The State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural
Resources, has released a new 2006 wall calendar that
features vivid photographs by Ric Noyle of Hawaiian reefs, viewed from
the air, at sea level, and underwater. Also features
photos of reef fish, monk seals, turtles, and sea birds.
"Papa Ko‘a - The Reef and Hawaiian Culture" is the theme of
the 2006 Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
calendar, produced with the Hawaii Heritage Center, and
in conjunction with the "Hawaii's Living Reef" awareness
campaign.
"The reef acted as the foundation of Hawaiian life in
ancient times, and continues to be an important part of
our modern lifestyle. If the reef is to remain a viable
ecosystem, it must be respected and nurtured. Today it
needs our care," said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
"We hope this calendar reminds us all to appreciate what
we have, and prevent it from being lost".
The vivid images of this attractive calendar portray the
vital beauty of the Hawaiian reef, seen from the air, at
sea level and beneath the waves. Colorful photographs feature
reef fish weke, ulua, and ‘ala‘ihi, monk seals, limu, turtles,
seabirds at Mokumanamana (Necker Island), fishing ko‘a,
pencil urchin, koloa, and the reefs at Kapoho, Nualolo Kai,
west Maui, Anahola, Hanauma bay, and at Ho‘okipa.
The calendar introduction notes that The words papa koa
refer to a coral flat or reef, with the world "papa" referring
to a flat surface, stratum, or foundation, and "koa" to coral.
Fittingly, in Hawaiian culture, the reef is viewed as a
foundation... with the ocean, sky and clouds layered above it...
and supporting marine life, which in turn nourished the Hawaiian people.
Calendar text highlights the value of the reef in traditional
Hawaiian culture. The Hawaiian creation chant Kumulipo tells
that life begins with the coral polyp, and from it springs
the coral and all other life forms follow. The marine resources
which lived in, on and around the coral reef have provided
sustenance and health for Hawaiian families to this day.
Sustainability of the reef also served as the basis for
the kapu system which utilized natural cycles to determine
when, and when not to, harvest its resources.
In addition to the biological and cultural information
about reef life, the calendar is a tide chart, and gives
boating and ocean recreation safety tips as well.
"Papa Ko‘a" calendars may be obtained for $10 from the
DLNR Division of State Parks office at 1151 Punchbowl St.
room 310 in Honolulu. Sorry, no mail orders are available.
The calendar was designed by Clarence Lee Design and
Associations, with photography by Ric Noyle, James Watt
and Hal Hammatt. Calendar coordination was by Athline
Clark and Don Hibbard.
Support was provided by: the Alexander & Baldwin Foundation;
Belt Collins;, Chris Hart & Partners, Inc.; Cultural Surveys,
Hawaii; DLNR Divisions of Aquatic Resources and Boating and
Ocean Recreation; Fung Associates, Hawaiian Electric Company,
Inc.; Ku ‘iwalu, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts; Peter Vincent
and Associates, LLC; Scientific Consultant Services, Inc.;
Spencer Architects, Coral Reef Outreach Network; National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Hawaii’s Living
Reef Program and the Wallop/Breaux Trust Funded administered
by the United States Coast Guard.
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