Aloha e friends,
As you probably know, a core part of our mission is increasing local food production and consumption. This past month we were invited to a statewide food systems group, and were asked to bring an object to the convening that represents our island - we chose pa‘akai (or salt).
To us, pa‘akai represents much of what makes Kauai‘i so beautiful and rich - traditional knowledge, cultural practice, collaboration, and an abundance of natural resources. And maybe even the fact that we're known for getting a little salty from time to time when you mess with something we love.
In terms of farming and ranching it's easy to forget about Kaua‘i salt since it doesn't involve plants and animals, and isn't sold in stores, but we are incredibly blessed to still have this unique tradition and resource. Although small in number, our beloved Hanapepe Salt Pond families are among very few groups in the state currently perpetuating this ancient harvesting practice.
The day we returned from this convening we saw the call out for kokua from Salt Pond families - while they are known for their generous sharing of one of our island's greatest gifts, this time they are asking for support. They're facing many challenges - flooding, homeless sleeping in the salt patch, litterers breaking bottles in the area, an old road crumbling into the salt beds, and a new helicopter company moving in that risks dust and dirt contamination. Review their page, Hawaiian Pa'akai for more info if you want to help.
Another awe-inspiring aspect of Kaua‘i is our ability to come together to support each other when the going gets tough, and pooling our resources to ensure everyone is taken care of. But you can't exactly bring that as an object to a convening. We'll just have to hold that one in our hearts.
A hui hou,
Megan Fox
Executive Director
