Schoolchildren visit Waimea Valley on a field trip. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

By OHA Staff

Hiÿipaka LLC is the company created and owned by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) as a subsidiary of Hiÿilei Aloha LLC to manage Waimea Valley. Hiÿipaka is seeking to form an ÿahahui to offer advice to Hiÿipaka as it moves to fulfill its vision to make Waimea a living puÿuhonua by and for kānaka for Hawaiÿi and the world.

“This 15-member volunteer ÿaha will help us bring our vision and mission to reality,” said Clyde Nāmuÿo, Administrator of OHA and one of the two appointed managers of Hiÿipaka. “We hope that the individuals who form this group will both bring special expertise and deep connections with the many stakeholders who care so much for Waimea.”

Hiÿipaka took over operations of the Valley from the National Audubon Society just over four months ago. “Now that some of our transitional issues have been addressed, we are excited to form this ÿaha to help us take the next steps at Waimea,” Nāmuÿo continued. “We especially hope to hear from people who have a demonstrated commitment to help us at Waimea.”

Management decisions (such as budgeting, hiring and day-to-day operations) for Waimea will continue to be made by the professional staff and managers of Hiÿipaka. The ÿahahui will be valuable in helping Hiÿipaka in identifying possible new programs, alliances and opportunities, as well as keeping open lines of communication with community stakeholders.

In an attempt to balance traditional Hawaiian land management practices with contemporary best practices for land management advisory groups, Hiÿipaka is seeking statements of interest from individuals who have expertise in one or more Hawaiian land-related practices, and also are representative of the stakeholder groups who have been actively involved with Waimea.

Examples of Hawaiian land-related practices include traditional disciplines (such as hula, lua, traditional farming, traditional building, Hawaiian language and lāÿau lapaÿau) and contemporary practices (such as conservation biology, botany, fundraising, cultural tourism). Stakeholder groups include both specific organizations as well as general categories (such as lineal descendants, neighboring landowners and residents, and entities that helped to fund the acquisition of the Valley)

Statements of interest should indicate a) your relationship to Waimea Valley and any stakeholder groups; b) one or more areas of expertise; and c) how you feel your expertise and relationships could be applied to current or future programs for Waimea. Statements along with contact information (i.e., phone number, e-mail address) should be sent to Gail Ann Chew, Interim Executive Director, at gchew@waimeavalley.net or by mail to her at 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy., Haleÿiwa, HI 96712.

“This is an exciting next step in the progress being made at Waimea Valley, and we look forward to the establishment of the ÿAha,” said Chew. “Waimea will truly fill its vision when everyone who cares about Waimea takes a supportive role in caring for this special place.”