COM 0349.736 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

CPCS students and teachers got an immediate understanding of Ka'u Preservation's vision to turn Punalu'u into a "Living Classroom" when Earl hiked us to a portion of the original King's Trail further from the heiau. As he explained the historical and legendary significances of the trail, the ocean surrounding the shore and alt the sea life within, students got an up-close, hands-on examination and understanding of what they have been researching in the classroom on the Internet and through books. For Visual Arts projects of Hawaiian sea life, some students drew and painted sharks from looking at pictures in resource books. When Earl shared about the shark as a Hawaiian Amakua, and explained the cultural importance of the shark to the Hawaiian fishermen, the students felt deeper connections to their artwork. Students in Science focused on ocean pollution, ocean currents, and shoreline debris in Ka'u. When we felt the peaceful breeze and saw the pristine blue waters off shore, we all agreed it was important to take care of the ocean and the land connected to it at Punalu'u. The students and teachers studied in Social Studies concerning the on-going debate about the future development of the Ka'u Coast. Seeing the fragility and neglect of the ancient heiau, portions of the King' Trail, and the surrounding landscape littered with men-made debris helped us to recognize the importance to protect, preserve and promote Punalu'u as a sacred Hawaiian cultural sight and natural learning environment. After the guided walking tour with Earl, the students were treated to paddle in the double haul canoe owned and operated by Captain Kiko of Ka'u. He also volunteered his time and energy to offer his expertise to our students on this excursion. He took students out on the ocean and talked about the beauty of the ocean, the sky and the land. Students saw beautiful green turtles and tropical fishes swim by in the clear blue water beneath them. As the sail turned the canoe back towards shore, Captain Kiko asked students to stop and look at the shoreline. He asked them to take a moment to appreciate the vast natural landscape of the magnificent Ka'u coast, from the ocean to the mountain. They got to experience the beauty and unobstructed view of this land, and realized one day, they may be looking at an overdeveloped coastline with hotels, condos and massive amount of tourists crowding the beach. They saw that it would not be a place where they could feel free and open to explore and enjoy Punalu'u as they were then. Our island students are intelligent, unlike what statistics would want us to believe. They are fully aware that on this island, places of pristine ocean life and activities are being damaged or taken over by big hotels and condominiums. They are aware because that is what they experience when they go to the Kona coast, where the good beaches are. At these beaches, locals feel less important and welcomed as compared to the tourist who has the means to stay at the hotels on the beach. It was refreshing for educators and students alike to experience the undeveloped and un-trampled coastline, along with the historical and cultural value of Punalu'u on that day. It was beyond any school classroom learning to stand at this place of ancient Hawaiian history and cultwal importance as a learning "Living Classroom". What the ancient Hawaiians valued in being "pono", and have compassion for each other, the aina, the ocean, and the sky; to teach children about ancestors and respect;