Elijah Isaac from Waimanalo
conducts water-quality testing. |
Elia Hauanio teaching Wai`anae
Gril Scouts the importance of
water-quality testing. |
I Ola Na Kai
The
Tahiti trip was just one part of a year-long effort. I Ola Na Kai
sought to develop environmental stewards from among Hawai‘i's
youth to raise awareness of the acute need to care for these
precious resources. I Ola Na Kai means "So The Oceans May
Live."
After intensive training, 11 high school
students from across the state, chosen and supported by their
communities, accompanied Donna Kahakui to Tahiti to undertake a series of environmental service projects on several
of the Society Islands. Along with an educational team including Dr. Yoshi
Sinoto of the Bishop Museum, the students worked with
Tahitian high school students and their communities to conduct water-quality testing, stream restoration, archaeology studies,
navigation, and cultural exchanges. A total of 30 adults and
students journeyed to Tahiti on October 13th and returned
October 21st
Following two intensive weekend retreats,
students began to present water quality information to
their communities. Students and staff then traveled to Tahiti
to conduct water-quality testing, stream restoration, marine
debris monitoring, other environmental service projects and
collected data to share with their communities and schools via
satellite e-mail
web-link.
Upon return to Hawai‘i, students continued to
share the results of their work by delivering presentations
within their communities and produced a video documentary. In
the spring semester of 2002, each student is responsible for conducting
his or her own day-long community environmental project. The
project is developed and carried out under Kai Makana.
click
on thumbnails to enlarge photo |
 |
 |
|
An ambitious undertaking for high school
students!
|
During the trip, students e-mailed
updates to their schools and communities via a satellite web-link.
Web-link Q&A during
trip
|
