Meet the author: Brittany Kai Nakamoto

Into the land where many more were born, raised, and uprooted,
the huli is planted into a fresh bed of rejuvenation
Hunger satisfied through nature with tender compassion and love,
thirst quenched graciously with serene purity form above

Beneath the surface, the roots grasp the past with prosperous insight and support
for only through the roots may the huli stand strong against the winds and rain
Only through the roots may the huli be enriched and remain

Once the roots are implanted a stable foundation is built
The huli is now able to sprout an abundance of new breath
with each new stem a new opportunity to flourish
kalo, poi, lu’au, medicine, each a new gift intertwined into one

The newly risen offspring stand risen and ripe
its heart-shaped face pointing earthward
giving thanks to the huli roots and land
for its health nourishment and life

The health and well being of the huli determines the destiny of the risen stems
It starts with the roots, these roots that have been instilled
and utilized yet again and again
Into the land where many more were born, raised, and uprooted,
the huli is planted into a fresh bed of rejuvenation

 

Credits: Videotaped interview by Robert Delim and Kat Camit; post featured photo courtesy of Shawn Kahoʻolemana Naone