May 3- Let the Learning Begin

There was a lot of preparation I needed to do if the field trip was going to be successful. I needed to gather my scientists and support group from the island. I needed cultural educators, and scientists.
My cultural educators came from the Waihe'e Land Trust itself, Denby Freeland-Cole. Denby has taught small armies of students and adults of all ages about the land that is Waihe'e and was an important part of the Hawai'i of old. May 3 was open and she granted me and my visitors the time needed to learn about that sacred place.

Next I needed scientists to share the knowledge of the environment. Skippy Hau is the absolute best environmental scientist our island has to offer. He not only knows about the science of Maui's fragile ecosystems, he is an environmental hero for helping preserve the fragile fauna that tries to maintain a presence in Maui's few remaining streams. Although he was born on Oahu, he quickly became an important scientist working on Maui for the state of Hawaii. He educates young and old alike about the treasures we have and urges all to get involved to save our unique and changing island/ocean ecosystems.
I also needed support people to help my students with digital technology, like GPS, and Vernier Probes. And although we were aiming for old school protocols, we wanted to include the new technology as an eventual goal for us both. Maui Digital Bus was being refitted for a new home on Molokai, and the new bus was not yet ready for use, so two fabulous Staffers (Ellen and John) came to help my students learn the various protocols that would allow us to compare Maui data with that of St. Paul in the Pribilofs.

With all that in order, next came the red tape of taking a field trip with the DOE. There were forms to fill out, permission slips to collect, a big white van to lease, lunches to order, equipment to secure, protocols to teach and establish. A huge helping hand came to me with Davilla Riddle, my friend and 8th grade teacher, who selected a small group of students to help with new protocols and provide another pair of adult eyes for the trip. Davilla is Yang to my Ying and vice versa. I love it that she can see what needs be done, and just says, I'll do it. She can see how she is needed and then follows through. For Davilla I will always be grateful :)

So with my little Mazda parked unhappily in the airport parking lot, and me large behind the wheel of a 12 person white whale, I bid my rental agency goodbye and pointed the van upcountry to where the adventure for the day had yet to begin. 5:30 am. This just might be a long day. But with the adrenalin pumping through my veins, three years of planning to get to this place, I was ready. I pushed my right foot to the gas pedal, and smiled. Giddy-up!