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Kihei Charter High School

Outrigger Adventure

Nehemiah Kuhaulua

Junior Seminar P.

Ms. Lindsey

Friday September 28th

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Preface

Let's get straight to the point, the Hawaiian Culture is losing it's flame. Yes, people know

of dances, songs, and chants. Those are the things one learns in school if they take the class.

There's Kamehameha schools, but there are requirements one must have in order to be accepted

into those schools. But then it really comes down to it, people don't see the importance of the

culture. There's history that most kids and adults don't even know. We need to find a way for

people to embrace the culture in a fun and effective way. That's my project. With my partner,

Kendrew Olboc, we want to share our knowledge of the Hawaiian culture through paddling

sessions at Kihei Canoe Club.

Paddling is something I love, it’s one of my passions that I hope will carry on for a very

long time. Through the Na Opio program that I’ve been in for the past four years, I’ve learned

more than I could ever ask for. Through this program I got to work with Uncle Kimokeo, one of

Hawaii's advocates, with various activities and work. Uncle Kimokeo has taken us out to chop

kiawe wood and strip the bark to make hales. He's had us learn three different hakas in waist

deep water for four hours. He's made sure that whatever we do is done with aloha.

The culture used to be a roaring fire that burned proudly throughout the islands. Over

time that flame has reduced to a small flicker. With small steps, we can keep that flame still

burning within us.

The project is to have two hour sessions at Kihei Canoe Club every Tuesday and

Thursday, where Kendrew and I teach people about the Hawaiian culture. Our main focus is

Kihei community, but these sessions will be open to all. Canoes were the Hawaiians main source

of transportation, that’s how they discovered Hawaii. Canoes alone is one of the main reasons
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why the culture is important. Our first steps to this project is to have small workshops where

Kendrew and I first teach the club members about the culture. This project takes place during in

the morning from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, the times when we have school. So by having these

workshops for the adult members who run the visitor program, they can teach while we’re in

school. During the breaks or holidays are when we’re actually be teaching the sessions. When

college classes are over in the new year, we can physically be at the sessions until Spring classes

start up.

During these sessions, there will be two groups, one on land and one on the water. I will

be in charge of the land class while Kendrew is on the water explaining the history about canoes.

I will be talking about the voyage that the Polynesians took to arrive in Hawaii.

Paddling is one of the most sensitive subjects about the Hawaiian culture, seeing as no

one has really taught about the history and importance of it. Yes, there are Hawaiian history

classes students take during school, although the classes that you can take, are lacking the

necessary hands on experience that you could really use. History classes only know of how

Queen Lili’uokalnai was overthrown by the American Government, since that story is what is

usually taught in schools today. Teachers talk about the overthrow in all Hawaiian history

classes, but no one really elaborates on how Hawaiians sailed. That’s why I want to share what I

know with others.

Driving Question

How can people embrace the Hawaiian culture?

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Goals

The main goal I want to achieve for this project is to have people leave the sessions with

more knowledge then what they came with. I want them to grasp and understand why there are

people like Kendrew and I who want to share what we know. My reasoning for this goal is

because if people know more about the culture, then they may find themselves immersed it. They

may want to join a canoe club or hula halau to continue their learning. That's my reason because

I was exactly like that. I didn't know much about the culture, just the basics I learned in seventh

grade. But once I joined KCC, I enjoyed learning more about where I come from and what my

ancestors did. I wanted to continue my studies, that’s what led me to my love for the culture.

Another goal that I have is to expand my teaching skills. I realized that I want to study

the culture in college and later on pass down what I know to the next generation. In order to do

that, I have to start small. By doing this project, I will gain more details about the subject through

the people I'll work with and I'll be teaching to people who has limited insight on the topics.

Content Knowledge

This project will include canoe knowledge, Hawaiian culture insights, history, teaching

and dealing with public speaking. This whole project is based on paddling, from inside the canoe

to outside on the beach. The canoes themselves will cover the culture aspects and history of how

Hawaiians found the islands. The history of Hawaii, however, will be its own concepts. The

history will include the Hawaiian people, how they lived off the land, and how they navigated

through the ocean.

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Teaching and dealing with public speaking is something that I will personally improve

on. My resources for these concepts will be Mrs. Federoff, since she deals with these things

everyday. Of course I've seen teaching done correctly, but I've never done it myself. I've been

apart of groups that have taught at KCC, but I've never spoken by myself, just adding in small

facts or details here and there. Public speaking will also tie into teaching since I will be talking to

more than 15 people.

21st Century Skills

The 21st century skills that I’ll use are, Interpersonal skills, Communication, Thinking And

Problem Solving Skills, Self directional skills, Information skills, Financial, Economic, &

Business Literacy, and Civic Literacy & Engagement.and Global Awareness. Information skills

are used when I’m teaching the community about the culture. Communication and Interpersonal

skills are used when I’m interacting with the crowd and talking to Kendrew about any needs we

may have to look over. I’ll also need to contact my teachers and KCC members since this project

involves them. Self-Directional skills will be used when I have to document my progress and

teach on my own. I’ll also need to organize certern lesson plans and workshops. Thinking and

Problem skills will come in handy when an issue pops up or things don’t go the way we planned

so we need to work around the issue. Information and Global Awareness tie together because I’ll

giving my share of what I know about the culture to others. Civic Literacy and Engagement is a

huge part in this project because we’ll be working with the community. As for Financial,

Economic, & Business Literacy skills will be used when formatting the budget of this project.
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Limitations

Some setbacks that I may encounter is the weather, personal issues if they arise and I

can’t teach, or something could happen while in the boat and we have to cut the session short.

The weather is a big issue during the year because on some days it would nice and the water

could be flat, but than the next it’s windy resulting in the cancelation of the sessions.

Methodology

A way that I'll be able to document the projects progress is by a video documentary. By

filming videos, I can show instead of tell how sessions went. Kendrew has a GoPro so we can

strap that to the canoe and film the people paddling. It's a good way to show how fun paddling is.

The documentary will include the teach sessions, on the water experience, and any fun times we

encounter. Kendrew and I will take turns when it comes to filming we both have a chance to

capture everything.

Annotated Bibliography

Ancheta, Dillon, and Lacy Deniz. “Kilauea's Eruption Comes with a Cultural Connection to

Pele: 'This Is Her Land'.” ​Home - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL,​ 9 May 2018,

www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/​38151257/pele​.

In this news article, it talks about the Kilauea eruption and how it’s a cultural connection

to Pele. It states that the land is hers, not anyone else's. She has been there since the

beginning, no one can take what he she owns. The news reporters explain why Pele may
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be angry or what her reasons are for this destructive behavior.

This article can help me explain the culture connections. Everything has a connection to

the culture, no matter how big or small. By starting off with topic, than I can ease into a

simple lecture about how everyone is connected in one way or another.

Dunford, Betty, et al. ​Hawaiians of Old​. Bess Press, 2013.

This book, by author Betty Dunford, is all about the Hawaiian culture. It explains how the

islands came to be, how the Hawaiians lived off the land, their rules and customs, and

how they fought in wars. It also includes how they loved sports and games and stories

and music. It’s very in detail and includes pictures and diagrams.

This book will be help me gain more knowledge on about the culture. It’s very

straightforward and explains details that I wouldn’t know how to say. I can take lots of

notes from this book and include them in the sessions. If anyone has a question on a

certain topic, than I can consult this book for the answer.

Expert Interview: The person I contacted has not responded to my email yet, resulting in

no interview yet. But here is the email I sent him.

Aloha Mr. Strauss,

My name is Nehemiah Kuhaulua and I'm an 11th grader at Kihei Charter High

School. I'm starting my Junior Project on teaching Hawaiian Culture and I'm emailing

you to see if I can conduct an interview with you as I start my research process. I've been

informed that you're not on island so is it possible to send you questions over email and

you answer them? I know you're one of the board of directors at KCC, so I wanted to
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speak to you about the Visitor Paddle Program and if I may teach them along with my

partner.

Over the summer I've helped out the program by stroking their boat when out on the

water and teaching hakas. I enjoyed it and I wanted to keep doing it into the school year

and somehow incorporate paddling into my project.

I understand that you may be busy and I appreciate you taking the time to read my email

and consider my request. If you are interested in helping me out, please let me know the

times/days you are available. The days that work best for me are Mondays, Wednesdays,

Fridays, and weekends. You can contact me by responding to this email or calling/texting

me at (808) 250-8782. I have ccd my projects teacher, Ms. Lindsey, to this email as well

in case you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank

you

From, Nehemiah Kuhaulua Grade: 11

“Fear of Public Speaking: How Can I Overcome It?” ​Mayo Clinic,​ Mayo Foundation for Medical

Education and Research, 17 May 2017,

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/expert-answers/fear-of-public-

speaking/faq-20058416.

This article explains how to get over the fear of public speaking. The author, ​Craig N.

Sawchuk, gives advice and steps on how to overcome the fear. It also explains how

anxiety can affect a person during stage fright, test anxiety, and writer’s block.

This article can help me get over the fear of speaking in front of big crowds. I can speak

in front of a classroom, not over 20 people. If I can learn how to control my anxiety while
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I’m speaking, than I can teach better.

Forbes. “10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills | Harvard Professional Development

Harvard DCE.” ​Harvard Extension School​, Harvard Continuing Education, 13 July 2018,

www.extension.harvard.edu/professional-development/blog/10-tips-improving-your-publ

ic-speaking-skills.

The author, Marjorie North, previously the director in the department of speech and

language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University, shares her tips and tricks

to public speaking. She states in 10 tips that public speaking all about practice and

knowing your content. To speak to large crowds, one must not feel like they can’t do it.

The anxiety, sweaty palms, and nervousness is normal. It doesn’t matter who you’re

presenting to, what your topic is, or even if they’re paying attention, what matters is how

you present your work.

This information can help with my anxiety with public speaking. My project is to teach

others about the Hawaiian culture, I’m going to be talking to about 20 or more people so

knowing how to get over my fear of talking in front of big crowds will be a big help. In

order to embrace the culture I’ll need to get out of my comfort zone and speak like I want

the whole island to hear what I have to say.

Parker, Laura. ​The New York Times​, The New York Times, 21 Dec. 2017,

www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/science/a-hawaiian-canoe-crosses-the-oceans-guided-by-s

un-and-stars.html.

This article, written by Laura Parker, is about when the Hokule’a crossed into New York.

It explains the history about the double-hull canoe and why it’s important to the culture.
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This article also includes information about the crew members and their insights about

their journey.

This article can help me with my project when I talk about the Hokule’a. In every culture,

there’s something that stands out, the Hokule’a is Hawaii’s one. I can explain the history

about the canoe, about Nainoa Thompson, and why they made a replica.

SUP, Canoe, Kayak Tours & Maui Surf Lessons​, Tim Lara

Https://Hawaiianpaddlesports.com/Wp-Content/Uploads/Hawaiian-Paddle-Sports-Logo.p

ng, hawaiianpaddlesports.com/social/outrigger-canoeing/.

In this article the history, significance, and modern use of canoes are told. This website

explains how the Hawaiians traveled using double canoes made from Koa wood and

sailed from island to island. It tells us why the canoes are so important and why they hold

such high flames for the culture. Since the website is one of the main articles for

outrigger canoe paddling, it also enlighten us about the state sport.

This website can help me explain about the canoes. Since I’ve been on a paddling team

for a couple years, I know more than the average kid, but my knowledge is still limited.

With this information, I can answer any common question someone has or I can elaborate

on something. To embrace the culture is to show someone why it’s important, not tell

them. If I can get my words across, than I’ve did my job.

Vimeo​, 12 Sept. 2018, vimeo.com/223999721.

This video is a documentary about Polynesian voyaging. It’s called Wayfinders: A

Pacific
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Odyssey, produced by Maiden Voyage Productions, a company that makes films based

on

cultural and environmental awareness. It explains Captain James Cook’s voyage across

the pacific and how he discovered Tahiti and Hawaii. It tells us about the connections

between New Zealand, Tahiti, Polynesia, and Hawaii, elaborating on how the canoes

connected to the different cultures.

I can use this video to help me with my project by expanding my knowledge on New

Zealand and Tahitian canoes. Hawaii shares many of the same cultural aspects with both

countries, so I can connect Hawaiian culture to others. It also explains how the

connections of old Hawaii was severed, so I can teach a whole session on that one topic

Resources

The resources that would be helpful during this project is the support of the canoe club.

If I were to get stuck teaching something or Kendrew needs help steering on the water, one of the

adults could jump in and guide us. A few of my upperclassmen friends such as Ethan Villanueva,

Keola Dumlao, and Avtalya Glickman could help out on days when they’re not busy. They could

team up with Kendrew or I and throw some advice here and there when we’re having trouble.

Of course if we’re going to be paddling during this project, than we’d need a couple

canoes. One or two double hull canoes will be enough since they can seat 12 people each. The

paddles are in a closet in the back room, there’s enough for all heights. Life vests will also be

provided if the person doesn’t feel comfortable in the boat. Flyers will be plastered all over the

island so access to paper, a printer, and a copier will be needed.

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Canoe Club Members:

Name Email Purpose

Ellen Federoff efederoff@kiheicharter.org Has been an adult paddler at

KCC for awhile and has very
good insight of all things that
deal with the club.

Katy Smith katy@kiheicanoeclub.com Katy is the vice-president of

the canoe club so she can help
us in anyway possible if
needed.

Mike Strauss mike.strauss@kiheicanoeclub Mike is one of the people

.com who run the visitors paddle,
the program that will be
running our sessions, so he
can give some insight on the
program when needed.

Budget

This project requires advertisement. If we want more than 20 people at our culture

sessions, than flyers would be the most ideal way to spread the word around. Making the flyers

would be free on photoshop and so would be printing them. Kinkos charge $0.89 to copy paper

in color, so if I want to copy about 30 sheets of paper, than the budget would be $26.70 for
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flyers. Pamphlets that have a summary of the session and of what they learned will be passed out

after the sessions. By my estimation, about 40 pamphlets will be needed every month if

everything goes well. Copying the pamphlets will be $0.89 at Kinkos, so overall the budget will

be $35.60.

Both the flyers and pamphlets together will be $62.30 for that first month. This project is

six months long, so by multiplying the amount of pamphlets by six and adding the flyer budget

all together, the total budget for this project is $240.30.

A way to fund for this project is by selling KCC merchandise during events they host or

attend. If Kendrew and I sell enough of the goods then we’d have enough money to fund for the

copying.

Timeline

September:

● Start researching teaching skills and how to overcome public speaking anxiety

● Email two people about expert interviews

● Faculty Interview with Mrs. Federoff.

● September 28: ​Project Proposal and Annotated Bibliography is Due

● Start planning the workshops for club members

● Meet with Mrs. Lindsey to update her on the project.

October:

● Have the expert interview

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● Meet up with Paula Kalanikau, the founders wife, to learn about the history of the

canoe club

● Add both interviews to annotated bib

● Finish planning the workshops for the adult members

● Go to a visitors paddle session during Fall Break to observe how things are done

● Film the visitors paddle for the documentary

● Print out the first batch of flyer and pamphlets

● Have our first workshop for an hour and film

● Meet up with Ms. Lindsey to update her on the project

November:

● Have our second workshop for an hour

● Film the workshops

● Start project presentation

● Sell KCC merchandise at annual Paddle for Life cause

● Have our third workshop

● Print out the second batch of pamphlets

● Work on the documentary

● November 30th: Argument Essay is due

● Update Ms. Lindsey about project

December:

● Continue to come up with workshops for the adult members

● Hold our fourth workshop

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● Film the workshop

● December 14th: Project Presentation is due

● Print out more pamphlets

● During Winter Break go down to KCC to teach the visitor paddle ourselves

● Film the session

● Work on the documentary

● Update Ms. Lindsey about project

January:

● Hold our last workshop

● Film the workshops

● Print out more flyers and pamphlets

● Go down to KCC to teach the visitor paddles

● Film the session

● Work on documentary

● Update Ms. Lindsey about the project

February:

● Have our last visitor paddle session

● Film workshop

● Print out more pamphlets

● Update Ms. Lindsey about project

March:

● Work on presentation for projects

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● Finish documentary

● March 1st: Final Project/Presentations are due

● March 8th: Final Reflection due

Faculty Interview:

On Thursday, September 20th, 2018, Kendrew and I interviewed Mrs. Federoff. We

explained how our project was to work with Kihei Canoe Club on expanding everyone’s

knowledge on the Hawaiian culture. She gave us very good advice and insight. We asked her

about the visitors paddle program and she explained that the club members aren’t that

knowledgeable about the culture as they should be. She suggested to plan workshops for the

adults so they know more about the culture. She also suggested to meet up with Paula

Kanlaniaku and learn the history of the canoe club along with the history of the beach. Paula is

Moki Kalanikau’s wife, he was the founder of Kihei Canoe Club.

Mrs. Federoff also said to print out pamphlets for the tourist so when they’re done with

their sessions, they can have something to take home with them so they don’t forget what they

learned. She informed us that winter is the busiest time of year and there are about 6 or 8 people

who are always at the canoe club. They’re also volunteers, the visitor program doesn’t have set

people who work for them all the time, but they volunteer whenever they can. Mrs. Federoff has

called one of the board of directors to tell them about the project since the people I contacted

hasn’t responded yet. They love the idea and is on board for this project. Mrs. Federoff also

stated that this project can be turned into a senior project when it’s time, we just have to think of

a bigger idea.