Shawn Malia Kanaiaupuni, Ph. D.
2008
The intimate connection between Hawaiians and aina (land) is the focus of two articles this year. In a piece that weaves together scholarly research and personal moolelo (storytelling), cultural beliefs about land, language, and community reveal strong implications for understanding Hawaiian well-being. Likewise, the importance of cultivating a strong sense of place among students and their families is emphasized within Ike Aina, a curriculum grounded in experiential learning and indigenous literacy. This year is a mixture of joy and nostalgia personally, because it is my last year as editor as I turn the reins over to Brandon Ledward, who has been a diligent team member working to produce volumes four and five of this journal. Dr. Ledward ensures strong continuity for the journal, with his doctorate in cultural anthro- pology from the University of Hawaii and his solid background in qualitative and quantitative research methods as part of the Research and Evaluation division at Kamehameha. We welcome his continued leadership and voice, along with Matthew Corry and Debra Tang, who have been critical team members supporting this work. I am grateful to the many hands and hearts who contributed to the success of this journal and for your support to me. Mostly, I am ever grateful and quietly celebrating our shared commitment to creating a space for Hawaiian research and voices and our combined efforts to shape a strong, healthy future for our lahui.
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