Hakuhia
A MINISTRY FOR THE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR KO‘ OLAU ‘AINA
Hakuhia is the First Prez ministry that will steward the land at Koʻolau that God has entrusted to us. At the heart of the Hakuhia ministry is a guiding vision to renew people and place through community. After months of prayerful discernment amongst our church leaders, and in discussions with ‘aina-based practitioners and community partners, we are moving forward to steward the land that God has put into our care in ways that are aligned to our church’s mission:
“Joining Jesus to restore and transform one another and our world.”
We move in ways that will:
Glorify God
Serve the Community
Practice Environmental Stewardship
Learn from the Hawaiian Culture
Be Financially Responsible
PILINA RESTORATION DAYS
PILINA RESTORATION DAYS
PILINA RESTORATION DAYS
** MONTHLY / EVERY LAST SATURDAY **
There have been various forms of ministry happening on the land for evangelism and/or direct discipleship, like the monthly service projects called Pilina Restoration Days. We welcome all levels of abilities. A few examples of activities include simply contributing snacks and fellowship, girdling one single Albizia tree, girdling more Albizia trees, picking up golf balls, and native plant care. All of these activities can be as easy or as hard as you would prefer.
CREATION CARE FRIDAYS
Step into the beauty of the morning and get your hands in the soil! EveryFriday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, we’re coming together to care for the plants that bring life and beauty to our space. With the Ko‘olau mountains and the cool morning breeze, it’s the perfect time to refresh your spirit while tending to God’s creation. Whether you love gardening or just want to be part of something meaningful, come dig in with us— and take care of the land the Lord has entrusted to us.
Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and a hat. Bring a water bottle, work gloves, and gardening tools (if you have them).
Join us!
PODCAST ABOUT HAKUHIA
Did you know First Prez is part of a national conversation on faith and the environment?
In a recent visit to Hawaiʻi, a team from Western Theological Seminary and BioLogos spent time on our church’s land, learning about the vision God has given First Prez for restoration and community care.
Their experience became part of a new podcast episode exploring how God uses “kipukas”—protected places where life endures—to spread healing outward.
The episode is rich with local stories, including what’s happening right here at First Prez.
Resources
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We have three new gardens of native plants on campus! Many thanks to Boy Scout Troop 73 that chose our Koʻolau ʻaina to do this Eagle Scout project. The Island Gardens Project supports First Prez’s Hakuhia Ministry's mission to steward well the land God has entrusted to us.
Read about the interesting details of some of the native plants in the Gardens by clicking here.
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In 2022 we invited Kumu Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, whoʻs highly respected in the Hawaiian community, to tour parts of our Koʻolau ʻaina and learn from him and the Hawaiian culture. He came away so inspired by what he saw and experienced that he wrote a song called I KEKELE I KU'U ALOHA. Listen to the song, and notice how each verse mentions the different places he visited:
verse 1. Kekele (the area below the Pali known for the groves of Hinano Hala)
verse 2. Lanihuli (tallest puʻu or mountain along range)
verse 3. Hiʻilaniwai (waterfall/stream)
verse 4. Kamoʻoaliʻi (main stream)
verse 5. Hoʻoleinaʻiwa (ʻili area where the stones are placed)
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Do you know that over 50 species of fungi have been discovered on our 'aina and documented? Stream ecologist Brian Deis has worked on a booklet called The Fungi of Koʻolau, featuring 25 of the more commonly occurring fungi species on our ‘aina. Read or download the Fungi of Koʻolau. It’s just one more way we can find connection in our 246 acres and witness how creative and detailed God is with what He has made.
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Hakuhia approaches the stewardship of our Koʻolau ʻaina with a posture of learning and humility. In 2022, Hakuhia collaborated with Nohopapa Hawaii, a Native Hawaiian owned and operated cultural resource management firm, in an effort to step back and remember the significance of this place. Nohopapa’s kuleana (responsibility) is to teach students to research and gather knowledge through integrated approaches, such as researching historical archives, conducting interviews with kupuna (grandparents or honored elder), and exploring cultural areas by foot on the ʻaina.
Interns Noe Puaauli and Naupaka Hoapili, who come from five generations of family from Kaneohe, presented what they learned about our Koʻolau ʻaina through the Wahi Kupuna Stewardship Iinternship. Through their efforts, we have a deeper understanding of the cultural history of this ʻaina to help guide future stewardship, management, and land use.
In the news…
Do you know that First Prez’s Hakuhia Ministry joined the Koʻolau Mountain Watershed Partnership (KMWP) in 2020? The KMWP is a voluntary alliance of major public and private landowners committed to the protection of the native Hawaiian forests of the Koʻolau Mountains. In August of 2022, we hosted all partners to meet at our Koʻolau campus and exchange ideas on watershed management of the Koʻolau region. Read the story on that from Hawaii Public Radio.
