Guardians of the Salty Deep

ʻAʻohe loaʻa i ka noho wale

By Ka'ehukai Goin

September 21st, 2024

ʻAʻohe loaʻa i ka noho wale
Nothing is gained by idleness

ʻĀina is our most critical resource. It is more than just land, encompassing everything that feeds us, nourishes us, and helps mankind survive. We have a responsibility to reciprocate the blessings bestowed upon us to this place we call home. Papahānaumokuākea is an extension of our people, culture, and archipelago. While these kūpuna islands are far from the islands we occupy, they continue to provide us with blessings.

Since 2020 It has been a long journey of Marine Debris removal and we are striving to remove 1 million pounds perpetuating the magnificence of Papahānaumokuākea. What may have seemed like an impossible dream is now becoming a star we can grasp. As we close day 5 of PMDP operations at Manawai, our team of 16 dedicated divers have accumulated over 48,000 pounds of derelict nets. With broken backs and high spirits, we will continue to holomua and reciprocate the blessings bestowed upon us from these kūpuna islands.

Meet the Author

Ka’ehukai Goin

Learn more about Ka’ehukai here!