Knowledge is central to social existence. Access to knowledge is the right of every human being and Ulana is committed to participating in its generation, application, and diffusion.
Ulana will have several series of exhibits, highlighting various plants and objects under the theme of Pūlama which will culminate in an exhibit on hula. Four plants were chosen for the first exhibit as the number four provides balance.
Minamina
to prize greatly, value greatly, especially of something in danger of being lost
This exhibit is inspired by our love for the land, and the intention is to give the land a voice. This genuine love and respect for the land is a perspective that pervades many aspects of life in these islands. It is a deep understanding that the earth is Papa Honua, mother. We, in turn want to offer to give her a voice— as ecological and cultural orientations founded upon being connected to all living things encompass this sense of ‘āina aloha - mutuality, care and respect between all things exists on many levels: spiritual, social, and the scientific—the land caring for us, and we, in turn, reciprocating and caring, honoring and loving the land.
You will be taken on a journey in which you learn about different very real threats affecting our islands today; the implications of each threat —and leave armed with tools and knowledge about how you can contribute to solution sets and work on the ground, and in the field to assist in improving the Hawai’i’s environmental crises regarding these invasive and detrimental issues directly affecting our forest flora.
The exhibit will start with the beloved ʻōhiʻa tree.
Before diving in, we encourage you, dear visitor, to begin with this chant, E hō mai, composed by Edith Kanakaʻole. This chant calls upon your spiritual guardian, whoever and wherever he/she/it is to aid you in understanding that which you are endeavoring to deepen your knowledge.
E hō mai ka ʻike mai luna mai ē
O nā mea huna noʻeau o nā mele ē
E hō mai, e hō mai, e hō mai ē
Grant us knowledge
Grant us strength
Grant us intelligence
Grant us understanding
Grant us insight
Grant us power