10 Things to Celebrate in Hawaii--a look back at 2008

Shared belief in a better future is strong glue in our community, and together we’ve made some huge steps forward in 2008!

The threats are great, and the needs are huge, but no problem is impossible when we answer together. From all of us at KAHEA, a heartfelt mahalo for the difference you continue to make for Hawaii nei.

Mahalo for Taking Action!

As the year draws to a close, here’s a look back at 10 things that YOU made happen:

1. 40,000 signatures defending our right for free public access to public trust resources–mauka to makai, mountains to the ocean. Hundreds rally across Hawaii for their right to reach the beach!

2. 7,000 demand state legislators defend the sanctity and free right-to-grow taro from genetic modification and patenting.

3. GMO-taro and coffee banned on Hawaii Island! 1,200 people ask the Hawaii County Council to protect their communities from the harms and dangers of genetic modification and patenting. The Council listened and acted!

4. Over two-hundred write in support of protecting more critical habitat for the planet’s remaining 1,200 Hawaiian monk seals.

5. Hawaii County Council calls for a halt to live-fire exercises at DU-contaminated Pohakuloa Training Area! 300 people write in support!

6. In a historic decision, a court-appointed hearing officer affirms KAHEA’s standing to participate in first-ever enforcement action for irresponsible coral disease research violations in the pristine and fragile Northwestern Hawaiian Island. Thanks to KAHEA intervention, the enforcement action is upheld!

7. Over 1,000 demand the Navy follow Hawaii’s environmental laws and protect our unique ocean resources!

8. Hundreds write to demand the restoration of water to the streams of East Maui! In a historic decision, the Water Commission requires a portion of the water be returned.

9. Unique tropical alpine ecosystem of Mauna Kea protected from uncontrolled telescope development by the University of Hawaii. Over 550 write to demand the land-giveway on Mauna Kea be stopped! 3 court cases won, construction of 2 telescopes halted.

10. Full conservation of one of the last intact, large-scale coral reef ecosysytems on the planet! 5.6 million people represented in the call for a true pu’uhonua (sanctuary) in the remote and fragile Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Mahalo for your Friendship!

It is people that are at the heart of this grassroots movement, people who make things happen. KAHEA represents an incredible ‘ohana of amazing individuals working to protect the things we all love about Hawaii. We were incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to party with so many of you at KAHEA’s Pau Hana! Mahalo to the incredible number of friends (new and old!) who joined us in Chinatown on Wednesday! A great time for talk story, enjoy good eats, good drinks, good music, good art, and good company! To all that were there, and all that were there in spirit, thank you for celebrating with us!

Mahalo for Volunteering !

Mahalo nunui to all the people who took time out of their busy days in 2008 to help in the fight to protect Hawaii nei!

You stuffed envelopes, folded brochures, gathered petition signatures, staffed the KAHEA booth at events, screened t-shirts, filmed hearings, entered data, helped at fundraisers, recruited your friends, and carried lots of heavy stuff! The victories acheived this year would not have been possible without your great energy and unwavering support!

Mahalo to the KAHEA volunteers! Renee M., Stephanie F., Dave R., La’akea L., Marion A., Steve T., Pauahi H., Pomaika’i F., Kamu E., Ikaika H., Kanoa N., Solomon E., Na Maka O Ka ‘Aina, Aunty Isobel, Elizabeth K., Hunter H., Vanesa F., Mina E., Lahela P., Aunty Penny, Daniel A., Anuenue P., Ko’iahi & Ma’aloa, Kealoha D. & ‘ohana, Kaipo’i K. & ‘ohana, Grace K., Uncle Woody, Uncle Glen, Aunty Noreen, Eric E., Don B., Uncle Charley, Uncle Sakae, Kevin C., Stephanie L., Talia Y., Oren T., Alohi A., Evan S., Mr. Tanaka, Keoki K. & ‘opio, Pono K., Jim C & ‘ohana, Mele J., Dar’ron C., Broc B., Serena S., Janice, Kamu E., Shanna B., ‘Olu’olu G., Maile S., ‘I’, Aunty Sharon, Meghan A., Aunty Nani, Aunty Moana, Breton F. and ‘ohana, Michelle M., Norman K., Kumu Malia, Aunty Meala & Uncle Danny, Kira D., See E., Uncle Jan, Hallie L., Richard P., Shannon W., Steve M., Meleanna M., Uncle Maka, Aunty Nancy, Uncle Jerry, Dr. Lorrin, Mele C., Kapaliku S., Chris & Dimi, Uncle Ed Greevy, Emily Y., Mahealani W.–and so many countless others!

Mahalo for Giving!

Countless numbers of you regularly give what you can to support KAHEA financially. Every dollar is put to work to make KAHEA an effective force for change! You keep the lights on here at the KAHEA office–the copier running, the printer going, the website up, and petitions coming in!

Mahalo nui for your support, and for investing in the work that is happening here at KAHEA. We do our fundraising grassroots-style–without corporate or federal dollars. Nothing we do here at KAHEA would be possible without your generous kokua!

When you give, you invest in a ecologically, socially sound future for Hawai’i nei. For those of you who have not given yet, we hope you will consider making a donation (whatever can!) by visiting www.KAHEA.org or sending a contribution to: PO Box 37368,
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96837, Honolulu, HI  96813. Every dollar you give is matched by the Earth Friends Wildlife Foundation.

From our ‘ohana to yours, we wish you all a peaceful and joyous holiday season! We have so much to celebrate and so much for which to be grateful.

Much love and heartfelt thanks from all of us guys at KAHEA!