Instead of...

I invite you to say their names, to use their names when you speak of them, when you write about them, when scientific research is done on and about them.

I invite you to say their names and to read Kekukewa’s dissertation - Rebirth of an Archipelago to deepen your understanding of why this is so important.

I invite you to feel these names in your chests, in your hearts, and in your minds.

I invite you to listen to way they sound when they meet the air.

I invite you to record that feeling in your core and in your cells.

So that they may continue to live on.

So that we may continue to live on too.

Nihoa

Mokumanamana also known as Ha’ena - Formerly known as Necker Island

Lalo - Formerly known as French Frigate Shoals

Onunui and Onuiki - Formerly known as Gardiner Pinnacles

Ka Moku o Kamohoali’i - Formerly known as Maro Reef

Kamole - Formerly known as Laysan Island

Kapou- Formerly known as Lisianski Island

Manawai - Formerly known as Pearl & Hermes Atoll

Kuaihelani - Formerly known as Midway Atoll

Holaniku - Formerly known as Kure Atoll

E ola Papahanaumokuakea!

E ola Holaniku!

I offer these words to you as I fasten my ‘olena dyed kapa around the kihei of Hale Haumea that sits on my shoulder.

na Hawane Pa’a Makekau

La 21 o Kepakemapa 2022

Holaniku, Papahanaumokuakea

#hawaiianislands #hōlanikū #saytheirnames