NEW WEHENA (OPENING) INSTRUCTIONS

This year we will have a new interactive opening protocol involving all HCC participants. We encourage you to check-in/register early on the 3rd floor of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Monday, July 26th between 2-4 p.m. or on Tuesday, July 27th beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Opening Protocol Schedule – Tuesday June 27th, 2023

Advanced Preparations: Ka Hoʻokupu Wai (optional, but strongly encouraged)

We ask that each participant bring an offering of clear, clean, and fresh wai (fresh water only please) from your place of residence – three ounces or less, a small amount will do. Examples of freshwater include rain water, stream water, spring water, etc. Please do not bring water from a tap.

Each of our waters from across the paeʻāina will be combined together as a representation of our collective effort and commitment to care for the waters and places that feed us. The wai will be combined during the conference opening protocol, then distributed into a number of ‘umeke, which will be placed in every conference session room.

Similar to how rain falls across the forested uplands, runs through our ecosystems into streams or as groundwater, gathers important nutrients, and spreads those nutrients across the land and into the sea, the ‘umeke of wai will similarly collect the knowledge shared in each room throughout our three days together.

At the conclusion of the Conference, the ‘umeke of wai from each room – now laden with the ʻike shared in those rooms – will be recombined and thoughtfully redistributed to select individuals to feed special places across the paeʻāina.

Suggested protocols when gathering wai:

• Gather a small amount of freshwater (i.e., not salt, not brackish), no more than three ounces, in a clean glass or plastic bottle.
• Focus on the intent of the opening protocol while gathering.
• Wai should be as clean, pure, and fresh as possible.
• Treat the wai with care after gathering.

Groups and Entry Order:

1. Alliance & Foundation Leadership
2. Groups from outside Hawai’i* (e.g., Aotearoa, Samoa, U.S. continent, etc.)
3. Hawaiʻi Island
4. Maui Nui (Maui, Kaho‘olawe, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i)
5. Oʻahu
6. Kaua‘i & Ni‘ihau
7. Papahānaumokuākea

*Groups from outside Hawaiʻi have the opportunity to self-identify themselves using whiteboards. These can be filled out at the Help Station, next to the Alliance Booth. Please plan on arriving early to form your group and prepare a whiteboard.

NEW PANINA (CLOSING) INSTRUCTIONS

At the end of the conference, we will gather together and recombine the wai, which is now infused with our collective knowledge, for distribution across the paeʻāina.

Closing Protocol Schedule – Thursday June 29th, 2023