Richard Ha writes:“Phew, that was a journey,” says Roland Torres, producer of the television program Kama‘aina Backroads.
He’s talking about the E Malama ‘Aina festival, which he helped us organize and publicize. It was this past weekend, at Mo‘oheau Park near the Hilo bayfront, and it turned out terrific.
“It fills my soul with satisfaction,” says Roland, “what we accomplished — creating an open, positive space where any and everyone was able to explore, learn, and gain inspiration for life. The crowds of visitors, the folks manning the booths, the aunties enjoying the nahenahe music, the wonderful array of food (the malasadas ran out, they made more batches, and then they ran out again) made for a joyous day. Even Ke Akua seemed to put a handprint on the event by giving us one of the most beautiful Hilo days you’ll ever experience in November. I didn’t want it to finish.”
It was an important event. The world is changing, and because we live on an isolated island we need to start to do the things necessary to prepare ourselves to be self-sufficient.
Steve Shropshire and I, co-chairs of the event, wanted to bring like-minded people together, in one place, so the general public could come and see what people are doing to prepare for the future and maybe get some ideas.
People are doing so many interesting things toward increased
sustainability! When things start to get tough we want people to
know they are not alone -– that their fellow citizens are preparing, and the future is hopeful.
Here’s the HQ tent for information and a support center.There were police in the crowd, the County Fire Departments EMTs on the left. In the bandstand there was a robotics competition going on.
And there was live entertainment in the bandstand. Some of
the best Hawaiian entertainers there are donated their time (our thanks to Roland Torres for arranging the entertainment). Performers included Pu’ulena (Puna and Princess Keli’iho’omalu and Kawika Ka’awaloa), Ikaika Marzo, Keoki Kahumoku, Kainani Kahaunaele, Brittni Paiva and Na Palapalai (Ku’ana Torres and
Kehau Tamure).
The Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, along with the
County of Hawai‘i’s Research & Development R&D department, were the festival’s primary sponsors. Below, volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce. Not shown: Executive Director Judi Steinman and Daniel Krause made sure all the loose ends were tied up.
Here’s June at our Hamakua Springs Country Farms booth.
And there was great food. Our thanks to Sonia Martinez for
organizing the really good food! She also had a Freecycle.com booth.
We are going to talk with some of the participants after the
fact here and in the coming weeks we will bring you some stories about what you saw there (or missed). Stay tuned to the blog.
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Following my own exploration, millions of people on our planet receive the credit loans at various banks. Therefore, there’s a good chance to find a student loan in any country.