In times of overwhelming sadness and stress, we are uplifted by our youth as they search for solutions toward a brighter future. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, we'll hear the voices of our youth as they mālama kekahi i kekahi – or care for one another. Weʻll see how students from Waiʻanae learned about ways to support their kūpuna - and ʻāina - to build a healthy community. Then weʻll learn how we can protect our homes from the growing threats of wildfires and little fire ants. Special Mahalo to: Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Kamehameha Schools, ʻElepaio Social Services, PALS & PLACES, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, CGAPS, and Hawaiʻi Ant Lab for their support of this episode. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of Mālama Learning Center. Contact us at info@malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2023

As we in Hawaiʻi face some of our toughest challenges, we see people of all backgrounds rise up to help as one ʻohana. It’s not just the aloha spirit we share, it’s another Hawaiian value that calls on us to respond. On todayʻs show, weʻll explore the meaning of kuleana – itʻs a right as well as a responsibility. Weʻll go to Moloka’i with limu practitioners who share their knowledge and wisdom passed down from elders. Then weʻll learn how educators on Oʻahu reinforce their kuleana to teach through ʻāina. And weʻll close with a reminder of our own kuleana to prevent wildfires. We wish to thank KUA, the NOAA B-WET Hawaiʻi program, and all of the First Responders and thousands of people caring for our island communities in need. We send our deepest aloha to those who are suffering from the wildfires and ask you to kōkua to support one another in whatever way you can. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2023

When you think back to your childhood, do any teachers stand out as those who helped shape you? Did they make learning meaningful and fun? Did they inspire you to care for your place? These traits and more are practiced by teachers we call ʻāina-based educators. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, weʻll explore the realm of ʻĀina based education, which is impacting students from the land to the sea. Weʻll go to Molokaʻi, where formal educators took a course to hone their skills in conserving native Hawaiian trees and forests. Then weʻll go in the water to see what non-formal educators are doing to save our seas. Mahalo to the NOAA B-WET Hawaiʻi program, Kahi Pacarro of Parley for the Ocean, and ʻĀina Based educators throughout Hawaiʻi for their support. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2023

We sometimes take for granted what it takes to protect and care for the natural and cultural resources that make Hawaiʻi special. It clearly takes dedication and often thankless days by people who work behind the scenes. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, we’ll visit with people who protect the places that sustain us. Weʻll learn about the in-depth training required to become a State of Hawaiʻi Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer. Then we’ll go to East Maui to feel the mud between our toes and see how ʻohana and ʻāina land truly go together. We wish to thank the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, and the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council for their support. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of Malama Learning Center. Copyright 2023

The coconut palm is cultivated and used in virtually every tropical location in the world. Itʻs among the earthʻs most important plants to have assisted humankind, including the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, weʻll explore indigenous wisdom around the “Tree of Life,” the coconut palm. Called Niu in Hawaiʻi, weʻll see how a movement called Niu Now is taking hold across the islands. And weʻll learn about an invasive pest that threatens all palms – and how we can stop it. We wish to thank filmmaker Alex Cantatore, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture for their support of this episode. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2023.

Just 27 miles from Oʻahu across the Ka iwi channel is the island of Molokaʻi, where residents are determined to sustain their population of about 7000 residents – not by relying heavily on imports – but through the richness of the land and sea. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, weʻll go to Molokaʻi to see how residents are growing their food security. Weʻll learn from Sustainable Molokaʻi and their partners who teach practical skills to go from garden to farm. Weʻll see how the Molokaʻi Hunting Club is reducing the deer population and feeding people. And weʻll go to a fishpond thatʻs using invasive Gorilla ogo to nourish farms. This series of videos is shared with us by Sustainable Molokaʻi and filmmaker and Molokaʻi resident Matt Yamashita, with funding from the Administration for Native Americans. Outside Hawaiʻi is a program of Mālama Learning Center. Please reach out to Outside Hawai`i on Facebook and Instagram (@outside_hawaii) or email Mālama Learning Center at info(at)malamalearningcenter.org. Copyright 2023

With a continually low voter turnout rate, some could say that civic engagement in Hawai’i is also at a low point. But that’s not the case when it comes to being stewards of our land and sea, as communities across our islands demonstrate the power of collaboration. On this episode of Outside Hawai'i, we’ll witness a decades-long commitment by the community of Ha’ena, Kaua’i, to work with the State to draft rules to manage their fishery. Then we’ll go to Moloka’i where a community driven renewable energy plan is currently taking shape. And we’ll take a dive underwater to learn about nearshore reef animals found only in Hawai’i. We send a special mahalo to the KUA, Modesta Media, Sust'āinable Molokaʻi, and Matt Yamashita for their support. Please reach out to Outside Hawai`i on Facebook and Instagram. Outside Hawai'i is a program of the Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2023.

Thereʻs a saying that people who influence you are people who believe in you. One such person was Pono Shim, an extraordinary teacher, master storyteller, and economic development leader, who was committed to Hawaiʻi and our people. On this episode of Outside Hawaiʻi, we’ll explore some of Ponoʻs teachings, including a captivating message that helps us rethink the meaning of ʻohana. Then weʻll go to Hakalau on Hawaiʻi island where ʻohana abounds throughout the forest. And weʻll learn how visitors can offset their impacts on the land and sea – through the Hawaiʻi Green Fee. We send a special mahalo to the Oʻahu Economic Development Board, Mālama Pono Foundation, and Miki Tomita. Please reach out to Outside Hawai`i on Facebook and Instagram. Outside Hawai'i is a program of the Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2023.

When our mountains are green and the ocean is blue, it could appear that all is fine in nature. But that’s not the case when invasive species take over. On this episode of Outside Hawai'i, we’ll take a deep look at how invasive species are changing our lives, and what’s being done to control them. We’ll learn about the two-lined spittle bug, a small insect that’s making a big impact on ranchers. Then we’ll hear how the scientific process is helping to fight invasive species and save native trees like the wiliwili. Mahalo to the many people and organizations that helped us produce this episode, including CGAPS, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Outside Hawai'i is a program of Mālama Learning Center. Copyright 2023.