The
final Navigating Change Teacher's Guide is now available
for download. Click
here!
Introduction
"Navigating Change" is
a project focused on raising awareness and ultimately
motivating people to
change their attitudes and behaviors to better care for
our islands and our ocean resources. The project is an
educational partnership that includes private organizations,
state agencies and federal agencies that share a collective
vision for creating a healthier future for Hawai`i and
for our planet. We hope to change behaviors by creating
an awareness of the ecological problems we face and by
demonstrating how decisions we make in our daily lives
can help resolve those problems.
The goal of Navigating Change is to motivate, encourage
and challenge people to take action to improve the environmental
conditions in their own backyards, especially as it pertains
to our coral reefs. We want people to take responsibility
for the stewardship and sustainability of our islands and
our ocean. We are targeting our message to the youth of
Hawai`i because the future is in their hands.
To
raise awareness of the environmental decline occurring
in the main Hawaiian Islands, the Polynesian Voyaging Society
has sailed the double hulled canoe Hokule`a
throughout the main Hawaiian Islands carrying the Navigating
Change message. School children and entire communities
were challenged to take responsibility for our natural
resources and our natural environment. This statewide sail
began in March 2003.
Talk About It!
Meaning of Hokule`a
Asked by Ariel on May 7, 2004.
What does Hokule'a mean?
Answered by Andy from NOAA on May 9, 2004.
The Polynesian Voyaging Canoe Hokule`a was named after the star Arcturus, whose Hawaiian name is Hokule`a. Arcturus is a zenith star for Hawai'i. This means that when you see the star directly overhead you are near Hawai`i, and for voyagers trying to reach Hawai`i this would bring gladness. So, another meaning for Hokule`a is "star of gladness."
For an interesting article about the naming of Hokule`a visit the following web page:
http://www.pvs-hawaii.com/canoe/canoe_hokulea_building.htm
Humback whales in Hawaii
Asked by Junior on May 7, 2004.
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANY HUMPBACK WHALES
Answered by Andy from NOAA on May 9, 2004.
There are many Humpback Whales in Hawaii during the winter months from November through April. Many whales from the North Pacific Humpback Whale population come to Hawaii during this time to mate and to give birth. I personally see several whales each year during this time, and they can easily be spotted from shore.
