Lonoikamakahiki iā kākou!

 As the days continue to get shorter and the breezes blow a bit cooler, we here at Hawai’i Land Trust are so very grateful for the kuleana of protecting ʻāina, stewarding ʻāina, and reconnecting communities with ʻāina.  We continue to work tirelessly to protect one final project before the new year; to clear and plant on our HILT preserves, taking full advantage of the soft soil and more frequent rains; to edit and finalize upwards of 10 short videos that we may be ready for the second half of the school year and virtual huakaʻi to our protected preserves. 

 Through all of this work, weʻre also taking the time to be sure we kilo the seasonal changes in our environments.  The constellation Makaliʻi rose, marking the arrival of Lonoikamakahiki, and Kuapola ceremonies were held at Kealakaʻihonua Heiau at Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes on Maui.  The large north and west swells are felt and celebrated by surfers at Kāhili Beach Preserve on Kauaʻi, where Cares Act placements have been working hard to clear invasive plants and take advantage of the wet season by planting natives such as Naupaka, Pāʻū o Hiʻiaka, and Loulu. 

 Intentionally taking this time to note changes is integral to informing our site specific practices.  We hope that you are also able to take the time to assess, reflect, and revel in the bounty and abundance around us. 

— Makana Reilly, Director of ʻĀina Connection