Orientation for Kaho`olawe Access

List of Topics:

Introduction

The Protect Kaho`olawe `Ohana is a community based islands wide grassroots organization committed to protecting Kaho`olawe from bombing and desecraton by the U.S. Navy. Members of the `Ohana first touched the `aina in 1976 through a series of occupations. In 1977, two of our members disappeared in the ocean off of Kaho`olawe while trying to stop the bombing of the island.

Finally, as a result of an `Ohana civil suit, the Navy signed a "Consent Decree," acknowledging that the Protect Kaho`olawe `Ohana sought to serve as ke kahu o ka `aina: Stewards committed to protect the Island of Kaho`olawe. Under the agreement, the Navy is required to protect and preserve historic sites, clear surface bombs, implement a comprehensive erosion prevention program, schedule monthly access periods for the `Ohana and negotiate regularly with us.

We go to Kaho`olawe to strengthen our relationship with the land. We initiate revegetation projects in our work to green Kaho`olawe. We are building a traditional Hawaiian hale (house) to symbolize our re-settlement of the island. We pay respect to the ancient spirit of the land and recognize a response to our nurturing. We encourage and take over interested individuals, church and community groups to Kaho`olawe to experience for themselves the beauty and spirit of the island.


General Points

  1. Because the `Ohana is recognized as having a stewardship role for the island, they have final authority and responsibility during the access.
  2. Any on island activity must be cleared by the Statewide Access Coordinators before access.
  3. Access to the island must be coordinated with the `Ohana. All boats must be cleared by the `Ohana.

Fees

  1. Participants are required to pay for and make their own arrangements for a round trip to Kahului, Maui.
  2. A fee of $85 is assessed each person to cover expenses for boat, ground transportation and food for the entire stay on Kaho`olawe. It should be paid at the orientation session. Any additional monetary or food donations are welcome.
  3. Cancellations by participants up to one week before the access can be reimbursed. After that, only one-half can be reimbursed. Cancellations made on the day before cannot be reimbursed as the money would have been spent on supplies and committed for the boat.

Logistics

  1. Plan to arrive at Kahului Airport between 7:30pm and 9:00pm on the scheduled evening. We recommend the last flight to Kahului.
  2. Remain at the baggage claim area of Hawaiian/Aloha Airlines. You will be met there by a member of the Maui `Ohana and taken to the Ma`alaea Harbor or the Makena Landing.
  3. At Ma`alaea, expect to sleep on a grassy area near the dock that night. At Makena expect to sleep on the asphalt.
  4. Food is not provided on the first night and the first meal on the island is not until 10am. Eat a good meal before coming over or bring food to eat.
  5. At Ma`alaea, wake up to load the boat is at 4:00am. At Makena, wake up is at 6:00am.

Safety

  1. While on th boat, all orders from the Safety Crew and Boat Crew must be followed. Be especially sure to listen to and follow instruction. All participants must be "water safe." If there are any concerns, see the Safety Crew.
  2. All participants on Kaho`olawe must remain in the designated "free roam" areas only. These area will be clearly designated by the `Ohana and the Navy on the island.
  3. Participants must always have a companion when swimming, fishing, and hiking. Be sure the group leader or camp director knows where you are at all times.
  4. Any special medical concerns or allergies need to be brought to the group leader or camp director's attention.
  5. Do not touch anything metal on the ground.
  6. Additional orientation by the `Ohana and the Navy will take place on the island.

Navy

  1. All participants are expected to sign "waiver of liability" forms, one for the Navy and one for the `Ohana.

On Island

While on the Kaho`olawe, we encourage Hawaiian cultural values and practices. Through our joint efforts on tasks and work projects, kokua, and laulima, everyone can enjoy the visit to the island. A pu will be used to call everyone together for meals, general gatherings, mandatory safety orientations and to wake up. Please help:

  1. Load and unload the boat under the direction of the safety committee.
  2. Set up the general camp (kitchen, toilet, etc.) before setting up your own area.
  3. With food preparation, cooking, and clean up.
  4. With halau thatching and other work projects.
  5. By responding when called to gather by the pu.
  6. By being a part of the kukakuka (discussions and sharing sessions).
  7. With camp cleanup and packing upon leaving.
  8. By keeping the camp area clean by picking up cigarette butts, plastic bags, paper cups, miscellaneous rubbish, etc.
  9. By sharing seafood from the kai with everyone.

Ukana

  1. Keep personal baggage to one bag and a sleeping bag.
  2. Just before getting on the boat to go over and to return, your ukana MUST be "water-proofed" by double bagging it with 2.5 or 3 mil garbage bags and securing it with duct tape or placing it in a water-tight 5 gallon plastic bucket and securing with duct tape. Mark the plastic bag for identification. You should bring a total of 10 to 12 bags in order to double bag your ukana for the boat trip over and the boat trip back.

    Note: For January Makahiki, you will need an additional 2 bags for the boat trip from Honokanai`a to Hakioawa.

  3. All participants must bring:

    roll toilet paper
    10 - 12 plastic garbage bags, 3 mil
    5-gallon water container
    tabis for landing
    nightwear (warm)
    sunscreen
    tarp with cord
    hiking gear, water bottle, shoes, pack
    flashlight    		 tent (small, preferrably 2-man)
    spare utensils and cups
    swim wear
    sleeping bag or blanket
    liquid soap (Joy or Ivory), for bathing
    towel
    thick soled slippers
    day wear, hat, shorts
    pocket knife

    Bring any medication you regularly need and medication for allergies and asthma. Occasionally there are bees on the island and jellyfish in the ocean. If you are allergic to bees and/or jelly fish, please bring your medication.

  4. Optionals: Kikepa, snacks, camera, gloves, musical instruments, fins, mask, wet suit, snorkel.
  5. Do not bring: Metal frame backpacks or tents requiring metal or wooden poles, uncontained sharp objects, alcohol, pakalolo or other drugs except medication. Please leave radios, video equipment, and tape players at home. We go to Kaho`olawe to enjoy its peace, tranquility and beauty.
  6. Packing: Pack your sleeping bag, nightwear (warm) for the overnight on Maui, swimwear and tabis together for the overnight at Ma`alaea or Makena. Pack the rest of your stuff into one bag. On the first boat we will load the kitchen stuff and all the bags not needed for the overnight stay on Maui. It is advisable to pack those items that must be kept dry in individual ziploc bags. All fishing gear must be contained in a carrying case, i.e. capped PVC pipe, bucket, etc. and tips of spears wrapped.
  7. Safety: Here is a list of safety items that are good to bring along especially for hiking related injures:

Assorted Bandaids
Moleskin
antiseptic prep-pads (such as iodine or alcohol)
tweezers
pocket knife
gauze pads (3"x3" or 4"x4")
adhesive tape
Ace ankle bandage
ibuprofin


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