Dr. Burrows says that Hawaiians have a connection to the land and a spiritual ecology.? Have you observed this connection? Describe.
Yes, I feel that the Hawaiians have a close connection to the land and spiritual ecology. Being born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, we were brought up with the same Hawaiian values. My grandma was 100% of pure Hawaiian ancestry and has always showed in her actions the true quality of Hawaiian Values. When you grow up with values instilled and are shown the importance of these values, it becomes a part of life. The connection that a Hawaiian has with the land and with spirituality is deeper than words can express. It's a feeling that only the individual can feel and cannot be fully expressed in words.
Do you feel a connection to the Hawaii? If so, when or where do you feel most connected to the land? Do you have a scared place? If you do not mind sharing, where is this place and how does it make you feel?
I feel a connection to Hawaii and always will. The ocean, the mountain, and my home is my sacred place. Also when I am in, near, or around a religious sacred place such as a heiau or a gravesite of my ancestor, I feel at ease. The ocean and mountain has always provided me with food, peace, and a sense of belonging. These different sacred places make me feel connected to our land and it makes me realize that Hawai'i is my home and I wouldn't want to leave ever.
Why is indigenous ecology not just a new fad?
Indigenous ecology has been around for hundreds of years. We need to take care of what is left.
Dr. Burrows mentioned that Hawaiians evolved from the landscape. In what ways did they do this?
Hawaiians evolved from the landscape through plant and animal forms. We are connected to the land and every plant, animal and human have spirit. We are equal and we should take care of one another.
How could Hawaiian religious and spiritual beliefs connect to sustainability?
By realizing the importance that we are all connected to our land and one another, we will take on a different approach. An approach to take care of our ancestors and give back. We have been given so much and we need to return the appreciation and take care of one another in all needs. In this day of age, people forget including myself what we have been given and blessed with. We take a lot for granted. When we are focused and give up time for our religious and spiritual beliefs, it is then that everything will fall into place including sustainability for our planet.
Do you believe that Hawaii is more sustainable than the western world? Why or why not?
I believe that Hawai'i has always been more sustainable than the western world. The ways of Hawai'i has always been to take care of the land, people and its resources. The western world has taken over in my opinion with larger scale modern equipment, technology and have given up on basic needs. The western world has taken over and processed in bulk. It's more about money and power it seems nowadays. We use more resources than ever before and we are close to depletion. We need to go back to old Hawaiian traditions and work more on the issue of sustainability although easier said than done.
What ethic or value to do most resonate with and why?
Marion Kelly's 4 guiding principles were great and I would like to follow them.
I feel that I resonate the most with "Always Sharing." I feel that if everyone shares with one another regardless of expecting something in return; we will be okay. For example tangible items or services do not need to be exchanged for money all the time. If we go back to basics and use our strengths we can get our needs met. If I am a fisherman and you are a hunter- we can share our meat and fish. If I am a mechanic and you are a plumber- we can share our services. The simple fact of sharing has gone away, I feel. If we are able to grasp that concept we can save on our natural resources too.
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