20th Anniversary Stopping the Bombing of Kahoʻolawe

By Wendy Osher

Aloha 'Aina - 20 Year Anniversary of Stopping the Bombing of Kaho'olawe. Click to enlarge image.

The Protect Kahoolawe Ohana (PKO) celebrates its 20th Anniversary in stopping the military bombing on the island of Kaho’olawe (Kanaloa).

Activities and educational events are planned throughout Maui County this year to commemorate the  anniversary.

The events will culminate on October 22, 2011, with the dedication of a new mua (monument) at Honokanaia.

This month, there are two events taking place on the island of Maui:  one at the University of Hawai’i Maui College, and the other at the Hawaiian Canoe Club.

UHMC will host a gathering at the Pilina Student Lounge at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011.  The event features speakers, music, poetry, and a screening of the film, Mai Ka Piko Mai, A Hoi: Return to Kanaloa.

The film focuses on the parallel stories of struggle to free Kaho’olawe from the US military and the challenge of re-establishing inter-Polynesian voyaging by the Polynesian Voyaging society through Hokulea.

The second Maui event takes place at the Hawaiian Canoe Club at Kahului Harbor on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.  The event features music and entertainment, as well as poetry, a film screening, silent auction, fundraising, and food and drinks.

Both events are co-sponsored by the PKO, whose mission is to perpetuate Aloha ‘Aina throughout Hawai’i through cultural, educational, and spiritual activities that heal and revitalize the cultural and natural resources of Kaho’olawe.