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June 4, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Waipā

Waipā, at 1,600-acres, is one of the smallest in a series of nine historic ahupuaʻa within Kauai’s moku (district) of Haleleʻa. Located along the north coast of Kauai, Haleleʻa today is commonly referred to as the Kauai “north shore”.

Haleleʻa is a historic moku, which today encompasses the communities of Kilauea, Kalihiwai, Wanini/Kalihikai, Princeville, Hanalei/Waiʻoli, Wainiha, and Haʻena. Waipā is located between the ahupuaʻa of Waiʻoli and Waikoko.

What started as a fight in 1982 to preserve the valley and stop a development, the Waipā Foundation of Hanalei Valley and Kamehameha Schools (land owner) are now partnering in restoring the ahupuaʻa of Waipā as a cultural complex.

The Waipā Foundation is a community-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, whose mission is to restore the health and abundance of the 1,600-acre Waipā watershed, through the creation of a Hawaiian community center and learning center.

The Foundation, and its predecessor The Hawaiian Farmers of Hanalei, have been implementing this mission in their management of the valley since 1986.

One of Waipā Foundation’s core goals is to empower and enrich the communities along Kauai’s Haleleʻa district – with a special focus on the Hawaiian, low-income and at-risk communities.

This is accomplished through the creation of community assets, development and implementation of programs focusing on culture, enrichment, education and leadership and that foster a strong connection with, and love of, the land and resources.

Waipā is a living learning center that hosts organized groups from Hawaiʻi and beyond that are interested in contributing to the work at Waipā, and learning about the Hawaiian culture and environment – and the relationships between the two – through hands-on experiences.

Two of Waipā Foundation’s long-range goals are:
• To restore the health of the natural environment and native ecosystems of the ahupuaʻa, and to involve our community in the stewardship, restoration, and management of the land and resources within the ahupuaʻa of Waipā.
• To practice and foster social, economic and environmental sustainability in the management of Waipā’s natural and cultural resources.

In the mauka area, restoration of the native forest has been an important priority. Upper Waipā was historically deforested by the Sandalwood trade, cattle ranching and forest fire; and today is overrun by non-native grasses, shrubs and trees.

In the past few years, over 2,000 native trees and shrubs have been established in a network of planting sites in the mauka riparian zone at Waipā. Most of the seed for the outplantings was collected from within Waipa, and the surrounding areas.

In the ‘kula’ zone of the ahupuaʻa (where in ancient times was the area for growing food and living,) Waipa Foundation has been creating and restoring wetland and dryland farming areas, for kalo and other food crops.

Waipā’s lo’i is a 2-acre area that is farmed by staff, volunteers and program participants, as a learning site and for kalo production through experimenting with more organic and sustainable approaches.

Waipā hosts a farmers market which makes fresh, local produce and food available to community and visitors. They also grow, make and distribute produce (grown at Waipā) and poi to community and ohana, on a weekly basis.

In the makai area, work has been ongoing to restore the muliwai (estuary,) as well as the Halulu fishpond. Likewise, with restoration and native plant planting along the stream bank, efforts are underway to protect Waiʻoli Stream.

Lots of good stuff is going on at Waipā.

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Waipa

Kauai-Waipa-Map

June 4, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 141 – March 11, 1820

March 11, 1820 – Lat. North 2° Long. West 115°. Again we have entered our own hemisphere. We have this day special occasion to acknowledge the kind providence of God. About one o’clock P.M. there was a calm and several of the brethren, and some others, having been denied the privilege many weeks, allowed themselves to enjoy the pleasant and healthful exercise of bathing in the Ocean. Not long after they were safely out, while one of the sailors was employed in painting the bowsprit, with his feet in the water, a common sized shark was seen to approach him. Had he not been seasonably warned to avoid the monster, he might have lost a limb, if not his life. The shark then played or rather raved around the brig with the boldness and fierceness of a hungry tiger. By the dexterity of George P. Tamoree and one of the mates a snare was fixed upon him. Then flouncing like a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke he seized, with violence the end of a strong pole and tho it broke many of his pointed teeth he held fast until by the pole and ropes he was drawn on board. The mingled emotions of our company, arising from a sense of danger escaped by the gracious interposition of our divine and strong deliverer, evinced by tears and congratulations, cannot easily by described. On opening the shark, there were found a porcupine fish and a large beef bone which had been thrown overboard by the cook at the time the brethren were bathing, so that he could not have been far distant at that time. But while we acknowledge this deliverance from unknown and unexpected danger, we regard it as an admonition to be always watchful and guarded when surrounded with dangers and enemies, and as a kind intimation that the same hand that shut the mouth of this Lion will also shut the mouth of the roaring Lion and so far as his cause requires it will mercyfully deliver us from the power of ungodly men and all that rise up against us. (Thaddeus Journal)

March 11, Lat. 4° S. A calm of 6 or 7 days has detained us here in the most sultry region of the globe, where the hot and scorching rays of the sun are almost insupportable. We hoped to be at or near Owhyhee before this time. but the Lord would have it otherwise. and for wise reasons, no doubt; perhaps it is to try our patience and prepare us for future trials. During the calm we caught 2 Sharks. and a Boneator [bonito]. the latter of which made us an excellent dinner. A distinguishing interposition of Providence relating to the catching of the first Shark. I cannot fail to notice.
On the afternoon of Saturday 11th, 6 of our Missionary Gents went into the sea to bathe. They remained 15 or 20 minutes in the water, swimming about the vessel, heedless of danger – but they had not been out of the water long before George Termmoner discovered a large Shark close under the bow of the ship; which had no doubt been playing around the ship, seeking for prey while the men were in the water.
On being caught (for the ship’s company were so fortunate as to catch the Monster) it was found to be the blue Shark, a real Man-eater, 10ft. long, and a mouth sufficiently large to take in a man’s leg or head. Within him, was found a beef bone which the cook had flung overboard just before the men went in, and a porcupine fish which was an object of great curiosity.
This merciful preservation of the lives of our brethren. Was not passed unnoticed; and while we reflect that it was God who shut the mouth of the fish, may we not hope that it is an earnest of his further deliverance from the power of the enemy. (Lucia Ruggles Holman)

11th. Extremely hot, seems sometimes as if we should, melt. Caught a shark measuring 10 feet in length. (Samuel Ruggles)

March 11.-This afternoon, as the vessel lay becalmed, one of the officers, Mr. Bingham, Mr. Thurston, and two of the native youths went into the water to bathe. Only one hour after they came out, a shark was caught. When first observed it was approaching a sailor who was painting the outside of the vessel, his feet hanging down in the water. He was ignorant of his danger, until he received the alarm from one of our family. When caught, it seized hold of a hard’ stick of wood so violently as to break out several of its teeth, and continuing its grasp, by this means suffered itself in part to be drawn up into the vessel. A large bone was found in its stomach, thrown overboard at the time our friends were in the water. Its extended
jaws, sufficient to embrace a man’s head, are now hanging up in a conspicuous place. How it makes the blood thrill through my veins when I think of the danger to which our friends were exposed! But as a matter of encouragement, amid all the perils which may await us in a savage land, may it strengthen my faith and confidence in Him who has this clay been their preserver. (Lucy Goodale Thurston)

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June 3, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 142 – March 12, 1820

March 12, 1820 – Lord’s Day. – Held our meeting below. When the hand bell rung for public service on deck, a sudden change of wind and a shower prevented it, so that we repaired to the cabin and enjoyed a favored season where we believe the giver and hearer of prayer has often been present.
The voice of opposition today, tho’ painful, gives us cheering evidence that the spirit of God has begun a good work which we devoutly hope and pray may be carried on in the case of the affair before mentioned. We occasion to rejoice in the assurance that the wrath of men shall be made to praise our God and that the remainder he will restrain. How weak and insignificant are honor, wisdom and power when opposed to the allwise and omnipotent Jehovah. (Thaddeus Journal)

12th. Still very hot but are all contented and happy. (Samuel Ruggles)

12. – It been calm today brothers B & T with several of our company went into the water to bathe. They had but just entered the ship again when a large shark was seen plying around the vessel. It was caught, and on being opened a large bone was found which was thrown overboard at the very time when our friends were bathing. Had they continued in the water a few minutes longer there is little doubt but that some of them would have lost their lives. I should have been in the company had it not been for sporting with the feelings of one I love. – (Samuel Whitney Journal)

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June 3, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Day 143 – March 13, 1820

March 13, 1820 – The heat is more oppressive in passing the Equatorial regions than it was in the Atlantic. We have had the sun more nearly vertical for a greater number of days. Yesterday the mercury stood at 84° below deck, and at 124° in the sun.
Today another shark has been caught with a hook, and a second this evening seized and held for some time but at length escaped. So the quickened sinner sometimes breakes away at the moment when he seem to be fastened by the truth and almost drawn into the kingdom of Christ. (Thaddeus Journal)

March 13th, We find the weather truly uncomfortable, this time passing the Equator. The winds became very light between two and three degrees before we reached the Line, and have so continued, bringing us to about the same distance north. You can hardly realize the exhaustion which is felt nights, from want of air, in our confined rooms, with narrow bertha. We cannot open windows and shut window blinds, I wake sometimes and feel that it is with difficulty I can breathe at all. Yet GOD is good to us,—strikingly so. This is the tenth day we have been in this region but just moving, still the health of all is preserved—no one is on a couch of sickness, neither are we experiencing such a calm as many have. We have each day made some progress. In the midst of all the languor, we have been sometimes, within a few days, animated with the hope that we are to experience the breath of the spirit. There is reason to believe the enquiry, “what shall I do to be saved?” has seized the minds of one of the Officers—one too whose profaneness, when passion made him forget the gentleman, has pained us. Satan is alarmed, for his agents ply assiduously the weapon ridicule, lest the poor captive should escape the snare. 0, with what a load of guilt will those go down to woe who have held others in their chains! Precious truth I Christ is stronger than the strong man armed—his almighty Arm shall bring forth the captives He has purposed to redeem. Mr. B— was prepared to address them yesterday, sabbath,— his subject such as I hoped would carry conviction with it. But Divine Providence did not permit. The bell rang, but sudden clouds, with rain, soon put the seamen in motion and sent us below. We had a favored season in the cabin, and tho we could not use direct means for the benefit of these poor souls, I think GOD gave us his Spirit to intercede in their behalf.- – – A circumstance, on Saturday, of interest, which I must mention. The ocean was very calm, and sea-bathing, in this sultry region, was thought so conducive to health, as to induce a few to venture in, notwithstanding the possibility of meeting with monsters of the Deep. Mr. B— was one. He had tried it in the Atlantic. I had always trembled, yet avoided manifesting feminine fears. Judge then what were my feelings, when, but little more than an hour after, while in conversation with my dear friends, congratulating myself that bathing was over, the cry was, a shark.
The horrid monster came along side and was soon hauled on deck. He was of the true voracious kind. His frightful jaws struck terror, while my heart melted in view of GOD’s preserving mercy. In his intestines were found a Variety, taken in whole. 0, may I have in remembrance this providential escape! How my heart might have been wrung with anguish! Another shark was caught to-day, but escaped again. (Sybil Bingham)

March 13. 2 deg 40 m N Lat. The weather continues extremely warm. For 8 or 10 days past we have had but a very light breeze. Some of the time we have sailed 2 or 3 miles an hour, and then again, the vessel has moved but little more than to rock from side to side. The heat is somewhat oppressive. A shark was caught day before yesterday, and another today. The only two taken on the passage. As you requested me to be particular in mentioning every circumstance as it occurred, I have endeavored to comply with your request. I have noted down many things which, to a stranger, might appear too trivial to be named, but I Trust they will be read by you with a degree of interest. (Mercy Partridge Whitney Journal)

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June 3, 2019 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment

Baibala

“The BIBLE, I say, the BIBLE only, is the Religion of Protestants!” (William Chillingworth (October 12, 1602 – January 30, 1644); The Religion of Protestants A Safe Way to Salvation)

Missionaries Wanted Hawaiians to Read the Word of God

Every Protestant believer is essentially expected to read scripture directly – not simply listen to teachings from scripture, presented by priests (as done by Catholics). (StackExchange)

“The first object with the missionaries … was to prepare elementary books, and to multiply copies, so that the ability to read intelligibly might become as extensive as possible. Their next object was to translate the Scriptures, and thus put it within the power of the whole population, who would take the trouble to learn, to read the word of God in their own language.” (Christian Observer, June 1832)

“For them, the Bible was the very voice of God, and any manifestation of religion without a Bible to depend on would quickly go astray and soon become only one more man-made religion. Had they converted all Hawaiians, but left them without a Bible, their mission, by their own standards, would have been incomplete and, in the end, doomed to failure.” (Lyon)

Hawaiians were Seeking the ‘New Technology’ of Literacy

“The missionary effort is more successful in Hawai‘i than probably anywhere in the world, in the impact that it has on the character and the form of a nation. And so, that history is incredible; but history gets so blurry …”

“The missionary success cover decades and decades becomes sort of this huge force where people feel like the missionaries got off the boat barking orders … where they just kind of came in and took over. They got off the boat and said ‘stop dancing,’ ‘put on clothes,’ don’t sleep around.’”

“And it’s so not the case ….”

“The missionaries arrived here, and they’re a really remarkable bunch of people. They are scholars, they have got a dignity that goes with religious enterprise that the Hawaiians recognized immediately. …”

“The Hawaiians had been playing with the rest of the world for forty-years by the time the missionaries came here. The missionaries are not the first to the buffet and most people had messed up the food already.”

“(T)hey end up staying and the impact is immediate. They are the first outside group that doesn’t want to take advantage of you, one way or the other, get ahold of their goods, their food, or your daughter. … But, they couldn’t get literacy. It was intangible, they wanted to learn to read and write”. (Puakea Nogelmeier)

“I think literacy was … almost like the new technology of the time. And, that was something that was new. … When the missionaries came, there was already contact with the Western world for many years…. But this was the first time that literacy really began to take hold. The missionaries, when they came, they may have been the first group who came with a [united] purpose. They came together as a group and their purpose was to spread the Gospel the teachings of the Bible. …”

“But the missionaries who came, came with a united purpose … and literacy was a big part of that. Literacy was important to them because literacy was what was going to get the Hawaiians to understand the word of the Bible … and the written word became very attractive to the people, and there was a great desire to learn the written word. … Hawai‘i became the most literate nation at one time.” (Jon Yasuda, one of the intern translators who participated in the Ali‘i Letters translation project)

Translation of the Bible

“The Hawaiian translation of the Bible (Baibala in Hawaiian) remains the largest single volume ever printed in Hawaiian, with over 1,400 densely packed pages in its most recent incarnation (2012), slimmed down from an original (and unwieldy) 2,300 pages (1837-1839).” (In making of the Baibala in to the Hawaiian language, they translated the Hebrew Bible and Greek New Testament – it was not a translation from or to English.)

“It is probably also the largest and most demanding single literary project since Hawaiian became a written language, requiring the active involvement of at least nine regular participants (four American ministers and five Native scholars) and numerous others who contributed to a lesser, but significant, degree over a period of more than ten years.”

“The participants were the elite scholars of their nations: the Americans were the best-educated men of their generation, skilled to a surprising degree in the ancient biblical languages, while the Hawaiians were among the highest-ranking ali‘i ‘chiefs’ and kākā‘ōlelo ‘chiefly advisors’, each one a profound scholar in the language and oral literature of Hawai‘i. The result of their long and fruitful cooperation was a superb Bible translation, far exceeding what either group could have produced on its own.”

“Two of the qualities that mark a good translation are fidelity and readability. The ideal translator has a firm and nuanced command of the source language (in this case, Hebrew, Aramaic, and ancient Greek) and is, ideally, a well-educated native speaker of the target language (here, Hawaiian).”

“Not one of those who worked on the Baibala possessed both of these qualifications. The result of their collaborative efforts is a testament to both.” (Lyon)

This is only a summary; Click HERE to read more on the Baibala.

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Baibala