NOWRAMP
2002
In
the Presence of Nihoa (9/9/02)
by
Scott Kikiloi
Being
in the presence of Nihoa's steep cliffs and gusting winds
made quite an impact on me today. It is truly amazing to
think that kanaka maoli once occupied such a remote
place that is situated in vast waters. Numerous birds flew
over the ship, hovering curiously. I have seen things today,
that I never seen before in my entire life. As I stood on
board the Rapture, I was overwhelmed by these physical elements-
the barren and inhospitable landscape, the squalling wind,
the open blue sky, and the rough wavy sea. As a native Hawaiian
it is important for me to do cultural protocol and give
recognition to these physical elements. Cultural protocol
is about giving respect to tradition. Giving respect
to those that went before us, and giving respect to all
life. It is a means to reconnect with the world on a spiritual
level. The Northwest Hawaiian Islands are the oldest islands
in our homeland, and are situated in a unique spot in our
traditions and mo`olelo, or history. There is much significance
is revisiting these wahi kupuna or ancestral places. There
is much significance in doing what our ancestors once did.
Island such as Nihoa and Moku Manamana are full of physical
reminders that our people once lived and occupied these
places as stewards of this land. Today we return to these
areas to acknowledge this responsibility to malama, or care
for these places. The cultural protocol that we do is a
ho`okuupu, or gift of sorts, to remind our ancestors that
we are committed to this cause. It is my hope this expedition
highlights this same type of responsibility and commitment.
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