Aloha ʻĀina Unity March Planned in Lahaina, Oct. 18

Aloha ʻĀina Unity March event flyer.

An Aloha ʻĀina Unity March  is planned on Maui on Sunday, Oct. 18, to bring attention and awareness to efforts of the Aloha ʻĀina platform on Maui and around the state.

According to the Aloha ʻĀina Project Facebook page, the group organizing the Maui event, the movement is an effort to “mobilize Kanaka Hawaiʻi and supporters to stand for the protection of precious land and natural resources.”

The event comes on the heels of a similar march on Oʻahu on Aug. 9 that drew an estimated 10,000 participants, said Maui’s Tiare Lawrence who is among those leading the Maui event.

The Aloha ʻĀina Unity March is “dedicated to awareness, education, and activation of the issues affecting Hawaiʻi’s sacred sites, cultural landscapes, agricultural land, water, and ocean,” an event announcement stated.

According to Lawrence, the Maui march will start with a procession beginning at Māla at 10 a.m., and ending at Mokuʻula in West Maui. Prior to the march, ʻōpio (youth) speakers with Kula Kaiapuni will address participants.

Lawrence tells Maui Now that the group will be met by members of the group Nā Kupuna O Maui at the Lahaina Banyan Tree area where hoʻokupu (offering) will be given in honor of aliʻi (chiefs).  Offerings will also be made at the stone ahu (altar) at Mokuʻula for the moʻo goddess Kihawahine.

“It’s really about awareness and giving people the tools to learn more about Aloha ʻĀina,” said Lawrence. “There will be informational booths set up at Kamehameha Iki Park as well as entertainment and speakers from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Kamehameha Iki following the march.”

Entertainment includes participation from Napua Greig and her hālau, Koa Hewahewa, Kula Kaiapuni, slam poetry, and more.

According to Lawrence, the Aloha ʻĀina Project consists of a number of groups from across the state including Nā ‘Aikane o Maui group led by West Maui’s Keeaumoku Kapu.

She said a call is being put out to local farmers for donations of ulu, kalo and lūʻau leaf so that organizers can feed event participants.  More information is available at the Aloha ‘Āina Unity March MAUI event Facebook page.