That’s a Wrap! Highlights from Our Book Launch

Mahalo nui to our friends and supporters who attended the book launch of Waiwai: Water and the Future of Hawaiʻi last Thursday at Ka Waiwai in Honolulu! More than 70 attendees came together to celebrate the publication of Waiwai and the many hands who worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life over several years of writing and editing, while continuing to advocate for wai in ongoing struggles throughout Hawaiʻi. The project sought to bring together experts from diverse fields to tackle complex issues in water management, bridging ancestral place-based knowledge with present challenges. The book launch brought long-time water advocates, policymakers, UH students and scholars together to celebrate this milestone and contemplate water and the future of Hawaiʻi.

Halfway through the event, Waiwai editor and visionary Kamana Beamer recited the names of wai across ka paeʻāina Hawaiʻi to ground attendees in our connections to water and to each other. Chapter author Bill Tam honored the many community leaders who fought for wai justice over the past decades, from communities like Waiāhole and Nā Wai ʻEhā to the halls of the state legislature. There was a book signing by chapter authors, delicious mea ʻai, and meaningful conversations around wai among attendees. Starr Kalahiki graced us with her beautiful voice, uplifting aloha ʻāina through mele. 

Kaleo Manuel, Director of Water Resources for Kamehameha Schools, commented that “the event was a great way to celebrate and honor the collective work and community of practice around wai.” Sunshine Topping, the Hawaiʻi Lead at the Omidyar Group, remarked that “attending the launch of the Waiwai book was ʻono for my mind, body, and soul. Conversations and sharing were thoughtful and inspiring, food was delicious, music was magical, and being with so many people that I admire and respect was energizing! E hoʻomaikaʻi!”

While providing readers with critical knowledge of the current status of water, Waiwai’s ultimate goal is to catalyze action. Chapter contributors all wrestled with the question: “What do people need to know about the future of water in Hawaiʻi, and what can they do to enable a better future?” This book has already connected us with so many of you, through our shared passion for fighting for justice and protecting wai for generations to come. We hope this book and event can inspire ongoing engagement around critical wai issues. Mahalo nui to the University of Hawaiʻi Press, all the contributing authors and interviewees, and Ka Waiwai for making this book and event possible. Stay tuned for more book launch events at UH West Oʻahu and neighbor islands soon. Ola i ka wai!