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PONC Application- Waiakahi`ula- Attachment D <br /> retreats, and a summer program. ALO partners with multiple community organizations <br /> and leaders to provide `aina-based service learning and culturally-relevant leadership <br /> training, <br /> One of the ALO project areas is called Aloha Waiakahi`ula. Students were to work with <br /> cultural practitioner and Hawaii scholar No`eau Woo-O'Brien and Friends of <br /> Waiakahi`ula Beach Park, Hawaii County government officials, local archaeologists and <br /> cultural practitioners to preserve, protect, and perpetuate cultural and historical sites <br /> and mo`olelo of the ahupua`a of Waiakahi`ula, where PHIS and Pahoa town are located. <br /> ALO haumana played a large role in the renaming of the park, as the students of this <br /> group submitted testimony to the County Council, which resulted in the passing of Bill <br /> 132-24. ALO also participated in the kipaepae and renaming ceremony for the park in <br /> July 2024, in which the students were trained in hula, chant, and protocol. <br /> Recently ALO have participated in planting and cleaning sessions at the park & have <br /> also committed themselves for future kipaepae & ceremonies in Waiakahi`ula. Beyond <br /> the park, ALO has continued their efforts by educating their peers at Pahoa High & Inter <br /> about Waiakahi`ula`s history, function, mele, and oli. <br /> For a brief overview of ALO's works in Waiakahi`ula, please see the following: <br /> Aloha Waiakahi`ula <br /> In late November 2023, a new ALO project area began. Waiakahi`ula is the name of the <br /> ahupua`a in which Pahoa town (including PHIS) is located, and "Aloha Waiakahi`ula"is <br /> dedicated to preserving and protecting the cultural heritage and identity of this <br /> ahupua`a. The fishing village of Waiakahi`ula was located in the area near the Hawaiian <br /> Beaches cliffs, and a 1974 archaeological survey revealed that there were a number of <br /> historically significant archaeological sites located in the County park near the cliffs. <br /> The sites include a large double-stall auha, a hale site, an ali`i burial (located just <br /> outside the park on the County easement/right of way), and agricultural sites. ALO <br /> students began working with Kumu No`eau Woo O'Brien, a life-long Waiakahi`ula <br /> resident and Hawai`iCC Instructor to visit the park and locate the sites referenced in the <br /> survey. After some coordination, the students were able to meet with County <br /> Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz, the County Parks Planner, and a retired SHPD <br /> archaeologist at the park to communicate their goals and vision for protecting and <br /> honoring the sites. The students collectively submitted testimony to officially rename <br /> the park to Waiakahi`ula Beach Park, which was unanimously approved by the County <br /> Council. <br /> Woo-O'Brien & Gouker <br /> 2025 <br /> 2 <br />