Itʻs a place of sanctuary, surfing, hiking, fishing. We’ve lived in Kohala for 20 years and frequent Waipio at least once a month. We have so many beautiful memories of this sacred place. Our community needs Waipio. It is one of the few direct ocean access points with a sandy beach that local families can go to. It needs to be opened to island residents.

Waipiʻo has a presence that I feel when I just think of her. The valley walls, towering and pili with clouds at their end; the water-rich basin, gifting the capacity to sustain life like few others; the shifting black sand and boulder shore; the muliwai, where I teach my keiki to fish; and the powerful ocean who’s waves have provided me such joy and rejuvenation. To hold these experiences, and to continue these experiences with my ʻohana and community, is something I will not allow to slip away. I hope our voices come together to craft a future in which Waipiʻo thrives as do the people who love her so dearly.

As a place, it helps me and my family recharge physically and mentally. It also connects me to my community, environment, and cultural practices. As a Hawaiian, Waipi’o informs me about my culture,  past and present.