Pihemanu Kauihelelani (Midway Atoll) is one of the oldest kupuna (elder) islands of the Hawaiian archipelago and was one of first places visited by Pele (goddess of the volcano) and her family on her epic journey to her present home in Hawai’i island. Pihemanu Kauihelelani is also one of the last places traveled by the spirits of the deceased as they journey westward back to po (the darkness). The birds rule there. Kaupu (Black-footed Albatross) and Moli (Laysan Albatross) are two of the more spectacular birds to nest there. It is also a crime scene where thousands of albatross chicks die every year, starved and poisoned from the ingested plastic. The kaupu is the kinolau (physical manifestation) of Lono, god of peace, fertility, agriculture and the arts.
Pihemanu Kauihelelani was the first offshore islands annexed by the U.S. government, as the Unincorporated Territory of Midway Island. It was administered by the United States Navy. Pihemanu Kauihelelani is also the site of a major naval battle during WWII and a turning point in the war.
NOAA is taking nominations for a workshop to learn more about Pihemanu Kauihelelani and the Papahanaumokuakea National Marine Monument.
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http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091119/BREAKING01/91119057/Nominations+sought+for+Papahanaumokuakea+workshop+on+Midway+Atoll
November 19, 2009
Nominations sought for Papahanaumokuakea workshop on Midway Atoll
Advertiser Staff
Educators and conservation leaders can learn more about Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument’s wildlife and cultural resources through a workshop being offered on O’ahu and Midway Atoll in 2010. Nominations to attend the workshop are being sought from now through Jan. 4.
This workshop is designed to create a greater understanding of the monument and to inspire community environmental stewardship at a grassroots level. The program, Papahanaumokuakea ‘Ahahui Alaka’i, which was offered for the first time in 2009, will take place June 12-22, 2010.
The first three days will be spent on O’ahu preparing, learning natural and cultural history, and meeting with past participants. The remaining seven days will be spent on remote Midway Atoll within the monument, located 1,250 miles northwest of Honolulu. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to O’ahu as well as lodging and meals during the three days in Honolulu. At Midway Atoll transportation, lodging and food costs will be covered by the workshop.
The Papahanaumokuakea ‘Ahahui Alaka’i program is accepting nominations from educators in formal and informal settings, community leaders, and people in positions that support community change and stewardship. Up to 12 people will be chosen to participate. Both U.S and international nominees are welcome. Participants will be chosen based on their written nominations, their letters of support, and their capacity to fulfill the program’s need for a strong variety of skills and abilities. In addition, potential participants are asked to submit a draft plan for an environmental stewardship project that will be modified throughout the workshop and implemented in their communities.
More information about the workshop is available at http://papahanaumokuakea.gov or by contacting linda.schubert@noaa.gov or 933-8181.
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