Thursday, November 21, 2024
9:00am - 5:30pm
Imin Conference Center, UH Mānoa

“Hulihia” refers to an overturning or complete change - a word that aptly describes the transformative power of community leadership in times of crisis. This year’s Piʻo Summit will bring together community organizers, scholars, activists, and survivors in conversations on how communities rise up in the wake of devastating events to demonstrate extraordinary resilience, care, and leadership.

This gathering focuses on two recent catastrophic events that have reshaped landscapes and people across the pae ʻāina — the devastating wildfires that swept through the town of Lāhaina, Maui in August 2023, and the record-breaking rainfall event — dubbed the "rainbomb" — that caused destructive flooding in Kauaʻi in April 2018. These events, while tragic, have revealed the extraordinary resilience, innovation, and leadership born from within affected communities.

Join us to engage in crucial discussion on how our indigenous knowledge, practices and values guide us through crisis and healing. Throughout the summit, key conversations will include:

• Disaster Capitalism and Community Resilience: Examining the economic and social impacts of natural disasters, and how communities can protect themselves from exploitative practices.
• Indigenous Knowledge in Crisis Recovery: Exploring ancestral Hawaiian and other indigenous approaches to strengthen community bonds, healing, land management, and community support in times of crisis.
• Sustainable Rebuilding: Discussing culturally appropriate and eco-friendly and methods for rebuilding affected areas, with a focus on long-term sustainability and community needs. Innovative solutions for rebuilding and recovery
• Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness: Looking at the intersection of climate change and natural disasters, and how indigenous knowledge can inform better preparedness and response strategies.

‍

Through these conversations, attendees will gain insights into:

• The power of ʻohana (family) and community bonds in crisis response
• Effective communication strategies during and after disasters
• Balancing immediate relief with long-term recovery planning
• Preserving cultural heritage and community identity amidst rebuilding efforts
• Addressing equity and social justice issues that often surface in disaster aftermath
• Harnessing technology and social media for community organizing and support
• Building partnerships between communities, government entities, and aid organizations

‍

Through this gathering, we aim to harness our cultural values, environmental stewardship, and collective resilience toward a better future. Join us as we learn, heal, and grow together, turning tragedy into a catalyst for positive change and renewed commitment to our land and each other.