Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 2, 1 February 2007 — Immersed in the kai [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Immersed in the kai

Students spend three days exploring the west Kaua'i coast as part of a series of camps focusing on ahupua'a ecological zones

By Malia Kahaleinia Chun Na Pua Nn'eau Kaua'i site cnnrdinatnr This fall, 12 students, hailing from Kapa'a to Kekaha, took part in a three-day coastal environment eamp at Nomilu on the west side of Kaua'i as part of a program called Project Kupulau, conducted by Nā Pua No'eau, the statewide educational enrichment center for gifted and talented Native Hawaiian children. The eamp was one of a threepart series focusing on different geographical and ecological zones of a traditional ahupua'a land division, with other ses-

sions scheduled to cover the kula (open country) and nahele (forest) ahupua'a zones. During the kahakai (coastal) eamp, students learned to identify the ecological zones within Nomilu, including the physical geography, biology and cultural resources. In eaeh activity, students learned resource management, cultural protocol, team building and problem solving built upon their leadership skills. Students took part in various oeean activities, including a rigorous swim test, gathering limu and 'opihi, and a variety of fishing techniques. The journey eulminated with a hō 'ike where stu-

dents displayed the knowledge they gained and fed their 'ohana the food that they had caught, cleaned and prepared. Project Kupulau provides students who have successfully completed a Nā Pua No'eau Summer Institute course with an opportunity to continue,

in greater depth, the development of their talent, selfesteem, Hawaiian culture and values, and family enrichment. Students continue learning from either the teachers who worked with them during the Summer Institute or from other experts within the students' areas of

interest. Dr. David Sing, director of the Nā Pua No'eau enrichment center for gifted and talented Native Hawaiian children, coordinates periodic updates for Ka Wai Ola on Hawaiian education programs. For more information, eall (808) 974-7678. M

HO'ONA'AUAO • EDUCAĪION

Traditional fishing techniques were among the kahakai (coastal) practices that students explored. - Pholo: Courtesy of Nā Pua Ko'eau