Pōhāhā I Ka Lani
a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
"to revitalize and advance indigenous Hawaiian culture"
"to revitalize and advance indigenous Hawaiian culture"
Our Name
"From a culturally visual standpoint, when the lighting flashes in the sky that is “Pōhāhā I Ka Lani.” When the sunrises continuously no matter what type of weather lays before it, that too is Pōhāhā I Ka Lani. The protective relationship from the sky to human or from sky to earth defines our purpose with nourishing the land, taking care of our water resources, and in return being able to increase productivity. This productivity has been extended to our upcoming generations as well, through our current land rejuvenation project at Napo'opo'o with our Youth – Ho'omalamalama I Ka Malama (causing the moon to shine) and Kawai I Ho'oulu Ai (the water that allows things to flourish)." ~ Kūlia Kauhi Tolentino-Potter, Founder
The name Pōhāhā I Ka Lani comes from a line in the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian Creation Chant, translating for our organization as the "the emergence of intelligent stewardship to perpetuate and advance Hawaiian resources."
Our History
“To provide programs for the continuation and advancement of Hawaiian cultural knowledge, wisdom, and practices through the generations” - Founder's Vision, Kūlia Kauhi Tolentino-Potter
Pōhāhā I Ka Lani is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to revitalize and advance indigenous Hawaiian culture", founded in 2001 and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2009 by Kūlia Kauhi Tolentino-Potter. Inspired by her fatherʻs and grandfatherʻs efforts to instill Hawaiian values in the upcoming generations, Kūlia founded Pōhāhā I Ka Lani as a means to provide cultural education to youth and continue the restoration efforts at ancient village site of Nāpo'opo'o in Waipi'o Valley. Her history, knowledge, and cultural background of Waipi'o Valley, along with her educational background in Hawaiian Studies and Anthropology, empowered her to found Pōhāhā I Ka Lani. Kūlia not only was the driving force for program activities, but funded programs personally for the majority of the organizations existence.
The name Pōhāhā I Ka Lani is inspired by lines in the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian Creation Chant. It was chosen by Kūlia and her makuakāne (father), James Tolentino Jr., for itʻs layered meanings, with itʻs meaning still driving the continued efforts of the organization.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our kuleana and programs centers around the cultural kīpuka and wahi pana of Waipiʻo Valley on the Hāmākua coast of Moku O Keawe, Hawaiʻi Island.