Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 12, 1 Kekemapa 2021 — Hawaiian Solutions to Hawaiian Problems [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian Solutions to Hawaiian Problems

V E 'ONIPA'A KAKOU V ^ BE STEADFAST *

By Joan Ka'ai'ai Paglinawan Aloha e nā pua kaulana a'o Hawai'i! Historically, 'ike kūpuna (ancestral wisdom) was passed down generationally to share and practice for community wellbeing. With assimilation to western ways, systemic losses were experienced by Hawaiians as they were stripped of their language, self-identity, practices, and beliefs. In modern times, disconnection from traditional ancestral

values has had negative impacts on interpersonal relationships in the 'ohana and the community. Navigating 'ohana toward lōkahi (halanee) through pono choices has long been a service of Lili'uokalani Trust (LT). From the 1960s to the present, our kūpuna actively sought to pass on their knowledge of traditional Hawaiian family dynamics to ensure core values were not forgotten. Values, traditions, and ancestral 'ike continue to guide our path laid out by our Queen Lili'uokalani and her Deed of Trust. LT promotes our Queen's mission by providing opportunities for Hawaiian children to realize their greatest potential via intentional, culturally resonant

services and programs. The ultimate vision is for thriving Hawaiian children to live healthy and prosperous lives, contributing positively to their communities. Ho'opono is a LT 'ohana strengthening program. Ho'opono is an adaptation of ho'oponopono for modern times that teaches families a cultural way of solving everyday problems in order to restore harmony in their daily lives. Together families learn the foundational principles of a Hawaiian Worldview (e.g., spirituality, values, communication, essential attitudes, and the ho'opono process). Today, our loea, Lynette Kahekili Paglinawan, continues to provide guidance and consultation to current LT staff and community partners in bringing this tradition forward with

integrity. LT's Ho'opono Program allows families to learn, practice, and implement specific values in their hale and 'ohana system. These values are aloha, laulima, lōkahi, pono, 'ohana, and kuleana. Embodying these values increases familial coping life skills and promotes resiliency of 'ohana relationships. Ho'opono empowers families to use a method of conflict resolution that is self-sustainable as they learn together to solve one problem at a time in their homes. We envision the healing practice of ho'opono in every home. To achieve this, LT is expanding ho'opono program offerings across the state and are building relationships with partners. Thus far, 40 LT Teammates and 41 community members have been trained in ho'opono.

If you would like more information or are interested in partnering to implement ho'opono, you ean reach us via our Mālama Line (808) 466-8080 or go to: https://onipaa.org/ pages/malama-line. ■ Ka'ai'ai Paglinawan is the daughter ofRichard and Lynette Paglinawan and a second generation licensed social worker. Born and raised in Kahalu'u, she continues the traditions of family and community work. Working for Lili'uokalani Trustfori3 years, she continues to further the work ofherparents and kūpuna through ho'opono and ho'oponopono to the children andfamilies she works with.

In this photo, Lynette ond Richord Paalinowon, the outhor's parents, learn from Tutu Mary Kawena Pukui, who served as kumu of the Hawaiian Culture Committee ot the Queen Lili'uokaloni Children's Center. - Photo: Courtesy