Celebration of ocean ongoing at Hanapepe Library

The public is invited to two free events at Hanapepe Public Library, which focus on the ocean that surrounds us.

On Thursday, Dr. Carlos Andrade, director of the Kamakauokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies and an associate professor at the University of Hawai‘i, will present “Who Owns the Ocean? — Geographic, Historic and Native Hawaiian Perspectives” from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

This presentation is a continuation of the monthly lecture series on the Hawaiian marine environment presented by the Hanapepe Public Library and the Friends of the Hanapepe Public Library.

On June 11, the public is invited to participate in a free “World Oceans Fair” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hanapepe Public Library.

Andrade’s presentation will be an exploration of perspectives about the role the ocean plays in the lives of people who inhabit the Hawaiian Islands, the geography, history as well as the traditional and customary practices of those who lived here long before people from the continents arrived, states a release from the Hanapepe Public Library.

Epeli Hau‘ofa, a Tongan writer, contrasts the perspective of Oceanic people with those of people who live on continents and how they view the ocean.

Continental people, or those who live on continents, often view the ocean as a great divider, a vast expanse of water separating tiny specks of land isolated and distant from each other, Hau‘ofa contends.

Oceanic people, on the other hand, see the ocean as a great connector, an ocean of highways the ancestors traveled for several thousand years, forging relationships recorded in story and song which still resonate today.

During the “World Oceans Fair,” the public is invited to hands-on learning activities and interactive exhibits for children including the art of gyotaku, or prints created from fish, limu, or seaweed, pressed cards, story telling, games, wa‘a canoe, nautical knots, ocean safety and education hosted by a variety of groups and organizations from the community.

Other activities include the Whale of Fortune game, albatross bolus study, helping stranded marine mammals, a monk seal game, drawing classes, creating barbless hooks, and more.

Some of the exhibitors include Na Pua No‘eau, Steve Soltysik, Surfrider Foundation, the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, N Mea Hulu, Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center, Kohol Leo, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the National Tropical Botanical Garden, Papah naumoku kea Marine National Monument and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

Lunch, food and beverages will be available at Mele’s Kusina lunchwagon.

For more information on any of these events, call the Hanapepe Public Library at 335-8418.

Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.