Year of challenges

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Ph.D., R.D.

Predictions all point to an extremely lean 2009. National financial and political experts are full of grim details on the economy. Despite their apparent intelligence, however, these experts were just as clueless as we were while economic problems were incubating. Experts are still trying to decide who to blame and what we should do. But we do not have to wait. We can take immediate action to help ourselves deal with 2009. Preparing for trouble ahead is a part of our inherited Hawaiian DNA. Let's focus our mana on running a "leaner" household and saving money.

2009 provides the motivation to scrutinize family expenditures carefully, in search of ways to reduce the money being spent. First, make a list of the standard monthly expenses and then, add to the list, all other ways money is spent. Mākua and kūpuna should be responsible for making the list and suggestions for change and then completely agreeing to them before bringing the keiki into the plan. Keiki can be great allies. It is important for the entire family to understand and agree to the plan. Talk to family, friends and neighbors and see if they have other ideas to reduce spending.

Searching for ways to trim or to cut all items on the list is next. Reduce the use of electricity and gasoline. Reduce personal and other expenses. Does anyone have a "green thumb?" Papaya, banana, tangerines and many vegetables can be grown at home. Ask relatives, friends, garden shops or the University of Hawai'i extension program in each county for help with choosing food plants. And, food budgets can yield considerable savings with careful, up-front planning and strategizing. You probably know some basic rules to reduce food expenditures, like shop using a planned grocery list, buy for a week at a time, use discount coupons and buy items on sale. To save on gasoline, reduce the number of times the car leaves the garage. This will take planning and cooperation, but the dollar rewards can be significant.

For many, their family protectors, the 'aumakua, are part of their arsenal in troubled times. Stories tell of shark 'aumakua who save shipwrecked individuals, bringing them to shore. - Photo: Courtesy of sxchu.com

Plan family meals for the week including packed lunches for working adults. Cut "frills" to a minimum. Items like soda, other bottled and canned beverages, chips, candy, many snacks, pastries, fast foods can be eliminated or "cut to the bone." Shop at the "open markets" where vegetables and fruit cost much less. Working families can prepare main dishes a day ahead, refrigerate and quickly heat up for dinner the next day. This is a great time to pull out recipe books to teach daughters and sons to cook.

Reduce electricity use by changing to CFL light bulbs, turning lights off in empty rooms, and disconnecting cell phone chargers when not in use. In fact, to save electricity, disconnect all small appliances that are not in use. You can lower the temperature of your hot water heater a few degrees, and turn the heater off during the night and/or when you are at work. Teach the keiki to take short showers. Let's pledge to take time to make 2009 a lean year, budget-wise, that is.

For many, their family protectors, the 'aumakua, are part of their arsenal in troubled times. They protect and inspire. Mo'olelo are often told of escapes from danger, death, even battlefield harm attributed to 'aumakua. One mo'olelo involves a warrior in Kamehameha's army, who, in the thick of battle, was being pushed toward a cliff and sure death. An owl flew up into his path warning him, and the warrior was able to thrust his spear into the ground and save himself from the fall. Another is of a Lahaina man who swam all night in the Pailolo channel after his boat capsized. He was near drowning when an owl flapped its wings in his face and showed the man how close he was to land. There are others about shark aumakua who save shipwrecked individuals, bringing them to shore. And, more about sharks that assure a good catch for fishermen that they protect.

Akua is our greatest guide and comfort. Consider the prayers to Akua that our Hawaiian ancestors offered on their arduous journey to Hawai'i. Patience, courage and guidance to meet challenges of the sea, most assuredly came from Akua. Undoubtedly, the early navigators and sailors trusted their skills however the blessings from Akua were a source of comfort and determination. I marvel at the accomplishments of our Hawaiian ancestors. I acknowledge the great power of Akua. In this year, we need to pray for guidance and courage to meet challenges in the days, weeks and months of 2009.