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_{WAIHE'E LIMU RESTORATION NOT FOR PROFIT}

_{In January 15, 2004, Waihe'e Limu Restoration - not for profit organization was born. The purpose of this organization was to answer the steady decline of native algae called (limu) on this reef.}

_{Today, many of the native limu are no longer found on this reef. Restoring native limu to this reef is an on going work done by replanting.

With the growing population open land space is decreasing. With less land this means decreasing the opportunity for sustainability to the Hawaiian people. Including a steady decline of the natural resources. The Hawaiian Culture depends upon working the land, caring for their natural resources. This is extremely necessary in teaching the Hawaiian Culture.

Finally, the Hawaiian values were taught through every day living. In addition, everyone learned the basic concept such as "Water cycle." You learned your responsibility in the use and care of these essential resources.}

CULTURAL PRACTICES

FISHERMAN
Today, stories are gathered to study the conditions of the reef, stories extend far back as early as 1890's.

George Mahi, of Iao, in his early years, walked along the shoreline of Waihe'e beach to gather limu. He recalls, a time, when the limu were in abundance. Today, the decline is alarming.

Rebecca Mahi,(born in the 1920’s) tells of her father John Mahi Sr., a fisherman, “My father would go to Wai’ehu or Waihe’e beach to catch he’e. Sometimes the whole family would go with him. Other times he would go alone. When he returns I had the job of palupalu i ka he’e (soften the octopus) prepare the he’e for eating. This job was given to the oldest children--that was my job.

WOMEN GATHERERS

Kahili Cummings, (born in the early 1900’s) Their family’s home was down on the beach in Lower Wai’ehu. They always gather food for the family from the beach. Aunty recalls “There were a lot of variety of limu species growing here. Then the sugar cane ‘opala (rubbish) emptied on the reef here--that’s what killed the limu.”

Iwalani Johnson, of Wailuku, one of many women who gathered from the near shore for food. Of these marine life were the puhi (eel) and the loli (sea cucumber). Today, the knowledge of preparing the sea cucumber is diminishing.

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN -

IDENTIFY:
NATIVE ALGAE (LIMU)
LIMU'S ROLE ON THE REEF