Integrating ʻIke ʻĀina with Contemporary ʻUala Research:

Aloha mai kākou,

My name is Bryceson Tugade and I currently attend the Sustainable Community Food Systems (SCFS) program at the University of Hawaiʻi- West Oʻahu. I'm deeply interested in helping my community reclaim control of their local and traditional food systems by using a multi-disciplinary analysis and application of the food and farming systems of Hawaiʻi from the pre-contact Hawaiʻi to the present day.

In the future, I see myself working towards native food systems through various avenues of farming and teaching on the importance of aloha and mālama ʻāīna through hands-on work with the community.

"ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi" ; All Knowledge is not taught in the same school - ʻŌlelo Noeau #203 (Pukui, M. K. (1983). ‘Ōlelo No‘eau Hawaiian Proverbs & Poetical Sayings)

The nā pou kihi framework is a structure formed around a social justice curriculum that addresses the determinants of kānaka ʻōiwi health. It is a cultural framework that highlights the necessary layers that need to be addressed when discussing the historical, social, economic, political, biological, and cultural determinants of health that contribute to health equity among Kanaka.

• Ke Kahua – Building a Foundation
• Ke ‘Ao ʻŌiwi – Creating a Culturally Nurturing Space
• Ka ʻAi Pono – Accessing healthy Lifestyles
• Ka Mālama Pono – Caring for the Environment
• Ka Wai Ola – Social Justice
• Pilinā – Relationships and Connection.

Derived from the knowledge gained through kalo research in Hawaiʻi, the establishment of the ʻUala Working Group (UWG) came to fruition, aiming to foster proactive and cooperative methodologies in exploring Hawaiian ʻuala (Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas) .The group is committed to conducting culturally and community sensitive studies both within and beyond academic institutions

Reintroducing Hawaiian ʻuala varieties into everyday meals constitutes a vital aspect of reviving and sustaining the rich diversity of this significant food crop. This effort plays a crucial role in enhancing Hawaii's food security

“Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy lifestyle.” -World Food Summit Plan of Action, 1996

Food insecurity in Hawai'i, particularly within the 'Ewa moku, is a critical issue that affects the well-being and livelihoods of many residents. 'Ewa moku faces numerous challenges when it comes to ensuring food access and security for its residents.

Several factors contribute to the problem of food insecurity in 'Ewa moku:

• Limited agricultural land
  • Despite a rich agricultural history, 'Ewa moku and many other regions in Hawai'i face limited available land for farming.
  • This scarcity of agricultural space results in a heavy reliance on food imports from the mainland and other countries, leading to vulnerabilities in the local food supply chain.Leading to vulnerabilities in the local food supply chain.
• Socioeconomic Inequity
  • Disparities in income and access to resources. Such as, struggle with low wages, job insecurity, and a lack of affordable housing, which further exacerbates their vulnerability to food insecurity.
• Distribution Challenges
  • Individuals might be isolated or poorly connected to essential services, including grocery stores and farmers' markets.
  • Limited options can make it challenging for residents to access fresh and affordable food.

How do we connect academic research with applying the intention of feeding the lahui?

“In Hawaiian culture, food nourishes the body, mind and spirit. Religious and spiritual practices govern planting, harvesting and eating. For the land to supply food and sustenance, we must in turn take care of it.” S. Kaʻiulani Odom RD, MPH

Utilizing the patient-centered approach of ʻai pono, in combination with the cultivation of ancestral crops like different ʻuala varieties, instills the significance of crop diversity and improving Hawaiʻi's food security.

• A patient-centered approach that focuses on nutritional recommendations based on the patient's culture and traditions, as well as the surrounding community food system.
• Historical, environmental, economic, factors such as income and food policies.
  • play a role in influencing people's health choices and can impact outcomes.
  • Ex. Environment and access.
• Integrating the principles of Ka 'ai pono and employing community organizing
  • Develops effective strategies to address the health disparities among Native Hawaiians, which is a significant health concern for this population.

• This framework is an interconnected concept that be applied to alleviate our severed connection to land. 
• Utilizing, kānaka, ʻāina, and akua
• Provides various aspects for kānaka to gain purpose when immersing themselves in ʻāina. 
• Identified through instilling the familial connection to the environment. 
• The moʻolelo of Hāloa - Kalo as a genealogical ancestor. 

And their impact on ʻEwa Moku.

Utilizing ʻuala as a catalyst for alleviating food security issues within the 'Ewa moku region due to its numerous benefits and suitability to the local environment.

• Resilient Crop: 'Uala is well-suited to Hawai'i's climate and soil conditions. It is a resilient crop that can thrive with minimal water and maintenance, making it a reliable food source even in challenging environmental conditions.
  • By promoting the cultivation of 'uala, local farmers can diversify their crops and reduce their reliance on food imports, enhancing food security.
• Increased Local Production: Supporting the cultivation of 'uala can lead to increased local production of this nutritious crop.
  • Since 'Ewa moku faces limited available agricultural land, promoting the growth of 'uala can help maximize land usage and boost food production within the region.
• Preserving Cultural Heritage: The cultivation of numerous varieties of ʻuala, identification techniques, and cultural preference give precedence to the importance of it's cultivation.
  • By promoting the cultivation and consumption of 'uala, the 'Ewa moku region can strengthen its cultural identity and heritage while ensuring its resilience in the face of modern food security challenges.
• Food Sovereignty: Increasing the production and consumption of 'uala can contribute to food sovereignty, a concept that emphasizes communities' ability to control their food systems.
  • By relying on locally grown crops like 'uala, 'Ewa moku can reduce its dependence on external food sources and take more control over its food security.

Me Ke ʻOiaʻiʻo to, Kamuela Enos, Dir. Office of Indigenous Knowledge & Innovation/Kari Noe, Createx; Lava/ Sandy Ward, Mālama Puʻuloa & Hui o Hoʻohonua/ Jade Rhodes & Olivia Carbi, for being overall amazing kumu/Fellow cohorts for an extraordinary internship.