Ka’apuni Enters Day 3 in Hana, Maui

CLICK HERE FOR KAAPUNI AUDIO UPDATE 2/23/09 5 A.M.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

A 193-mile torch-lit walk around Maui is now in its third day of an estimated six day journey for unity and enlightenment in the Native Hawaiian Community. The new leg of the journey entered the Hana region of East Maui early this morning

At 5 o’clock this morning, the procession had passed through Hana town and was headed toward Hamoa and Kipahulu. The progress places the marchers at 70 miles and more than a quarter of the way into the 193 mile journey.

Over the weekend, the torch was passed in ceremonial protocol on Sunday afternoon at Wahinepe’e from those who began the journey 40 hours and 45 miles earlier at Moku’ula in Lahaina.

Overnight, the three dozen marchers passed through Keanae and Wailuanui, a district that has been fighting for water rights to sustain a traditional lifestyle of taro farming.

The issue is one of many marchers are mindful of as they look at ways of moving forward amid increased legal battles over native rights and programs. The Maui march will still be on the road when Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court case on ceded or crown lands is heard.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

Participants in the Ka’apuni E Ho’a Kukui O Na Moku `Aina journey have been placing yellow flags at various locations along the route, as visual markers for ceded lands on the Valley Isle.

(Photos & Story by Wendy OSHER © 2009; 5 a.m. location update provided by `Uilani Kapu. Images on this site are the property of the Ka’apuni and can not be used or reproduced without the expressed written consent of the Pacific Radio Group/KPOA/MauiNOW.com  News Department.)