Papa Ola Lōkahi is growing!

Nāpua Casson, kupa of Kamananui, Waialua on the island of Oʻahu, has joined the staff of Papa Ola Lōkahi.

Nāpua graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy and received her bachelorʻs degree in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with her masterʻs degree in Public Health focusing on Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health.

Nāpua is a hula student of nā Kumu Hula Keano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla with Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua. She also feels blessed to be learning the traditional practice of hoʻoponopono as a haumana of Kumu Malina Kaulukukui. She dedicates much of her free time to ʻohana, especially her energetic daughter, and her North Shore community.

Nāpua tells us she was inspired to work in the Native Hawaiian health field while she was in high school.  She will be filling the role of Education and Training Coordinator here at Papa Ola Lōkahi. 

“Working with Hawaiian communities in this way is a dream come true,” enthuses Nāpua.

Join us in welcoming Nāpua!

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The close of the 2018 Hawaiʻi legislative session wrapped up many bills that sought to impact the health and well-being of Native Hawaiians and communities throughout Hawai‘i.  Some were successful, some were not.

The need for a unified voice for our lāhui is greater now than ever as we face growing challenges of houselessness, substance use and addiction, rising number of suicides and other behavioral health needs, access to ‘āina to grow our traditional foods, and the on-going efforts to protect, preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian traditional practices.

With the political primary election season in full swing, Papa Ola Lōkahi is committed to uphold our mandate be a voice for change, support and growth, and to create and promote venues for our communities to participate and learn. Take an active role in finding your voice for Native Hawaiians.

E Ola!

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Participating in an ʻawa ceremony is one of the most meaningful experiences we can have as kānaka. The high protocol and mutual sharing of ʻawa provides for reflection and commitment to one another and to ourselves as kānaka.

The swirling of the ʻawa, the ʻōlelo spoken, the dipping of the apu into the liquid and the role the kānoa has in anchoring the ceremony remind us how our culture is fluid.  As we flow through our everyday lives, there are still touchstones that keep us focused and grounded to our ʻāina.

Understanding that connection to things beyond assures the culture and traditions of our kūpuna flourish with future generations.  It is a reminder of the kūleana that we have as kānaka.

Mai poina a makaʻala e nā kānaka. E Ola!

  Photo:  Kukahili Designs

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Lono-i-ka-Makahiki!

The start of the makahiki season is the perfect opportunity for reflecting upon and renewing gratitude for the many blessings provided in our lives. Looking at the many positive experiences, along with the lessons learned through challenges, have all allowed for growth personally and professionally.

For myself, I am aware of, and give appreciation to, those who have laid the foundation before me, from nā aumakua to kuʻu kūpuna. It is from the values and beliefs that I am able to learn and holomua in all that I do. My ʻohana also bring support and insight for me, but it's my keiki that motivate me to be a better kanaka in the choices that I make and the intent of my actions.

I encourage you to aloha all those who inspire you to be a better kanaka!

Here is my mahalo to Kaleikoa, ʻĀpiki, Ohaikawiliula, and Ilisapeti for letting me kōkua our lāhui.

E ola mau,

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