OUR APPROACH

LO'I KALO

Hawaiians have been utizing the healing properties of the loʻi kalo (taro patch) for generations. Hoʻohanu is just reintroducing it to the modern world. First responders spend a few hours in the loʻi doing simple tasks such as weeding, cleaning taro, etc.

Talking story (conversations) seems to naturally flow. Providers are in a safe and relaxed environment. Some share openly, while others choose to focus on the task and loose themselves into the work. At the end of the work period, folks have not only accomplished the task of weeding out a patch or cleaning a good number of taro roots, they also have strengthened their community, and released stress.

Following their time in the taro patch, folks shower off and have a relaxed lunch. There is something special about breaking bread with others. Doing so adds something special to the sense of community developed in the loʻi, as meaningful conversations not only continue, but also deepen at lunch.

KAI

The kai (ocean) has been used for hundreds of years by the Hawaiians and many other cultures as a means to cleanse and purify. As with the loʻi, Hoʻohanu is reintroducing the practice to the modern world.

Providers can experience several different activities. Responders paddle a double hulled canoe to an ancient fishing village located on a small island. They can wade on reefs that surround this island experiencing and learning about the sea life living in the reef. Folks can wander on their own, breathing the fresh sea air while hearing the rhythmic sounds of the ocean.

LOMI LOMI

The art of Hawaiian massage or lomi lomi was a healing practice passed on from generation to generation in families. Today it is a type of massage practiced by bodyworkers. Hoʻohanu introduced lomi lomi to students, and later to field veterans, as a means to rid the stress held in their bodies.

The job of a first responders requires intense physical labor. On a daily basis, providers exert themselves by lifting, carrying, climbing, and sometimes wrestling with and restraining patients. This physicality all occurs while having to operate in a highly stressful situation where time is of the essence.

Most people store their stress in their bodies. Some get stiff necks. Others experience lower back pain. There some who place their stress in their stomach and have indigestion. First responders are no different. They just have additional body pains because of the physicality of their work.

Hoʻohanu likes to incorporate lomi lomi as a part of their loʻi kalo and kai experiences. The body naturally relaxes while in the lepo (mud) and the kai (ocean). Tension embedded in the body begins to loosen, opening the door for lomi lomi practitioners help responders to release tension.

OTHER HAWAIIAN CULTURAL PRACTICES

Hoʻohanuʻs programming continues to expand. We are talking with the folks who do pohaku (stone) work at Pahonu, the turtle pond in Waimanalo. Discussions with various organizations who sail double-hulled canoes have been taking place, as sailing would be a wonderful addition to our programs.

The activities Hoʻohanu provides are simple and can be easily accessed. Our intent is that responders come to the realization that they can begin to incorporate the loʻi, the kai, lomi lomi, and other simple cultural practices to care for themselves on a weekly, if not daily basis.

We also have worked with community practitioners to develop simple practices like pi kai (simple salt water cleansing) to cleanse following each emergency call. Hoʻohanu continues to meet different practitioners who offer other practices to assist first responders.

The stress from the job occurs each and every day. It doesn't just come on critical calls, but it's something is experienced on every call. The stress and tension builds day to day and therefore, it must be managed on a daily basis. Hoʻohanu is simply reintroducing practices that have been in place for generations. What makes these activities special is the intentionality that one has while experiencing them. The Hawaiian practitioners we have worked with are all excited that we advocate to integrate their practices into the mainstream of work. This is something that they too continually work towards. Hoʻohanu is a vehicle to not only help first responders, but to help these practitioners spread the Hawaiian culture and aloha.

the challenge

First responders are facing unprecedented mental health and wellness challenges. Historically, the mechanism to manage stress was to “suck it up”. The thought was that if one could not handle the stress that comes with the job, they don't belong in the field. There have been far too many “fatalities” of first responders and their families because of this mindset.

As tragic as the pandemic was for many people, it opened first responder eyes to how impactful the everyday stress was on them. Everyone began to realize that ignoring the stress incurred from the job was a major health hazard. First responders began to see how the stress involved with seeing people suffering and in distress, often in way that shocks the conscience, is the major cause for the physical, emotional, and mental health issues that haunt first responders.

Our internet, computerized world vibrates at a much faster and more intense manner than in the past. This high energy coupled with surging call volumes, staffing shortages, and high attrition rates have pushed providers to the breaking point. We are behind the eight ball when it comes to caring for our providers. The mindset is changing, but not fast enough. Despite their critical role in serving others, mental health and wellness remain a secondary focus, leaving many without the support they urgently need.

Hoʻohau exists to be a voice for first responders and their wellness. We not only advocate for our leaders to take care of them, we also reach our own hands and hearts out to them and do what we can to make a difference.

HO'OHANU

HO'OHANU

OUR APPROACH

LO'I KALO

KAI

LOMI LOMI

OTHER HAWAIIAN CULTURAL PRACTICES

the challenge

learn more about ho'ohanu

HO'OHANU

OUR APPROACH

LO'I KALO

KAI

LOMI LOMI

OTHER HAWAIIAN CULTURAL PRACTICES

the challenge

learn more about ho'ohanu

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