverI may be talking to at the time that I helped build up that part of the wall. It means a lot to me, I mean just to have the opportunity to work on that KAPU area is more than enough for me. Since being at the fish pond, it brings us all "closer together" which is sucah a good thing. Today we had a big load of pohaku and all of us formed a line to make the carrying a bit easier. Looking at all of us in my mind felt really good. For that second the thought popped in my head, it felt like we were really one big strong team. Well, as you all know Robert and I took that large pohaku and some how some way it slipped right on to my left foot, and down I went on that pointed coral. I just thought I put it up here, honestly npt trying to be mean towards Robert but just a cool remembrance. By the way Robert, my foot is perfectly fine, it just happened by reason. Im going to have to cut it right here because my eyes are starting to close while my fingers are still typing! haha.

*blessings

Khaelyn

He'eia fish Pond so far!

So working in the fish pond was pretty fun yesterday! Its a very good expeirence and privilege to be able to go in the pond and work in there. Im so proud of my team, OAHU D!! cheee heee!! Building back up the wall was not a very easy job and this involved a lot of team work, and this couldnt be done with just one person. Its actually fun transporting the rocks across the pond to build the wall, cause it feels like you one native Hawaiian!! One true Kanaka!! haha but you also get a work out too cause little bit heavy the rocks but its a good expeirence and our team is hard working and we are the no fuss crew!! auuuuright. The myths too are also pretty nuts at the pond!! I learned so much and learned more about Hawaiian history or culture so its been a good and pretty fun time so far, cant wait till the next days! well lets giiiter done crew! Keeping working hard!

Mahalo'z

-AUSTIN

Fishpond (Monday)

Today we went to he‘eia fish pond and it was a lot of fun. we started the day with some stretches and an oli. we then broke up into groups and went out to do our work. the first group loaded rocks onto the gator (its basically a golf cart on steroids and it has a flat bed that has a hydraulic ram to dump out its cargo) and the gator drove out to the end of the fish pond wall. then gator would dump out all the rocks and the second group would load them on a small boat. a third group would push the boat to the section of the wall that was being built. the third and fourth groups would then work together to unload the boat. finally the fourth group would arrange the rocks and build the wall. i worked as the second, third and fourth groups because the people in those groups would rotate so that we wouldn't get tired out. my favorite job was building the wall because i like to build things and i also like to be in the water. so for me this job was a lot of fun and i took a lot of joy in doing it.

- Noah

Ms. Sprained Leg Khaelyn being transported by the Oahu Team D Emergency Rescue Ambulance. Injured but still smiling.

He'eia Fishpond

This week, our team is working at the He'eia fishpond on the windward side. It was a nice transition from the mountain work we did at Pahole and Mt. Ka'ala, but it was still hard work nonetheless. On Monday, the team worked together to help restore the walls of the fishpond which were hugely damaged by the super flood that occured in the 1930s (?). We loaded some rocks onto a platform, which was guided across the water by our teammates. Our other teammates on the opposite side of the wall then unloaded the rocks and stacked them to rebuild the wall. It was refreshing to go into the water, but it got pretty strenuous when the water got deeper, the mud/muck under the water (from the mangroves) got thicker, and the tide got higher. Nevertheless, the past two days were pretty nice and sunny, with not too much rain. In any case, the rain was cool and refreshing. I had fun in and out of the water, and listening to the interesting stories the instructors were telling us about the mythical creates that guarded and protected the 600 year old fish pond. It's great that they're trying to rebuild the damaged bond, in order to foster the growth of fish. We also worked atop a pretty steep hill, removing some invasive and native plants in order to prepare the soil for the growth of 'uala (Hawaiian sweet potato). It was some pretty dirty and tiring work, removing the large thickets of weed, and bushy flora. Being covered in dirty, gnats, spiders, roaches, and ants was not exactly the best feeling, but at the end of the day it was pretty rewarding seeing our progress and how much unwanted shrub we were able to uproot and eradicate. SSUPPPPPPAHHH tired already, but looking forward to Mangrove removal tomorrow.

-(Trying) to Git Er Done,
Robert

Title :)

Wow, today was pretty tiring! I actually was right about to crash before I remembered I had to do this! xP So pretty much, me, Chase, Shyla, Khaelyn, Austin, Pono, Noah, and Robert jumped into the fishpond to transport huge, heavy dusty rocks back and forth between the loading zone and where they were patching up a spot in the wall. It was pretty intense! The sun was hot and the current was strong but the water felt really nice... even though you couldn't see your feet ;p But we were rewarded afterward by getting to jump off the rock wall into the second makaha (? I don't quite remember what they were called). Anyway, it was a nice and refreshing change to go from Mauka to Makai and I'm glad we get to experience all of it! So let's get ready to buck down this week and work our butts off because tugging that little boat thing through the pond was definitely a leg work out! I wanna see Robynne, Kiana, and Donna getting wet and dirty like the rest of us did by the end of this week! Haha! Alright, good night. And Mahalo for being such a great team guys. Love you :)

-Eliseeeee

WE DON'T HAVE A WEEK 3 FOR PAE PAE O HE'EIA?

Hey Team D!

Do we have a tab for "Week 3 Pae Pae 'O He'eia"? If we do, I couldn't find it. Someone let me know!

MONDAY, 6/27 we had an exciting day at He'eia fish pond. Team D had the privilege of working with Keali'i and Kinohi our site managers, learning more about the 'aina and Hawaiian culture. We also had the privilege of working with the interns at He'eia fish pond as well! The team split into two. Half of the team separated rocks into three piles; cap (I called it pancake), fillers, and face. All of them have Hawaiian names, but I am not sure what they are, perhaps Robynne knows the names. I think one of them is hakahaka? The rocks were then loaded into the back of the "industrial" golf cart. The golf cart then drove the rocks to the middle of the rock wall to be used for maintenance and repair. Team D, got down and dirty (both "D" words again) with the water at everyone's chest, and even neck for our shorter team members. After lunch, when the tide was too high to finish repairing the wall, team members were given a tour of the rock wall, where we learned about native species that surrounded the wall, its history, and culture. For instance, did you know the reason we are repairing the wall is because a huge flood in 1965 destroyed more than 200 ft. of the wall? A lot of the wall has been repaired, but it still is not completely fixed. Fixing the wall helps to keep native species in the pond, and non-native species out such as the hammerhead shark that Keali'i told us roamed the pond 6 months ago. Can you believe it? Unfortunately permits and approval by the state is hindering our team's ability to completely restore the wall. JUNK ): However, TEAM D will persevere throughout the week doing all that we can to help this native Hawaiian fish pond. Tomorrow we plan to remove the weeds along the wall, and make room for the 'uala, or Hawaiian sweet potato and do some mangrove removal as well. Can't wait for the rest of the week! TEAM D is truly making a difference with their hard work and persistence!

Kiana (:

Pahole

Camping this week at peacock flats was amazing. We worked our butts off seriously, i loss 2 inches off my waist :) I feel so blessed to have the oppertunity to work on Mt. Ka`ala, and Pahole gultch, because not many people get to go there and the views were absolutly breath taking. I never hated strawberry guava so much in my life! I stained all three of my cargo pants with the red herbascide! But finding the hidden sandalwood tree in the middle of all that guava made it all worth it! The campsite was awesome...it had a toilet and a hot shower although nobody used it! The meals ranged from Hibachi chicken curry to Spam burritos and s`mores around a camp fire. I love how our group gets along so well and we all work together to get the job done no matter what it may be. Overall i had a great time! Thank you my team leaders and site managers for making it happen!

Aloha,

Shyla Pakele

The "D"azzling Oʻahu Team "D"

Week 2

Ok i hope I'm doing this correctly but imma do it anyway :)

So this past week at peacock flats was really fun and i learned a lot. we did do a lot of work but we exceeded the expectations that were set for us. our team also worked hard through the intense sun and the cold bitter rain. our team works really well together and we "git'er done". i think that we have one of the best and most hard working team in HYCC. we are a little slow at the start but once we're warmed up and we start working, we really get into it and get the work done really fast. but when its time to kick back and have fun we do that right too. our "jam shesh" was really fun and i really enjoyed that. we also got to relax and enjoy the view at many times. the best views were at mount ka‘ala on Wednesday. all day the clouds were covering the mountain top which kept the area cool but blocked the view. but this was wehen we were working. then we went to eat lunch and right when most of us were finished eating, there was a blue patch in the sky. when we went out to the look out point you could see all of the NW side of O‘ahu and most of the north shore. that was one of my favorite moments of the whole week.

-Noah/Ikaika (idc which name u guys use lol)

Camp Pauhole Kanack Attack!

Alrighty guys, I'm finally on the blogging board!

Wow, can you believe that we survived a whole week of extensive, strenuous, toil?!
From setting up a camp sight and tents, to cutting down evil invasive species and Javelin throwing trees off the Makua Rim :D We truely did git'er done!

For all of us in Oahu Team D, we're truly fortunate to have such a wonderful, patient and knowledgeable staff at Peacock Flats to take care of us and guide us to help preserve and malama the land.

For those of you who don't know where we got to be, or haven't gotten the opportunity, we did go up to Mount Ka'ala-Highest Peak on Oahu baby! What a blessing lemme tell you. A great big Mahalo to Kupu for this unreal experience. I mean, have you guys ever been on the set of Jurassic Park? Neither have I, but this was 50 bagillion times more awesome, I'm so sure of it. We surfed the newly installed boardwalk we worked on (my first time holding a drill and drive, and I break the drill-bit...twice. Sorry, Merigold, you da bes!), and through the bog we had an awesome view. Have you ever been able to be at two places at once? Look at one side, it's Wainae Range, then look to the other, it's Ko'olau Range! Beast!

But down worry, Miss Intense Hiker, Mandy Hardman, worked us real good up in Makua Rim! I believe I can speak on behalf of my team when I say, we're all hurting: arms, shoulders, neck, knees, thighs, calves, muscles and bones anywhere. If not all these parts, at least one of 'um, even our hands cramped form hand-sawing guava hours on end! Yes, everybody, Strawberry-guava is bad for the natives (try think about that when you eat your PB and J sandwich, or slurp up a Srawberry Guava Hawaiian Sun ;]P) But non the less, Ohana D exceeded Mandy's expectations with the amount we cut down and it made me so proud. No fuss too, yah Chase? Ha-ha.

Camping and open-mic bond time was great guys. Pretty mean meals too, so I'm ready for one Kanack Attack now...

Again, much mahalos and aloha to Camp Pauhole Staff in the upper Mokule'ia region:
Chris Miller (without you we coulda had cold meals, the bes' stove outdoors!)
Mandy Hardman (miss marathon hiker, your an idol)
Merigold Toll (for your patience with meon drills and expertise on the boardwalk)
and I think Tyler (pig trap installer, hope we caught some.)
Kupu, my bomb-diggity leaders and of course my Ohana D!

Love, Robynne G. (igarot ;P) Team D

REDNECK ROLLERCOASTER!

So, the past week was pretty fun. i got to experience alot of things that alot of people wouldnt experince in their life time, and i am very thankful to be in HYCC and to have a wonderful team. One of my most favorite memories was going up to mt. Kaala, working on the board walks in the bog. Up there is so amazing, and it feels like i am in a whole new world. just the feeling of being on the highest mountains on oahu is breath taking. They work that we did was pretty nutz, from trail maintance, building pig traps, building boardwalks to cutting down strawberry guava trees. I want to thank my team for all the hard work and effort. Camping at peacock flats was fun too, it was a good time to bond with my team. also i want to thank my team leaders, and MAHALO's for eveything.

SHOOTS!!!
-Pono

No Trouble, No fuss

The past couple of days have been such great days! From laughs, rain, hiking, to mud and jamming music. It all came together, giving us the chance to camp up at Peacock Flats and to even go all the way to Mt. Ka'ala. Which by far was the best place we got to work at yet. (Even it being the first site we worked at) I never knew about that many native plants before, none the less knowing the names for them all. It was such a wonderful experience to be all the way in Pahole and up on Kaala, getting to see the views. Beside the just, getting the chance to take care of the native things up there. Such as, taking the the loads and loads of strawberry guava. Which I honestly can say, I didnt know it was an actually fruit. How silly of me right? Well, also strengthening the boardwalk in the bog to a strike on me. Only because it was so beautiful, felt like I was walking in a giant's garden fixing its path way so he can create new life and beauty. Im not too sure if that made sense, but in my head it did. So , I just loved the entire experience this week. Everything! The time we spent together with our team and site managers, and not to forget the beauty of our lovely island Oahu. There just wasn't enough time to sit back relax and take in what we were doing for our island or that we were in such pretty places in such little time. Though we made do, with our walk through the entire bog, or walks back down the trail at pahole. Or it might even be the times we were at work but stared out into the distance. I especially loved when we got to the end of the bog, and could see down towards the westside of Oahu. As I told my team member Shyla, that we were so so lucky to be down here because people down there would be bickering, stuck inside playing video games, corrupted by drugs and violence. When they don't really know, or think what is really out there for them to reach and touch. That is why I thank the HYCC program for accepting me and giving me that opportunity and more to come. But its getting a bit to late for me to get enough rest for our last day with our site manager Mandy, so I will call it a night. LOVE YOU ALL OAHU TEAM D! GETR DONE AH!

*Blessings. -KhaelynParinas

I definitely think that Mt. Ka'ala was a really special experience for all of us. For one, being at the highest point on Oahu was really spiritually empowering. It was a breathtaking feeling being at a spot where we could overlook both the Waianae Valley and the North Shore. It was symbolic and motivational and I think this experience definitely reinvigorated us after a pretty exhauting week thus far. Seeing some of the most beautiful, rare, and endangered plants on Oahu was also spiritually and intellectually invigorating for a lot of us. The place is so surreal! Walking around in a boggy environment surrounded by really cool, unique, and endemic plants was such a rewarding experience. For me, it definitely placed the importance of conservation into perspective. Although the environment was really beautiful, a place that seemed to be pulled out of "Jurassic Park" or "Avatar", I think the experience was especially rewarding for me because it made me realize just how delicate our ecosystems really are. I was struck by how little remains of these plants, many of which hold special cultural meaning and medicinal properties. I was dumbfounded when I saw how pervasive the crocosnia is, how fast it spread, and how difficult it was to eradicate this invasive speciesl; to see so much of it so close to the reserve definately motivated a lot of us to continue to advocate for environmental conservation. I think what Elise said during our nightly discussion perfectly summed up my experience: the fact that knowledge truly is powerful. The new knowledge, experience, and renewed appreciation for nature we gained through this experience will be something that I think a lot of us will remember, something that will continue to be a source of inspiration.

-Robert, Git Er Done!!!

Camping WEEK 2 Peacock Flats

So this week we were camping at Peacock Flats and we were doing trail work, weed control, hiking, learning about botany, etc... :) And everyday was so much fun! I think the most significant event that happened this week though was hiking through the bog on Mt. Ka'ala. When we went everything was covered in clouds and they told us we'd be lucky if the clouds cleared up so we could see of the cliffs and above the mountains. Then during lunch, perfect timing!, the clouds lifted and the view was spectacular. We went on a walk through the bog after lunch and got to a point on the mountain where you could see the ocean, mountains, fields, everything. I had no idea where we were (xP) but it was still a spectacular view. I love my team and I'm so glad we get along so well. OAHU D! :)
-Elise

HYCC Oʻahu Team D!!!....heading to Mt. Kaʻala (June 22, 2011)

Presenting the dynamite, determined, dazzling, dare-devils - Oahu Team D...Git ʻer done!!!

CAMP PAUHOLE, got 'er done!

This week TEAM D, had the privilege of camping at Peacock Flats, or Camp Pauhole in the upper Mokule'ia region.

We began on MONDAY with Chris Miller, where we cleared the trail at the Mokule'ia hiking trail. Though it was hard work, and we can all say we broke sweat, the trail was absolutely beautiful when we finished. We used tools such as the palaski, hoe, tiller, etc. to clear the trail so that it would allow easier access for workers, hikers, and volunteers like ourselves to build a stronger connection to and appreciation for the 'aina. We then had lunch, and were lucky enough to go to the beach, right below Ka'ena point.

TUESDAY, we hiked up to the top of Makua Rim with Mandy Hardman, where we cut down the strawberry-guava tree. Though this sounds like a delicious Hawaiian Sun flavored juice, this tree's wide-spread presence along the mountains made us lose our appetites for the fruit. We were instructed to cut the tree using hand saws as close to the root as possible, not only as a safety precaution, but also because the herbicide we applied to the stump would be most effective at that point. Once we were through, we then began to move the fallen trees to other side of the posts. It began to rain extremely hard, as we worked endlessly to move the trees. However, Mother Nature did not let up until we were through moving the tree trunks. TEAM D was UNSTOPPABLE!

WEDNESDAY, were privileged enough to be able to drive up to Mt. Ka'ala with Marigold Zoll, Mandy Hardman, and Chris Miller. Mt. Ka'ala as we all learned is the highest point on the island of O'ahu. Not very many people have the opportunity to go to Mt. Ka'ala, so TEAM D seized the opportunity with hard work and appreciation for the area. The team split in two groups. The majority of the team worked to replace and install board walks in the bog to allow easy access for workers and volunteers. The other part of the team worked to remove the corms of the Crocrosmia plant, an invasive species in the area. The corms seemed to be endless, as the team worked until the other majority of team finished installing the board walks. We then had lunch, and had the pleasure of walking to the end of the bog, to a spectacular view. This view encompassed 2 different areas of the island of O'ahu; a view of Wai'anae and the North Shore. As we stood there, we all thought to ourselves, "no where on the island can anyone have a view like this; we're so lucky." I can say on my part, that this was my favorite part of the week! We finished the night off with our own open mic around the campfire, where team members jammed on the ukulele, keyboard, and an African drum. TEAM D is so talented!

On THURSDAY, we continued work on the Mokule'ia trail with Chris Miller. We installed large wooden cylinders to divert water and avoid flooding on the trail. It again rained hard, while we worked, but TEAM D persevered through the rough weather.

FRIDAY, we plan on continuing working on the top of Makua Rim with Mandy Hardman to remove as many strawberry-guava trees as possible. Hopefully, the weather clears up tomorrow, and doesn't rain!

Hopefully, everyone is having a productive week!

ALOHA (: KIANA!

Sorry from last week, I finally figured out how to post a new post to the blog

Hey guys,

I posted last week's entry under a comment for Khaelyn's entry so here it is by it's self:

TEAM D, aka GITTER DONE! aka Da Best!

I had so much fun with you guys this past weekend, it feels like I've known you guys for years though weve known each other for like 4 days! These past 4 days have been a blast; icebreakers, low ropes course, CPR/first aid certification, high ropes course, and of course open mic! In general I will remember all of the meaningful conversations we had during our meals. Getting to know each of you has been a pleasure. Everyone has their own unique and individual personality, and that's why our team is so dynamic. (Notice I used a "D" word haha.) I loved the zipline that was so much fun, and really was not as bad as I thought. I don't think I quite conquered my fear of heights, but definitely put myself out of my comfort zone. In the words of Chase, I tried to be "Bear Grillz." I'm looking forward to the coming weeks with you guys! Malama Pono!

Good evening Team D,

Super sorry this is right before the deadline. Plus it took me awhile to understand how to post something! Due to me not really being a blogger type. But I can manage to learn. So, this past week was training for us HYCC members. I had a lot of fun, no joke! It was way more better then I had expected it to be. Im glad that I got to meet so many new people at once, besides through doing a high school sport or going to a concert. Back to the subject.. My most memorable moment from training week, was pretty much EVERYTHING! But I cant chose that, so I will have to say the time I went. Right now I honestly cant think of the what its called. If i talk about it you guys will know. So the time I went from the very top and glided all the way down upside down! The moment of just floating there gliding through the forest felt like I was in another world where nothing else was there except me and the feeling of the moment. That very moment took my worries away and just allowed me to enjoy and have fun. Well, right now its getting pretty late so I am going to cut it short here. I will see you guys in a couple of hours, bright and early! Love you guys all, get ready Oahu Team D! We are all gonna have a pretty mean fun filled nature knowledge filled summer! haha. honi-honis..goodnight!

*Blessings

KhaelynParinas.

Gii'ter done!! OAHU D!

So hmm what to say.. (Week 1)Well im not a blogger but here we go! The most memorable moment during training week was climbing to the top of the giant ladder with Pono at kualoa, and it took forever but we made it! That moment felt good climbing to the top cause it felt like hours up there and it was so high!!! I literally felt like just falling off cause it was so high up and i was tired of climbing each ladder but my team was there to push me and it felt like a great accomplishment to make it to the top and represent our colors!! But couldnt have done it without my team at the bottom supporting and cheering us on, and OAHU D i love you guys!! you guys are the best! Cant wait to go camping and for the work days to come!
- Austin ( Giiter #1)

Training Week ;p

Heeey guys, I think this is what we're supposed to do right? ;p Haha okay so MEMBER TRAINING WEEK (WEEK 1).. My most memorable moment was getting to the top of the Giant Ladder with Robynne haha, cheee! *HIGH FIVE girlie that's pretty impressive! This whole week was pretty memorable actually but I think another event that by far sticks out the most in my memory is playing "pterodactyl" with you guys before the Environment Fair! xD Haha it was so much fun! 'Cept I lost everytime but that's okay! I couldn't stop cracking up! :) I would have added a picture from this week but I didn't bring my camera and Robynne didn't email me the pictures yet :p Anyway, this summer's gonna be a blast and I'm glad I get to share it with you all! We have an awesome team. Yaay Oahu Team D! :) Love you guys, see you tomorrow!

Introducing 2011 HYCC Oʻahu Team D!!!

Team Leaders are:
Chase Livingston, Honolulu, HI
Donna Tully, Kailua, HI

Team Members are: