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The skies were clear as Antonio, Alicia, Norah, and Cassie jetted from Oahu to prepare for their meeting with forty of the richest entrepreneurs on Earth. Antonio mused, “I’m so grateful that we’re all here—like a little Robin Hood group, banded together on a quest spreading compassion, fairness, and love for Mother Earth. Our motto: ‘Put wealth to work for the well-being of all.’”
Alicia giggled. “Antonio is on a roll this morning. He’s in his corny mood. Feel the energy oozing out of him?”
Cassie’s self-doubt seeped through her body. “Can we use pseudonyms when you introduce us?”
Norah sighed, “Ah, the wet blanket. Duck if you can.”
Antonio smiled. “I’ll explain that you’re my consultants in matters relating to good mental health. I’ll keep it vague. And never fear. Your presence will be outshone by my celebrity surprise, Chef Reversa.”
Norah gaped at Antonio. “Do you mean the master chef who has that great cooking show on public television? I love that guy and his international cuisine.”
“You want to know why I got him to come? Did you know that Chef Reversa is an avid, devoted environmentalist who donates 65% of his profits to organizations that work toward sustainability? He was so excited about our plans that he volunteered to prepare all our food to encourage our work. And he’s bringing his good friend, Jean LaFleur.”
It was Cassie’s turn to be awed. “I can’t believe I’ll meet the noted marine biologist who heads up the Save the Sea program. Did you know he’s rescued over fifty humpback whales from serious entanglements?”
“You betcha, girl. I told you to stick with me. You won’t be sorry.”
Norah looked admiringly at Antonio. “You sure know how to dress up the environment for success!”
As the plane hit the runway, Norah shrank back. “So what’s in store for us? I’m not fretting about my reputation like Cassie, but I do feel a bit intimidated, especially now.” She glanced at Cassie. “Not every fabulously rich person is as down to earth as you and Alicia.”
“Remember that rich people are no different to anyone else. They just have more money!” quipped Antonio. “Have a field day studying their personalities,” he urged. “Most of them think like Alicia and me, but they each have assorted styles and philosophies of philanthropy. Some tend to be paternalistic. Others want equality for all. Each of these hand-picked individuals has built and run successful businesses. Some are serial entrepreneurs who are born to be successful. They dream about something they want, they see how to get it, and they motivate others to join in. They indulge in big-time optimism and risk taking. Sure, they’re competitive and want to be the best they can be. But not all rich people are selfish narcissists. You’ll see.” Norah hoped Cassie would warm up to the project after Antonio reassured them about the cast of dynamic personalities he was assembling.
Pali appeared to meet the merry group at the plane with a limo and transported them to the hotel. Cassie’s anxiety calmed a bit when she saw the familiar guide. As they entered the lavishly appointed conference room, Norah was starstruck. She recognized some of the faces that were milling around. Antonio had gathered business leaders, financiers, technology experts, and entrepreneurs who were among the most successful and affluent in the world. It was obvious that they lived a lifestyle that bore little resemblance to that of the middle class, let alone the poor. Norah and Cassie were discovering another reality—the other world that was running their world. Neither was accustomed to mingling with such wealth and power, or networking with the richest people on the planet who considered themselves bound together by altruistic goals.
Antonio’s words boomed out, “Hi, friends. Please, make yourselves comfortable.” He paused as the audience quieted and sat down. “Welcome to the Keala Institute. I hope we’ll go down in history as the founders of the enterprise that saved the planet.”
“I thought you said you had big plans, Tony,” came a voice from the audience. A ripple of laughter resounded throughout the room.
Antonio laughed, too. “This is our first in-person meeting. I thank you for our earlier Zoom discussions. Alicia and I want this to be the most pleasant experience of your life. We do have whopping plans—meaningful ideas that can solve the problems looming over our survival. Let me add, there’s also good food, good company, and, hopefully, some laughs.” With a twinkle in his eye, he added, “Let me also tell you that the famed Chef Reversa will be flying in tomorrow to support our group. He’s volunteered to treat us in his top-notch style and astound your taste buds. He’s readying a most delectable dinner for tomorrow—his signature lobster dish that is positively addictive.” Antonio smiled to hear the oohs and ahs. “Also, it’s no coincidence that we’re meeting here on Big Kauwaipono. Each of us who is involved in the Keala Institute is drawn to these islands. We’ll all be losers if we don’t find a way to save them. Hawaii’s life force is fading at the hands of humans. Alicia and I have a theory: As Hawaii goes, so goes the planet.”
A few murmurs could be heard in the crowd. “We have a more than ambitious agenda, my friends. Our common bond is super wealth, power, and ethical values. We control so many corporations. We have lots of sway over world politics. Our philanthropic giving means we shape the world by supporting specific projects, and right now we’re faced with a pressing concern that affects the lives of everyone in this room and, indeed, in the entire world. We all know one another, and we know we can work together to mold a solution to the world’s problems. But you don’t know Norah and Cassie. Let me introduce you and explain their role in the Keala Institute.”
As Antonio spoke about their role as consultants, Cassie was embarrassed and wanted to fade out of the spotlight. Norah searched the faces of the group, curious about how the members would receive them.
When Antonio finished his introduction, a middle-aged man stood and bowed politely to Norah and Cassie. “I’m Josephiah Flannagan. And I think maybe all of us should introduce ourselves to the two of you and let you know why we’re here. I’m the founder and head of Triathlon, a software corporation. I’m proud to say that I employ over two million people worldwide. I think of my employees as family. I pay a fair wage, have solid health benefits, generous vacation time, and family leave. I also profit share. My business works for everyone. I’m here because climate change will be the death of us. I want to leave my thirteen grandchildren a planet that can sustain them.”
Another figure rose. “I’m Barry Morona. I plan to give away 99% of my fortune which I inherited and grew in the stock market. I want to make sure my philanthropic investments are used efficiently and effectively. I’m not an ecologist, but I am suffering from chronic distress about our wretched politics, social problems, and the worsening climate crisis. The state of the only home we have, the Earth, is a mess.”
“I’m in fashion and retail,” spoke up George Bloomer. “I’m compelled to share my fortune with others who haven’t been so lucky. I’m a man of action and few words.”
Dunn Speckler’s deep voice filled the room. “My name’s Dunn. I’m a zealous environmentalist and want to convert all households to green energy and halt the use of fossil fuels. My family, by the way, made its fortune through fossil fuels. Unknowingly, they harmed the environment. But now as the descendant of those who naïvely helped set our climate crisis into motion, I feel obliged to fix these problems that came from past ignorance. I’ve been studying the loss of wildlife habitats for twenty years and, regrettably, I see we are headed down a tragic pathway.”
Jo Chu, a real estate mogul, said, “I made my fortune from buying and selling land. As I age, I want to be kinder. I’m designing charitable programs for the homeless, especially low-income natives. I can give away some of my property. I’ve sponsored a program in which I let the homeless live in some of my houses rent free. If they take good care of the property, manage the land, and pay their other living expenses, then I will give them the houses. I want to expand my program if it works.”
“I’m Olivia Spears. My family has unbelievable wealth. And we have always been altruists. I understand that compassion is important. Doing good for others brings happiness. I worked with Mother Teresa in India for several months. I want to do good for humanity.”
Howard Hexter paused before saying, “My money comes from software development. But I see myself as a Renaissance man. I’m a pragmatist, a problem-solver. Can we restore the ecological balance in this world? My company is making biodegradable products and trying to minimize the effects of some pollutants. Profiteers are ruining the quantity and quality of water on the planet. I want to teach respect for the water.”
Ronald Roper added, “Too many rich people and corporations are buying up land and polluting it! Those who think they own the land ought to care for it. I made money by creating machine parts for the entire world.”
Martina Scarlet said, “I’m heiress to the Scottymart fortune and among the ten richest women in the world. I’m a staunch environmentalist. I bought a huge piece of real estate on Konokoko Island to preserve it as a natural habitat. I love Hawaii so much that I have bought property on each and every one of the islands.”
“Jorge Stotter here. My software recognition program has made me a very rich man. I am also a very old man and ready to face my maker. I want to tackle the problems greed brings. I want to create a greed-reduction clinic. You can laugh at this seemingly silly idea, but let’s face it. Too many narcissistic people with a sense of entitlement and disregard for others are running the show. The insatiable appetite for ‘stuff’ that permeates the planet is ruining the Earth. This gluttonous behavior is deadly. Compassion and giving are the way to happiness. So help me find the greed-reduction cure.” Jorge’s broad smile and warm laugh were contagious.
Robert Howard spoke up. “I like your approach, Stotter. I am also a real estate mogul. I am buying up land to give back to the planet—wild and unsettled. Not everyone is totally self-indulgent. Some entrepreneurs are big-hearted. But some are profit-mongering assholes who treat our planet as an inexhaustible, personal supply chain. To them, overpopulation is a growing customer base with an unlimited potential to make sky-high profits. But let’s face it, unleashed consumerism means we kill our own planet. I want it to stop. I’m with you. I am looking for some population control methods.”
“Marin Hillbore here. I’m a business magnate and philanthropist. I’ve given over 50% of my fortune to charities. I want to be more involved in this process and see that my substantial donations impact others directly.”
Jonathan Seabard declared, “I’m a pharmaceutical biologist. We have screwed up biodiversity to the point that the planet can’t clean itself. We’re more susceptible to diseases, suffering, and death. Anger and cruelty seem to be growing rapidly. Overpopulation of the human species means killing off many nonhuman species. Religions and governments that prohibit birth control be damned! Do they care about God’s other creatures? We live in dangerous times. Our deadline to solve these problems is running out.”
Mariah Jarwell added, “My fashion designs are art! But I know that we’ve made unfettered free trade the god of the economy. We have polluted our own air, water, and soil. I cry when I see beautiful forests destroyed to make cheap furniture that winds up on a pile of garbage. I despair when I see wetlands drained and dried to build luxury condos close to the water’s edge. I weep for the creatures that depend on these wetlands for survival. We have murdered species after species when we annihilate their habitats. Please, don’t get me started. My new organization is called Cry for the Critters.”
Morona joined in. “We have a moral imperative to preserve the planet for our children and grandchildren and their descendants.”
Jonathan Cord spoke. “I’m the founder of Karos Food Production company. I’m here to look at ways to protect the environment. I don’t like name calling. We have a problem, and we need to perform a meticulous and thorough analysis. I want solutions, not blame.”
Gianna Hailworth spoke up. “My Hollywood career has brought me so much. I need to give back. I’m here on behalf of a large group of entertainers who have banded together to help save the planet before its demise is inevitable. All have been to Hawaii over the years, and they see it changing from a place of gorgeous flora and fauna to ugly concrete jungles. The islands are dying. We must help them survive. We seek a positive philosophy to guide us to do the right thing. You can count on us for support for these islands—and hopefully, the globe.”
Ray Pilavio spoke, “I’m a practical man, a doer. I don’t like the philosophy lectures. My wife encouraged me to start up a philanthropical organization. I’ve got terminal cancer and have only about one good year left with chemotherapy. Every morning I get up, look in the mirror, and ask myself what I’m going to do with the days I have left. One day at a time. I want to conserve my energy to do good and leave a worthy legacy. Facing a death sentence makes a person think about how to spend his time and money.”
Howard Hexter said, “Ray, my god. I am so sorry to hear this. You have always been a great guy. Everyone should live that way—one day at a time. I...none of us...know when our last day will come. Every moment is precious for all of us and for Hawaii. I’ve spent a great deal of time in this paradise. I get sick at the thought of anyone owning it and not treating it with respect.”
Cassie peered into the audience as more members introduced themselves. She felt her anger and resentment building. How did these people become so fabulously wealthy? The economic privilege in front of her was the epitome of unimaginable advantage. Why were these people so special? How did they luck out? Life was not fair. For one moment Cassie actually considered that karma might be real and it was possible that reincarnation could explain a person’s life position. Intuitively, it made sense but she stomped out the thought. She glanced at Norah.
Norah wondered along the same lines. Why them? How did they get to be so damned privileged? What was the difference between these super-rich people and impoverished people? These fat cats could do anything they wanted any time they wanted. The sky’s the limit. And what made the poor so poor? Why did these ordinary looking people luck out? Why them? How could such dire differences in life’s narrative come about? How come she had not lucked out? And in gaining their power and riches, how many beings had they and their ancestors hurt? Had they even noticed? How much impact had their self-absorption had on the planet’s problems now? She surprised herself with her strong antipathy toward the group.
As Antonio ran the group, he held a much different attitude from Norah and Cassie. He felt a surge of respect for his colleagues. “I admire both your expertise and your strong moral stance,” he told them. “We invited you here because you’ve shown respect for all of humanity. You’ve shared the fruits of your success with others. You want to take responsibility for saving the planet for future generations. Not to overgeneralize, but we see a bipolar view of the world emerging—selfish individualism versus compassion and altruism. It boils down to relationships among human beings. Does our incredible wealth give us a staggering responsibility to take the lead in the upkeep of Earth, our home?”
Morona piped up, “Right on target, Tony. All life on this planet is interdependent. Having a common goal, saving the planet, could bring the world together.”
“Thanks, Barry,” replied Antonio. “I think our first task is to agree on our basic philosophy. Bear with me and don’t be insulted. Let’s begin with some simple but significant questions. To whom does the Earth belong? Who owns the air, the fresh water and the oceans, the soil? Who can use them and for what? Should any one person or group own what is essential for all life? As the human population grows, the availability of Earth’s resources shrink. Those who take over a disproportionate share of resources threaten the survival of others. How can the Earth’s resources best be saved and shared fairly?”
Barry Morona interrupted Antonio. “Before we get to work, what is that? He pointed to an empty chair positioned in front of the group. Is it a prop for something? Inquiring minds want to know.”
“Ah...I was waiting for someone to ask. Your timing is perfect,” Antonio answered, with a twinkle in his eye. “This empty chair is a symbol of our opponents who are not at this meeting. They are in a group with the opposite of our values. I’m talking about entrepreneurs like Dudley Shamus. Dudley, whose opinions are well known to all of us, is the poster child for this greedy group. Alicia and I took a shot at converting him, but, as you can imagine, we weren’t up to the task.” There were only polite smiles instead of the knowing laughter that would have been expected if Dudley were not fighting for his life.
“As most of you know, Dudley’s plane crashed on the way to his private island, Nalani, and he’s been recovering in a Honolulu hospital.” Antonio paused. “Actually, the timing of the accident was freaky. His aircraft hit the water right off of Nalani. Alicia and I were in our plane headed to Big K when we heard the Mayday. So we changed course, landed on Nalani, and picked up Dudley, and hurried him to the Oahu Hospital. We’re all pulling for him to make it. He suffered some awful burns.
“The name of Dudley’s organization,” continued Antonio, “The Supreme Individuals, says it all. Its members are the powerful and wealthy who want rampant individualism to dominate our world. The Dudleys want entrepreneurial heroes like themselves to rule the planet. Their mantra: individualism is more than good; it is God. They believe in the religion of absolute selfishness. How do we persuade these people to be kind? While their leader may be a lost cause, there are mini-Dudleys who might be more amenable to facts.”
Olivia Spears added, “I’ve known Dudley since he was a selfish, spoiled little rich boy. His mom should have spanked him more. When he was an adolescent, he fell in love with Ayn Rand. He spouted her ridiculous philosophy. It fit his character, and he turned into an adult sociopathic narcissist. He’s at the zenith of bad human relations. He thinks we live in a vacuum. He doesn’t appreciate that we’re social animals.”
Gianna Hailworth spoke up. “I know a little bit about the Supreme Individuals. They tried to recruit me.” She giggled. “Obviously, they hadn’t done their homework. They touted digitalization as a way to control the world. Right then and there I was alarmed. They wanted to divide, not unite, people. And they asked for big bucks for membership, by the way. Since then I’ve been quietly fighting them.”
“The rich, powerful, corrupt, ignorant, and greedy individualists who see no merit in helping others,” Antonio picked up, “are proud to be part of the ‘me’ group, the ego-touting crowd. We’re going to get a lot of pushback from them. We invited some corporate types here today who sneered at us when we brought up the idea of saving the planet.”
Jorge responded, “Good questions. Land ownership is getting out of hand. Egad, people are already staking claims on extraterrestrial real estate, claiming mineral rights on Mars and the moon. How far can greed extend?”
“Greediness is an admirable trait to some,” remarked Marin Hillbore. “It’s not seen as greed but as a deserved reward for successful efforts and genius.”
Jonathan Cord added, “I agree. But remember, there are many different people who own land with different levels of belief, motivation, and involvement. Everyone should not be lumped together. No fuzzy thinking here, please.”
Antonio commented, “For sure. And here’s a second big question: Who is responsible for the health of the planet? Who, if anyone, should act as stewards of the land? Hopefully, we can agree that all humans recognize their share of stewardship.”
Jorge agreed. “The benefits of bridging that digital divide are great. Equal access to these goodies is important. My company made sure that Hawaiians had the best broadband connectivity in the world. I’m a lover of Hawaii. My workers adored working here. And let me compliment Antonio and Alicia for orchestrating a meeting in the best place in the world and bringing us the best chef in the world.” There was general applause.
Antonio took Jorge’s comment as a lead-in. “Poor Hawaii has been through it all. Its story is earthly tragedy. First, European explorers unsettled its health and culture, then epidemics broke out, annihilating thousands. The missionaries who came to ‘do good’ and convert heathens to Christians built families. Their sons turned out to be spoiled brats who turned Hawaii into their cash cow. Instead of doing good, these descendants did well financially. Not only did they steal the Kingdom, but they also eviscerated Hawaiian culture.
“As time went on, a steady stream of entrepreneurs built hotels, golf courses. Commercial agriculture flourished with the planting of foreign crops that abandoned āina. These moguls made themselves rich no matter the consequences. They raped Mother Earth for their own selfish greed. Take pineapples. Most people think pineapples are native to Hawaii. Nope, the growers were really foreigners on the dole in Hawaii.” Antonio smiled slyly. “Sorry about the pun. Anyway, these moguls spread ecological imbalance like a cancer. In the name of progress, meaning profit, they’re erasing knowledge about how humans and nature can be in harmony.
“Life-loving Hawaiians were no match for these ruthless plunderers, who showed not one iota of guilt. Hawaiians have been pawns in a sick chess game—like the little guy everywhere. This story is repeated all over the planet. What if there comes a time when there are no trees, or plants, or oceans because of destruction caused by avarice—and our apathy? The catastrophes are speeding up. The ocean’s chemistry seems to be going backward.[32] We can’t act like Nero, fiddling while the Earth burns. I came across a scripture passage, Leviticus 25:23, that those Missionary Boys should have read: ‘The land, moreover, shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine: for you are but aliens and sojourners with Me.’ The clash is more than ideological. With over seven billion people living on the planet, who decides who lives, who dies, who lives well, and who barely ekes out an existence?”
Howard Hexter followed up with, “Hawaii used to support around a million people and had a light ecological footprint. They knew how to treat the water. If we can find the political will, Hawaii can be reborn. We can convince the doubters by example.”
“Our thinking exactly. Tomorrow we meet with the kahuna, wise Hawaiian elders,” said Antonio. “We need their guidance.”
Jonathan Cord said, “I’m in. But let’s fine-tune our reasoning. Black-and-white thinking goes nowhere. It is not a simple good guys versus the bad guys. Everyone is not a Dudley. Different people have different levels of belief, motivation, and involvement.”
“Good point, Jon. Let’s find shades of gray,” echoed Alicia.
Jorge Stotter chimed in, looking perplexed. “Antonio, you’re pretty young to be as discerning as you are. You have a balanced perspective. You’ve got the guts to take the lead to try to distribute wealth and resources more fairly, which should get you thrown out of most wealthy circles. You seem so connected to nature as well. I believe in ‘old souls.’ Are you one of them?”
Antonio and Alicia exchanged knowing glances. Antonio broke into a big but rather sheepish smile. “Funny you ask this, Jorge. I know my answer will surprise you and everyone here—and may probably make most of you feel uncomfortable. You may even change your opinion of me.” Antonio took a deep breath. “But here goes. I believe I have lived in Hawaii. I migrated here from America as a young man, found the love of my life, married, worked, participated in its politics—and died here.”
The room fell silent. Spears finally broke the ice. She laughed uneasily. “How does that work? Did you resurrect yourself?”
“I did these things in a previous life. Today I’m Antonio, but in my prior life, I was Mark—Maleko. I’ll fill you in and let you decide what you believe. Since I was a child, vivid memories of a previous life have popped into my head. When I told my mother, she shook her finger at me, beat me, and forbade me to speak about them. I was afraid, so I tried to push the memories out of my consciousness. The more I tried to forget, the more I dreamed about these memories. I was so afraid my mother would beat me again and that others would think I was crazy, so I never spoke about my experiences. Last year when I attended Norah and Cassie’s workshop on personality, the floodgates opened. By that time, I had found the love of my life, Alicia. She helped me to process this experience, which gave me the courage to come out, so to speak. I asked Norah and Cassie to research my experience. They were able to verify many of the details I recounted. They became experts on the history of Hawaii and the time in which I believe I lived, which was during the overthrow of the monarchy. What I claim to have experienced and what actually happened connects the dots.”
Antonio had everyone’s attention and noted a number of questioning eyes focused on him.
“I know this all must sound wacko. I have no answers. But I’m convinced that I’m here today to help right some of our past misdeeds in Hawaii. The only people who know my story are in this room. But I’m willing to make my tale public if it will benefit others. I’m hoping you will help me,” Antonio pointed to his assembled colleagues, “...help me decide if and when the time is right to do that.”
As Antonio spoke, Norah observed the reactions in the room. Most kept a straight face. Cassie sat motionless and stared at the floor.
“Please, give me feedback. Feel free to say anything,” said Antonio. “Tell me I’m a lunatic. I can honestly say that I do believe I had a past life. This conviction has freed me in many ways. I know that I’m not the center of the universe, that I’m part of a larger plan. I realize that I—indeed that all of us—have special connections and kuleana. I value kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. And I must share what I have to help others.”
Dunn spoke up, “Interesting. I give you credit for following through and for telling us about this personal experience. Though it’s pretty out there.”
Bloomer asked, “Antonio, do you think you’re delusional?”
Antonio laughed. “Aren’t we all? We can talk in depth if you—or anyone else—would like to do that later.”
Interjected Jorge, “As for me, I don’t believe the idea of reincarnation is so odd. Perhaps energy from a life force hangs around after we die. Who knows? We come across a lot of things we can’t explain. It’s common for people to say things like ‘I just met my soulmate,’ recognizing instantly that someone is special to them, even though they can’t explain why they feel so strongly toward a stranger. I’ve read that—like you, Antonio—a lot of people believe in some form of reincarnation but don’t like to talk about it for fear they’ll be called crazy.”
“Thanks,” said Antonio. “Exploring my story has convinced me that rebirth is possible. What we are today is an accumulation of past experiences from prior lives. Researchers have collected more than 2,500 documented cases of children who claim to have lived before. I don’t have iron-clad proof, but I’m moved by this possibility.”[33]
Barry Morona piped up, “Well, I don’t know about reincarnation, but I do know that you’re a smart guy. And a fairly sane one as well. But what good is it to you to believe this? How will this help?”
“I’m not sure,” Antonio carefully phrased his words. “But I believe that if I tell my story, and we can show that I had a previous life, it may help me live more meaningfully. Nobody knows what happens after we die, but we all think about it in the back of our minds. Maybe my memories of another life might help me and others understand some of life—and death’s—mysteries.”
“Okay. If it helps you, it doesn’t faze me one bit if you believe in this.”
“Thanks, Barry,” said Antonio. “That means a lot.”
Howard Hexter chuckled, “I agree. No crazier than some religions.”
Said Ron Roper, “Lots of other cultures believe in reincarnation. Who knows? It might be possible. I’d like to believe it. Maybe it’s how we evolve.”
Ray Pilavio spoke, “Actually, I have to be honest. I do think a little less of you. What you’re saying is nothing short of crazy. But I’ll put it aside and reserve judgment for the time being. You are smart enough to run your profitable business. I’ll give you a chance.”
“That’s all I ask,” said Antonio.
Martina Scarlet commented, “Makes no difference to me. I’m confident in the man you are now.”
Olivia Spears chipped in, “I like this idea. My work with Mother Teresa made me feel like we knew each other before. I ask myself; how did I get to be so rich and privileged while others are starving? Maybe my karma comes from a previous life? I’d like to know more about the research you’ve discussed. My mind is open.”
Antonio breathed a sigh of relief. “I don’t want my personal experience to detract from our shared mission. It seems the buck may stop here, with us. So, let’s move on. Tomorrow we’ll visit and study a rebuilt ancient Hawaiian living area called an ahupua’a. It’s based on Hawaiians’ bond with the Earth and the Lokahi triangle—the synergistic relationship of spirit, nature, and humanity.[34]
“While in the ahupua’a, we’ll meet with Hawaiian elders. Let’s see if they hold the key to the wisdom of their indigenous ancient culture. The buses will be out front at 8:30 a.m. Meanwhile, thank you all for being here, my friends.” Antonio smiled and waded into the group to shake hands and chat.