It’s where I grew up going to rejuvenate my soul – family time, surfing and swimming. My daughter can enjoy it now, she’s 8 and she surfs with me when waves are small. Such a great experience for our keiki, they need to keep being in Waipi’o to experience our culture.

I have been going to the valley my entire life in many different ways. Always with wonder, joy, and respect. I am 61 years old. I love to see the families and keiki enjoying themselves like I did when I was younger.

I am 17, and I grew up in Honokaa. Waipi’o is where my brother and I learned to swim, learned to respect the ocean, and learned about the spiritual and cultural aspects of the land. I think that for the youth of our community, the valley teaches us about ourselves and makes us better people. The kids of Honokaa are nurtured by the waters of Waipi’o and I feel that there is a large community of people who will suffer if the valley is restricted. I also feel that we can create a compromise to ensure that the Valley and the community is well cared for. Mahalo!