A Report For Friends

November 15, 2020

The members of the Board of Directors together with Farm Staff, gathered to reflect on the visions, commitments and future of Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha. The following symbol of a tree was created to summarize our vision for Hoa ‘Āina.

Let us share it with you.

THE TREE OF HOA ‘ĀINA O MĀKAHA

THE ROOTS: The roots connect us to the land. During the gathering last January, we reviewed the meaning of the name Hoa ‘Āina o Mākaha – the Land Shared in Friendship.

LAND: Aloha ‘āina is a core value of our organization. We are about developing a relationship with the land and a connection to the land. By definition, relationships require trust and require work. Stewardship is a part of our relationship to the land.

SHARED: By sharing the land there is an exchange of knowledge, compassion, food, ideas, hope, joy, peace and healing.

FRIENDSHIP: To share the land in friendship requires us to ensure that Hoa ‘Āina is a place where people feel safe; where one can grow, communicate and feel at home. It is a refuge where people feel a sense of belonging. For the past 36 years Hoa ‘Āina has been firmly rooted in the valley of Mākaha and has been a constant for the community and for those who have needed us. It is a place that empowers people to work for justice and peace. Hoa ‘Āina was described by one friend as a “thin place,” which in the Celtic traditions means a place where heaven and earth come together.

THE TRUNK is the CORE – Which in Latin means the HEART. The inner core represents the people working now at Hoa ‘Āina, and their commitment, dedication and energy in taking care of the land. The outer core represents the people who have been part of caring for Hoa ‘Āina and are gone to different places or passed away. Taking care of the core of Hoa ‘Āina, the land, is one of our most important priorities. Without the people who care directly for the land, the programs cannot survive. Sometimes it is hard to sell the idea to the foundations on how important it is to fund the CORE.

THE BRANCHES: Are the organizations, the foundations, the groups, the individuals, the local and international friends who are partners in making the tree of Hoa ‘Āina grow and produce fruits to share and provide shade for peace and comfort. The direction chosen by the Board is to partner with different organizations who will bring their constituents for various activities on this land.