Where is Philanthropy?

I was born and raised in Honolulu, and in recent years have lamented the fact that the O`ahu population has doubled since I was in high school, it's over-crowded and over-developed. I found less and less evidence of neighborhoods and communities that were a big part of my youthful exuberance. My son has often commented that he wished he could experience the Hawai`i of my childhood because without a doubt, it was the greatest place on the planet to grow up.

So, for a myriad of reasons, we relocated to Lahaina, Maui. And we now find ourselves fortunate to be in the center of the best of both worlds. There is more opportunity in terms of securing stable employment, and one need not look beyond the surrounding neighborhood for some "ono backyard kanikapila". The sense of community remains in tact, and I am home once again.

The nonprofit community is diligently supported by the public sector here, and philanthropy is thriving. One of my closest Lahaina connections is a "Traditional Intellect" and has assumed the charge of caring for a cemetery that rests alongside the oldest historical landmark on Maui island, Waiola Church. He leads a group named Na Kia'i O Waine`e, and they are the stewards of the Royal Tomb at the cemetery's entrance, as well as numerous other gravesites that mark the resting places of Hawai`i's chiefs and chiefesses. The ancestral grounds are cared for with all the protocol and sacred ritual that rivals the canonization of Mother Marianne Cope - and rightfully so.

                  

Naturally, there is a much deeper, richer, profound history that can be told here about the Royal Tomb and the graves at Wainee (the location that inspired Michener's "Hawai`i"), however, today I want readers to understand the broad spectrum of the nonprofit endeavors. Within a mile's distance that we traverse each day, we will encounter someone or something that relies on our philanthropy.

Take notice! What have you seen today that relies on our philanthropy?

Send your donation to: 
"Na Kia`i O Waine`e"
c/o Waiola Church
535 Waine`e Street
Lahaina, HI 96761-1109

Mahalo!!