In trying times, we need stories of reassurance. What the community has accomplished quietly through the E Alu Pu network over the past 16 years is one such story that should lift our spirits and lead us to redouble our efforts to be better stewards of our island home, and of each other.

The E Alu Pu grassroots effort has done as its name suggests: moved forward together. At this year’s gathering hosted by the Save Honolua Coalition in the moku of Ka‘anapali, Maui, from July 18-21, the youth — the keiki and ‘opio generation — constituted about a third of the 180 participants.

The transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next takes place when there are relationships that are built over time on a foundation of trust and patience. E Alu Pu is special in the way that a culture of trust and connection has been built. So when we gather, the sharing flows across generations and communities. Our youth learn from legendary kupuna throughout the islands, and our kupuna see a future of continuity and hope.

Much was accomplished over four packed days. Attendees helped rebuild and stabilize rock walls in taro patches in Kahoma. One family in Honokohau saw a lo‘i started on their land for the first time in 100 years: the first since the time of their great-great-grandfather. Participants weeded and planted trees in Honolua. They shared lessons learned from efforts to improve their own communities. That learning has continued as the fishermen of Ho‘okena and Molokai plan exchange visits.

“We will connect with ‘opelu fishermen from other islands to learn their mana‘o and get support to malama our ‘opelu fishing kuleana,” said Damien Kenison of Ho‘okena.

Participants welcomed the instruction in resource management using new tools, techniques and ideas gleaned from formal activities and from talking story, to apply in their malama ‘aina work. Those concepts include Kapu and Kanawai taught by Huihui Kanahele-Mossman and Kialoa Mossman of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation (EKF). Some attendees said this offered crucial perspectives that they will talk about with their hui and their haumana.

The storytelling was energizing. “Learning about Te Pa O Rakaihautu and their efforts to decolonize their education system was so empowering!” said one participant, referring to the presentation of Kari Kururangi, a founder of the indigenous school in Aotearoa. “To create a curriculum by walking in the footsteps of our ancestors is my new goal, which directly ties in to properly managing our resources.”

Another participant reported learning much from the Honuaiakea process taught by EKF, on how to translate and relate oli and mele to malama ‘aina work.

One attendee pointed to learning about the concept of Papaku Makawalu, the ability of kupuna to view all forms of life through the lens of three papa, or spheres of knowledge: astronomic, atmospheric and heavenly.

Stewardship of the land could be lifted to a higher level, participants learned, by tapping into one’s full potential, using both intuition and intellect, a concept called lololo.

In these times when we are pitted against each other; when money is honored over values; when sacredness is questioned; when we fail to realize our disconnect and imbalance, attendees found the gathering truly restorative.

May E Alu Pu move all of us in Hawai‘i nei to contribute overflowing stories of connection and assurance for our keiki and kupuna.

Alex Puanani Connelly works for KUA: Kuaʻaina Ulu ʻAuamo, an organization that supports grassroots growing through shared responsibility; she is the coordinator for E Alu Pu.