Waimea community invited to learn significance of local ‘place names’ on Jan. 14

You can’t know where you’re going without knowing where you came from, according to Waimea resident and Discover Your Kuleana hui volunteer Max Aiona.

That’s one of the reasons “place names” will be the focus of Discover Your Kuleana’s next gathering with guest presenter Pomai Bertelmann. The event will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 14 at Anna Ranch Heritage Center.

“It took centuries for a place to get its name – it tells a story.  It’s important to repeat these names and stories because they are about what happened here – they connect us to the land and people of earlier times,” said Aiona. 

“We mahalo Pomai Bertelmann for suggesting the focus on place names after attending the first Discover Your Kuleana gathering in October with Danny and Anna Akaka talking about ‘What Is Kuleana?’” Aiona continued.

According to Aiona, Bertelmann is a respected Waimea educator and a longtime leader of the Na Kalai Wa’a wayfinding community.

“She captained the Hokule’a for the final leg of its Malama Honua worldwide voyage – bringing the double hulled canoe home to Hawai’i.  She will speak about navigating our kuleana through place names,” Aiona said.

“Discover Your Kuleana was started by a group of friends to deepen the connection of residents, new and long time, to Waimea. Through events, resources, experiences that build cultural competence, and volunteer opportunities, we help develop new, deeper relationships and provide resources to strengthen community connections and involvement,” said Vivienne Aronowitz, also of Waimea and a project volunteer.      

The entire community is invited to the free event. No RSVP is required. The program will begin with  sharing of an oli (chant) and include hearing from two Waimea nonprofits that welcome volunteers to support their programming. Spotlighted volunteer organizations will include West Hawai’i Mediation Center and Tutu’s House. 

Keiki activities and light snacks will be provided.

For more information including a list of recommended Waimea organizations welcoming volunteers, go to www.fofhawaii.org/discover-your-kuleana/ or www.Facebook.com/discover-your-kuleana.