The People of the Wai‘anae Coast: A Most Valuable Asset
While on paper, Wai‘anae's problems may seem overwhelming, its ability to organize as a community is unmatched on the island. "It's not that we want to scream 'Poor Wai‘anae!'" Katy Kok [Nani O Wai‘anae director] says. "We have a great pride in this lower income area." The longevity of projects like the Cultural Learning Center at Ka‘ala, Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha, and the Wai‘anae Coast Community Health Center are a testament to that pride. So are projects like Na Wai O Wai‘anae, Nani O Wai‘anae, and others-Mālama Mākua, the Rotary and Lion's clubs, the ahupua‘a councils. They are too numerous to list.
The work of these groups helps the community to move forward, in a positive direction.
Reference Cited
Dawson, T. 2000. "In Battered Waianae, Community Organizes to Save Environment, Health." Environment Hawaii 10(9). http://www.environment-hawaii.org/300cov.htm
