• Race a tribute to culture, ohana Race a tribute to culture, ohana On behalf of the Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana I would like to extend heartfelt mahalo to Evan Valiere, his family and support crew for putting on the
• Race a tribute to culture, ohana
Race a tribute to culture, ohana
On behalf of the Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana I would like to extend heartfelt mahalo to Evan Valiere, his family and support crew for putting on the 8th annual Na Pali Race. The event raised generous funding as well as awareness for NPCO, all in support of the ‘Ohana’s commitment to restoration and preservation of historical and cultural sites of Na Pali.
Over the years this event has grown to be an outstanding example of perpetuating a healthy ocean lifestyle while cultivating awareness of our need as island people to care for our ocean and beaches. Through his vision and tireless efforts, Evan’s team has provided an opportunity for paddlers to experience the coastline and challenging waters with safety, reverence and respect, to deepen their understanding of connection to its history and the incredibly deep wa‘a family who recognized and demonstrated unity with the ocean.
It has provided hundreds of strong ocean men and women the way to experience a passage through Na Pali’s storied ocean, to perpetuate a lifestyle that receives spiritual sustenance from time on and in the water. It allows their training, passion and courage to propel themselves the length and breath of a powerful and sacred place, opening the way for them to bring back to families and our island community their beyond-words experiences with souls renewed and an unburdened perspective.
NPCO is committed to preserving the wisdom of our ancestors through appreciation and remembrance, to hold a horizonal vision for what we are preparing and leaving for our children and their children, a recognition that as humans we have this moment in which to care for these places and each other.
Mahalo to Presley Wann of Hui Maka‘ainana o Makana for speaking with the group and encouraging the use and respect of authentic place and beach names in Ha‘ena. To Mayor Carvalho for taking the time to come out and support the event, to invite everyone to participate in malama ‘aina, to be involved in stewardship on all levels.
The event began and ended with gratitude, each of us recognizing we have been gifted with great teachers. Arising from the ocean come a people who recognize the unity in land and sea and with one another, how our actions on land affect the sea and that embracing kuleana can deepen our relationship with life in pae ‘aina.
At times this forum is used to vent anger and frustration. I offer that it is through praise and gratitude that we can cultivate and expand that in life which we appreciate and cherish.
Thank you for the opportunity and space to heap praise upon a fine and inspiring example of young leadership that is selflessly attuned to this land and sea that we love.
May this gratitude uplift and strengthen our community.
Kelvin Ho
Lawai Valley
On behalf of Na Pali Coast ‘Ohana
