Youth Alliance visits the Friendly Isle
As the capstone session to the 2006-2007 year, the Focus Maui Nui Youth Alliance spent two full educational and fun days on the island of Moloka’i. This being the maiden voyage to the Friendly Isle for a majority of the members, they were filled with excited anticipation for what lie ahead, and they were not disappointed. Eager to see the entrepreneurial spirit alive and thriving on Moloka’i, the Alliance members trekked to L&R Farm and Molokai Meli LLC Honey Bee Kitchen & Bee Farm. Generously hosted by the Decoit and Keneshiro families, the members witnessed the rewards of working together as a family, and saw the results of their efforts with beautifully grown purple sweet potatoes that are unique to Moloka’i, and locally made Kiawe honey. The Alliance members also put in several physically demanding and focused hours at the Ka Honua Momona Fish Pond with Uncle Merv Dudoit and the family, removing invasive mangrove trees from the pond. All the hard work was worth it as it was followed by a relaxing talk story session with Uncle Merv while he served up fresh coconut meat and milk. After spending down time at the Moloka’i Youth Center with Kauwila, Sybil, Cheyn and Christian Walker eating delicious foods, watching movies and playing pool, it was time to return to Maui. The Alliance members were embraced with such love and graciousness on their trip, that they already felt like they were home. This will not be the last visit to Moloka’i for the Youth Alliance members as they have learned why Moloka’i is the Friendly Isle. And let us not forget another reason to make a return visit, the delicious Moloka’i Hot Bread…Yum!
Ka’ohele Ritte-Camara helps Russell Decoit dig up some “ono” Molokai sweet potatoes
All of the Youth Alliance members are hard at work, helping to clear invasive mangrove trees from the fish pond
Chelsea Gilchrist steadily works to de-wax the honey combs at Molokai Meli LLC
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