Module 3.4: Hawaiian Culture and Sustainability

Module 3.4: Hawaiian Culture and Sustainability

In Dr. Burrows presentation, he says that Hawaiians have a connection to the land and a spiritual ecology, I agree with his statement due to past and present observations and my own personal experiences. Attending a Hawaiian Immersion Elementary School, I was taught at a young age the Hawaiian values and the importance of the language and cultural practices. A great example would be how we, the students would chant every morning asking permission to enter the classroom, followed by a response from the Kumu or teacher and learning of the Hawaiian Chief Maui who rules the Hawaiian Chain.

The connection that the Hawaiian people have with their culture and the land is taught from the beginning of creation. Ancient legends of origin of how Hi’iaka and Pele created the earth in the chant of Kumulipo and also the birth of the first man from a Kalo or taro plant. Secondly, the connection comes from the na’au, or “gut” and understanding the mutual relationship between the people and the land. Meaning that the Hawaiian people were aware of taking care of the ‘aina or land and in return the ‘aina would provide for the people.

I also observed this connection while picking native ferns and flowers for hula compotions all over the island. As a member of the Halau Hula o Kou Lima Nani E, we learn specific protocols and chants asking the land and Hula godess Laka, for permission to pick the ferns and flowers needed for our adornments. We are taught the correct ways to pick the ferns and flowers without damaging or destroying the native plants. There is definitely a strong connection physically and spiritually between the Hawaiian people and the land.

Indigenous ecology is not just a new fad because: “1. There is significant knowledge about ecology of ecosystems in the homelands 2. The people practice an economy that uses land and resources sustainably 3. The people promote conservation of their natural environment and 4. They, the people are effectively guided by profound spirituality regarding the environment.”

The Hawaiian people evolved from the landscape, by using the materials from and off the land, like implements for the hula or music, agriculture tools, war weapons and what they needed to survive. They also believed in conservation ethics and values: Mana ‘o ‘I ‘o (faith, respect for nature), Kapu (sacred), ‘Ike (knowledge), ‘Aina (the living earth), Lokahi (unity) and Malama (caring). They utilized what the landscape provided.

The Hawaiian religion and spiritual beliefs connect to sustainability, because the Hawaiians were skillful in using the resources that were provided to them. For example, as the fisherman went fishing, they were aware of the different seasons and breading times of the fish. They took in to consideration the appropriate age of the fish, not killing those who were pregnant or too young. They also would ONLY fish according to their needs, rather than depleting their resources on one catch. They planted native trees, raised animals, built fish ponds and created many other sustainable methods and techniques to survive and provide for future generations.

I do feel that Hawaii is a more sustainable place than the western world because of the ethics and values that are instilled in the Hawaiian life style. As a member in a Hawaiian community, I notice the numerous activities, clubs and organizations that support and encourage the practices and beliefs of the Hawaiian culture. In comparison to the Hawaiian people, the western world value money and materialistic things, which eventually is depleted, rather than agriculture and its impact on sustainability.

The value that I most resonate with is ‘Ike or knowledge. The ancestors and kupuna were full of wisdom and knew how to live sustainably, they knew how to communicate effectively to future generations through chants and story telling and also assured survival strategies for generations to come.

“The land is the chief and the man is the servant”