BLUE ZONES PROJECT - KAPOLEI-‘EWA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES
Blue Zones Project - Kapolei-ʻEwa held a community collaborative event, Kupuwai – Cultivating Healthy Communities, sponsored by HMSA and hosted in partnership with the Kamehameha Schools Community Engagement & Resources - ʻEwa Moku, Mālama Learning Center, Kaʻala Farms, Partners in Development, and The Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawaiʻi.
The event was designed with ʻohana (families) as the piko (center) of our community and each participating organization offered activities that highlighted their services in alignment with the Blue Zones Power 9 Principles.
These activities included plant-based cooking demonstrations featuring Native Hawaiian staples such as kalo (taro) and ʻuala (sweet potato) with ʻono samples of Palula: Sautéed ʻUala Leaves, Kōʻelepālau, and Kalo Hummus Flatbread. Sports and fitness demonstrations were offered throughout the day including yoga & keiki yoga, Zumba, and Chair Fitness. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet resource organizations in Kapolei and ʻEwa and learn about the different programs and services available to them.
Collectively each organization’s role and contributions honored Kupuwai, the inoa (name) of the event. When translated, Kupuwai literally refers to the fresh water springs which were once prevalent throughout the district of ʻEwa and its shorelines. The name metaphorically represents our Native Hawaiian understanding that places with fresh water sustain life and health. Therefore, the health of a community is reflected by the health of its ʻāina (land).
To that end, the community transformation work is not a kuleana (responsibility) of the Blue Zones Project alone and this event demonstrated that together, these organizations and others serve as fresh water springs for our communities and ʻohana. We look forward to hosting future collaborative events and activities to empower our collective efforts in sustaining a healthier Hawaiʻi.
Want to get involved with Blue Zones Project – Kapolei-‘Ewa? Email us at BlueZonesProjectKapolei-Ewa@sharecare.com or visit our website. Like us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@BZPKapoleiEwa)!
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Learn more at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com
