Perspectives on Community Health visit to Aunty Nona's Lo'i on the North Shore

Date:  Tuesday, October 6, 2015 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. We have room for about 20 people to participate.

Program:  The Perspectives on Community Health trips are an opportunity for people working on public health issues to step out of regular routines and join peers on visits to unique and important organizations--to network, learn, exchange and inspire ideas, and accelerate familiarity and trust between individuals and organizations so that we can work more effectively toward common goals.

The visit: Aunty Nona’s Lo‘i (taro patch) in Waialua sits on one of the largest aquifer ducts on the island and is owned and run by Winona T. Pihana-Chaney and family. This is a family residence which is open to anyone who is interested in learning about Public Health through the `āina (land), Hawaiian culture, and about the community through a hands-on educational experience. Come join us to experience a beautiful time of cultural enhancement, sensory building, and just simple country enjoyment.  

Participants can expect a hands-on experience to learn public health through mālama `āina (caring for the land).  This includes working in the lo’i for about 2 hours while we “talk story” about the connection between public health, relationship to the land, culture and working in the lo’i.  We will be weeding, clearing grass, preparing the lo’i for planting or planning depending on what needs to be done that day. It can get muddy as it is wetland taro.  There is a punawai (natural spring) that you can swim (and jump) in to cool off so feel free to bring swim gear.  Expect to get dirty and muddy but also gain a full cultural experience. There is a restroom, outdoor shower and a place to change.

RSVP:  Please use this link to register for this event by Friday, October 2, 2015.  There are no travel scholarships available for this trip, but we know how valuable the information is and hope that your organizations will see the value as well.

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Questions:  Please contact the Roella Foronda, Program Director at the Hawai`i Public Health Insitute at 808-591-6508, ext. #5 or roella@hiphi.org.