Menu
The ʻai me ka iʻa concept comes from an ʻōlelo noʻeau similar to “i komo ka ʻai i ka paʻakai” which translates to “it is the salt that makes the poi go in. “Poi tastes much better with salted meats. If there is no meat, one can make a meal of poi and salt.” (Pukui).
The ʻai me ka iʻa concept provides a pathway to address, improve, and/or supplement any work that is already being done. In this case, the ʻai represents each HOI Workgroup and the work they are already doing
The iʻa represents the cultural sustenance provided by the Kanilehua Framework.
The MĀPUNA LAB is a place of respite for those experiencing colonial trauma. Our work is naʻau centered and focused on health and healing. Guided by ʻōhiʻa lehua as our teacher, an endemic Hawaiian tree, we work in reciprocity and partnership in healing the chronic and existential pain of historical and intergenerational trauma with our Pacific Islander brothers and sisters.
Kākuhihewa is the 15th aliʻi ‘aimoku (ruling chief) of O‘ahu famously named in the mele “Kaulana Nā Pua.” Kākuhihewa was a kind and friendly chief who was born in Kūkaniloko and raised in the ‘Ewa moku. His primary endeavor was farming, and it is said that his abundant harvests on O‘ahu could be smelled from Kaua‘i.
Today, there is a state office building named after him in Kapolei.
