Noelani Puniwai works as a part-time kumu in the Nā Pua No'eau Center's Summer Institute programs in between juggling her other roles as wife, mom and doctoral student. - Photo: Courtesy of Nā Pua No'eau

Passing the torch of knowledge

By Jazzmin Cabanilla / Special to Ka Wai Ola

Marine ecologist Noelani Puniwai, a former Nā Pua No'eau student who is working on her doctorate in natural resources and environmental management at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, is just one example of the many students that have benefited from the Center's innovative approach in the development and implementation of cultural-based education programs.

Puniwai, who is from the Island of Hawai'i, attended various Nā Pua No'eau programs as a youth, including field trips to the Neighbor Islands and participating in cultural events. In a recent survey, Puniwai shares how Nā Pua No'eau connected her to the Hawaiian culture and helped foster her interest in marine and environmental science.

Above: Shown as a student, Noelani Puniwai credits Nā Pua No'eau with fostering her interest in marine and environmental science. - Photo: Courtesy of Nā Pua No'eau

"NPN helped me at a young age to find and be connected with my culture and my passion for learning," she wrote. "I can't begin to explain how grateful I am for the interactions I shared with my friends and kumu. They blessed me with their culture, stories about their 'āina and families, and gave me an understanding of what makes Hawai'i important. The traveling I did with the many programs opened my eyes to 'āina and people that I still keep with me. My trips to Kaho'olawe, blessing of voyaging canoes and bonding with Kanaloa on field trips showed me Hawai'i. These experiences helped form my interest in marine and environmental science."

As a high school student, Noelani participated in an internship program provided through Nā Pua No'eau in partnership with the University of Hawai'i. The internship helped Puniwai with her educational pursuit in the field of marine science and eventually led to her earning a bachelor of arts degree in both marine science and Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo; she later received a master's in science in environmental science at Washington State University, under the guidance of the same professor she interned with as a student in high school.

Although Puniwai is busy juggling her educational and professional careers, she still finds time to incorporate Nā Pua No'eau into her life by being a part-time kumu during the Summer Institute programs, and says: "All areas of my life are interwoven with NPN experience; it would be impossible to untangle them. … I have students I've mentored graduating high school and others working on their master's degrees. … The people who work at NPN are my friends and the students my children. … I love showing students the fun, wonder and practical sides of science. … Being a kumu allows me to share my knowledge and love of science while fostering the next generation. Knowledge is a cycle and what I learn I must share."

The torch of knowledge is being passed from one generation to another and the success of Nā Pua No'eau programs is evermore evident through the achievements, active involvement, participation and support of current programs by former students such as Noelani Puniwai. Mahalo nui loa!

Jazzmin Cabanilla is a volunteer at Nā Pua No'eau, a program for gifted and talented Native Hawaiian students, which is one of the organizations that receive funding from OHA to conduct educational enrichment programs for Hawaiian children. This is the first in a series of articles featuring Nā Pua No'eau students and kumu leading up to the Center's 20th anniversary Hō'ike to be held on Dec. 11, 2009. To learn more about Nā Pua No'eau programs and the upcoming Hō'ike, call the Nā Pua No'eau office in Hilo at (808) 974-7678 or visit its page on facebook.com.