State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials are making their 2006 calendar available to the public free of charge, while the supply lasts, at the Division of Aquatic Resources office in the State Building in Lihu‘e, on the corner
State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials are making their 2006 calendar available to the public free of charge, while the supply lasts, at the Division of Aquatic Resources office in the State Building in Lihu‘e, on the corner of Hardy and ‘Eiwa streets.
“Papa Ko‘a n The Reef and Hawaiian Culture,” is the theme of the calendar, produced in conjunction with officials at the Hawaii Heritage Center, and in conjunction with the “Hawai‘i’s Living Reef” awareness campaign.
“The reef acted as the foundation of Hawaiian life in ancient times, and continues to be an important part of our modern lifestyle,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
“If the reef is to remain a viable ecosystem, it must be respected and nurtured. Today it needs our care,” said Young.
“We hope this calendar reminds us all to appreciate what we have, and prevent it from being lost,” he said.
The vivid images of the calendar portray the vital beauty of the Hawaiian reef, seen from the air, at sea level and beneath the waves, he said in a press release.
Colorful photographs feature reef fish weke, ulua, and ‘ala’ihi, monk seals, limu, turtles, seabirds at Mokumanamana (Necker Island), fishing ko‘a, pencil urchin, koloa, and the reefs at Kapoho, Nualolo Kai, West Maui, Anahola, Hanauma Bay, and at Ho‘okipa.
The calendar introduction notes: “The words ‘papa ko‘a” refer to a coral flat or reef, with the world ‘papa’ referring to a flat surface, stratum, or foundation, and ‘ko‘a’ to coral. Fittingly, in Hawaiian culture, the reef is viewed as a foundation, with the ocean, sky and clouds layered above it, and supporting marine life, which in turn nourished the Hawaiian people.” The calendar text highlights the value of the reef in traditional Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian creation chant Kumulipo tells that life begins with the coral polyp, and from it springs the coral, and all other life forms follow.
