Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 7, 1 July 2008 — Waimea Valley seeks ʻahahui members [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Waimea Valley seeks ʻahahui members

By ŪHA Staff Hi'ipaka LLC is the eompany created and owned by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) as a subsidiary of Hi'ilei Aloha LLC to manage Waimea Valley. Hi'ipaka is seeking to fonn an 'ahahui to offer advice to Hi'ipaka as it moves to fulfill its vision to make Waimea a living pu'uhonua by and for kānaka for Hawai'i and the world. "This 15-member volunteer 'aha will help us bring our vision and mission to reality," said Clyde Nāmu'o, Administrator of OHA and one of the two appointed managers of Hi'ipaka. "We hope that the individuals who fonn this group will both bring special expertise and deep connections with the many stakeholders who care so mueh for Waimea." Hi'ipaka took over operations of the Valley from the Nahonal Audubon Society just over four months ago. "Now that some of

our transitional issues have been addressed, we are excited to form this 'aha to help us take the next steps at Waimea," Nāmu'o continued. "We especially hope to hear from people who have a demonstrated coimnitment to help us at Waimea." Management decisions (such as budgeting, hiring and day-to-day operations) for Waimea will eontinue to be made by the professional staff and managers of Hi'ipaka. The 'ahahui will be valuable in helping Hi'ipaka in identifying possible new programs, alliances and opportunities, as well as keeping open lines of eonnnunieahon with connnunity stakeholders. In an attempt to halanee traditional Hawaiian land management practices with contemporary best practices for land management

advisory groups, Hi'ipaka is seeking statements of interest from individuals who have expertise in one or more Hawaiian land-related practices, and also are representative of the stakeholder groups who have been actively involved with Waimea. Examples of Hawaiian landrelated practices include traditional disciplines (such as hula, lua, traditional farming, traditional building, Hawaiian language and lā'au lapa'au) and contemporary practices (such as conservation biology, botany, fundraising, eul-

tural tourism). Stakeholder groups include both specific organizations as well as general categories (such as lineal descendants, neighboring landowners and residents, and entities that helped to fund the acquisition of the Valley) Statements of interest should indicate a) your relationship to Waimea Valley and any stakeholder groups; b) one or more areas of expertise; and c) how you feel your expertise and relationships could be applied to current or future programs for Waimea. Statements along with contact

infonnation (i.e., phone number, e-mail address) should be sent to Gail Ann Chew, Interim Executive Director, at gchew@waimeavalley.net or by mail to her at 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Hale'iwa, HI 96712. "This is an exciting next step in the progress being made at Waimea Valley, and we look forward to the establishment of the 'Aha," said Chew. "Waimea will truly fill its vision when everyone who cares about Waimea takes a supportive role in caring for this special plaee." [3

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Schoolchildren on ū visit to Wūimeo Volley. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom