Hoʻokamaʻāina – “To become acquainted with”
A blog series written by Leina’ala Kealoha, an intern with Ho’oikaika Partnership. Leina’ala was born and raised on Maui and is currently attending the University of Hawai’i, Maui Campus pursuing a degree in Hawaiian Studies. In these posts, she also shares her perspective from being a resource caregiving family.
Hoʻokamaʻāina – Our Family
Our journey as Resource Caregivers (formerly known as Foster Parent) began the summer of 2014. As a family unit we went from being a family of five to this fabulous group of seven. When this situation presented itself we had no clue where to start or what to do. But we were not left to figure it out. We had many different organizations and resources helping us.
Kilo – The Process of Observation
I attended a conference over the summer. I had the pleasure of listening to a lecture by Pelika Andrade, The Executive Director of the non-profit Nā Maka Onaona and an Extension Agent for the University of Hawaii’s Sea Grant Program.
Wā ʻIke ʻEhā – The Four Senses
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- Pilina – Sense of Association
- Pikoʻu – Sense of Connection
- Pono – Sense of Wellbeing
- Kuleana – Sense of responsibility
Pilina is being that person or that family that the child or children will be entering into. This “Sense of Association” is when you and the child or children become one family unit.