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boundaries. Need: The mo'olelo of Hamakua (i.e., its stories or oral history) articulates the community's relationship to place and communicates its authenticity and distinctiveness. Gathering memories and stories of place can be a powerful tool for capturing what is sacred, honoring the wisdom of the past, and advancing Hamakua's living culture. In addition to stories, an oral history project could capture languages spoken, food culture, and customs that are unique to Hamakua. The mo'olelo also helps residents welcome visitors, giving them insight into the authentic Hamakua and tools for demonstrating respect and sensitivity during their stay. Oral history projects can also provide a platform for youth to interact with kupuna; learn about the significant cultural, historical, and natural sites of the area; and develop their skills to not only gather the stories but also design an effective system for sharing the stories through technology and social networking strategies. Potential Community Lead: The North Hawai'i Education and Research Center (NHERC) Heritage Center Potential Community Partners: Kupuna, Hawaiian Civic Clubs, 'Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Pa'auilo Mauka Kalopa Community Association, Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School, Laupahoehoe Train Museum, Hawai'i Plantation Museum Potential Allies: Center for Oral History at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Department of Education, Kamehameha Schools, Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, Columbia University Oral History Research Office Potential Next Steps: kN%., N, • Investigate other successful oral history projects (see Other Resources below and Appendix V4A). • Research oral history best practices (see Appen ix WA). • Develop clear, achievable goals, including subjects to be investigated, the information to be collected, how the information will be collected and archived, the target audience for the information, and what media will be developed to share the information. • Develop an implementable plan for the initiative, including identification of sources of information, audio/video materials needed, the development of interview protocols, training, partnerships to develop, etc. • Look to the County's Dept. of Research and Development's County Product Enrichment Program for assistance and reference the Oahu "Recognizing Hawai'i's Ahupua'a" program, here: Other Resources: Several oral history projects have already been completed in the Planning Area. These efforts can serve as the foundation for future work. In the late 1990s, the Center for Oral History at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa conducted life history interviews with displaced workers of the Hamakua Sugar Company who were surveyed in an earlier research project assessing the impact of job loss. The interviewees represent two generations of sugar workers — one generation retired, the other laid off due to the closure of the Hamakua Sugar Company. Community Action Guide: 2017 22