Anahulu Hoʻēmi 12/21 – 12/30/2024

Aloha nui kākou, 

As we are at the conclusion of another full year, the clear sunny skies above are perhaps inviting us to reflect on the joys and good times of 2024. The passing of the sun through the Alanui Polohiwa a Kanaloa during the winter solstice is also an invitation to release and let go of past things as we transition into a season of lengthening days. 

If you haven’t checked it out yet, our Year In Review is a recap of what our office has been up to and the many wonderful faces that we’ve met this year. And it’s been great seeing many folks we’ve met during Cohort Kumukahi around campus! During a Pilina Circle in Kalaeloa Heritage Park this month, I also had the opportunity to meet the beautiful wiliwili, pictured above. At the end of the day (after a Pilina Circle and lei-making workshop), I had been helping to bring back metal chairs to an area more on the outskirts of the park, and as I caught my breath, I looked up to find the wisdom of this towering, old tree. Breathless for multiple reasons, I also acknowledged the many reasons and people who allowed me to stand in the shade of the wiliwili. Our amazing team led me to meet this elder; or, in other words, pilina led me here, surrounded by scattered crimson seeds.