Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 9, 1 September 2016 — ʻAimalama [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻAimalama

A 8olution Based on Ancestral Knowledse

By Hui 'Aimalama The new lunar month, whieh begins Sept. 2 and runs till Oct. 1, is called Hilinamā, also known as Mahoehope in some loeations. During this lunar month, we will see the sun approach the Piko o Wākea, otherwise known as the fall equinox, whieh occurs this month on the lū'au moons from September 19-21. This marks the time when the season will be switching over into our cooler times with shorter daytime hours and longer nighttime hours. In the past, he'e were known to be abundant during this time, and we ean see that liliko'i and 'ōlena are beginning to flower. Recently, kōlea have been seen on O'ahu as well. This month we'd like to direct you to a simple observation sheet so you

ean begin your joumey to becoming a kilo for your household or area. Traditionally, a kilo observed his/ her surroundings, recorded the happenings and over time looked for trends and patterns in what they observed. Based on their observations, they then informed their community leaders on what could be expected based on their collected

information. Kilo predicted seasonal weather, bird, fish, plant, and people activities. You ean heeome a kilo too by starting your own eollection of observations. You might

also want to consider checking out some of the observation journals and logs available at https:// kealopiko.com/shop/ index.php?c=10&p=844 and https://squareup.com/ store/moolelomahina. You ean find and print your own simple observation sheets at http://www. aimalama.org/resources. The sheets will allow you

to record the date, time and where you're observing the moon from, as well as the moon's location and shape. It also has space to record things you see happening around you, such as what the plants and trees are doing; what the weather is like; oeean conditions; bird, fish and insect activity; and even your observations about people's activity in your household. ■

AIMALAMA LUNAR CALENDAR

'Ōlena. - Photo : Courtesy of 'Aimalama

Liliko'i. - Photo: Courtesy of 'Aimalama