Can voyaging inspire positive change?
Using your voice to make ripples
Aloha Mai Ethnomads, Kapena Keili here,
Some classic updates:
Chris and I have been busy as ever! I had my first few days in the field as an Environmental scientist (in depth updates to come) and Chris has been chipping away at one of his biggest mural jobs in Chinatown!
We also were able to surf beautiful Makaha for the 48th annual Buffalo Big Board Contest. We made it through to the second round in Tandem division! Hana took it away, getting 3rd in Open Womens overall!
Another random fun update and event for you to put in your calendar = my halau’s fundraiser for Merrie Monarch!! YOU WILL NAHT WANNA MISS IT, trust. There will be many local superstars playing Hawaiian melodies.
GET The Halau discount with code TUAHINE40
(**We only get a % of the sale if you use the discount code, plus it makes the tix $40!!)
Now, Lets Dive Right On In
Today, we find ourselves surrounded by absolute chaos. I just came across a quote on my friend Maria Lujan’s page (she just started a Substack—go check it out!) that said, “If you aren’t pessimistic right now, you’re delusional.” Honestly, that hits.
Maybe, as environmentalists, we tend to sound dramatic—but I’d bet that if our forests or coral reefs could speak, they’d be a hell of a lot louder than we are.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about—I envy you. If you’d rather stay in blissful ignorance or just don’t feel like diving into this political mess, feel free to skip ahead…
The National Park Service (NPS) laid off around 1,000 employees on February 14—just weeks before the busy season in many of the country’s 63 national parks. These layoffs, targeting probationary workers, are part of a broader effort by President Trump and adviser Elon Musk to downsize the federal workforce (NPR, 2025). This is happening in an agency that is already understaffed. But after public backlash, he backtracked, reopening 7,000+ previously “federally frozen” seasonal jobs. Let’s hope they can fill those temp positions before peak season… As an environmental professional, I can’t help but wonder—what’s next on the chopping block?
Trump is pushing to open up our oceans for offshore drilling—despite the fact that it is, yes, ILLEGAL. The good news? Surfrider Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, arguing that allowing drilling would overturn dozens of executive actions from the Biden era, including protections against oil and gas development in the Eastern Gulf, Atlantic, Pacific, and Alaskan waters (The Surfer Magazine, 2025).
And there’s more… but I digress.
Skip past the Politics
In the midst of all this madness, I find myself off-center—constantly questioning my impact, my time, and my purpose. What’s the point? What will this actually accomplish? These questions are always in the back of my mind, but today, they feel more urgent. How do we make sure that tomorrow is better? Even just a little better? Because, truth be told, that’s all I can hope to accomplish.
I keep coming back to the idea that the best way to combat these challenges—these divisions—is through genuine connection, storytelling, and pure love. Why? To some in the professional world, these might seem like soft, even childish solutions. But marketers already know their power. The key is trust—and when trust is built, the brain releases oxytocin, a chemical that literally makes people more generous, empathetic, and better humans (Forbes, 2017). I could do a whole post on oxytocin, but in short, it’s why we connect with protagonists in stories. It’s why we care. It drives prosocial, empathic behavior.
Yet, in today’s world, genuine stories and deep human connections feel harder to come by—and more invaluable than ever. When I think of ways to unite people, my mind drifts to the vast oceans that connect us all, the highways of our ancestors. Could voyaging be the silver lining? The holy grail?
I believe so. Voyaging is one of the most profound ways we can connect with others and deepen our stewardship of the earth. While there are many ways to fulfill our civic duties—submitting testimony, conducting research, and engaging in community service, to name a few—voyaging carries a unique power.
As a species, we are evolving to recognize the importance of our emotions—the true instigators of change, for better or worse. If we can master the architecture of storytelling and evoke the emotions necessary to catalyze social movements, that is far more impactful than any action confined to paper. Why? Because emotions drive real moments, inspire leaders, and spark transformation.
Everything we do—whether it’s working, volunteering, or donating to our church—stems from a deep sense of care. We act because we love our families, our communities, and our faith. To create lasting change, we must cultivate these feelings of belonging and gratitude. And what better way to share that sense of connection than through voyaging—or whatever passion calls you to contribute?
PSA: HAWAII NEEDS YOUUUU!
If you live in Hawaiʻi, love visiting, or simply care about these islands and want to keep them Hawaiʻi, now is the time to take action! These bills directly impact the future of our land, ocean, and community—please support (or oppose) them accordingly.
How to Submit Testimony in Minutes:
1️⃣ Go to this website & create an account.
2️⃣ Check your email to confirm your account, then log in.
3️⃣ Use the search bar to find these bills and submit your testimony!
Key Bills to Support or Oppose:
✅ SB1396 – SUPPORT: Establishes a visitor fee to fund local green jobs.
✅ HB504 – SUPPORT: Provides grant funding for local mālama ʻāina efforts.
✅ SB1120 – SUPPORT: Advances clean fuel initiatives in Hawaiʻi.
❌ HB1318 – OPPOSE: Protects Hawaiian land from being sold out of Kanaka Maoli hands.
✅ HB86 – SUPPORT: Creates jobs to protect our nearshore waters (makai).
✅ HB348 – SUPPORT: Bans single-use plastics in hotel rooms.
Bonus Steps – Go the Extra Mile!
📍 Find your legislator on the same website using your zip code.
📩 Email or call them to express your opinion on these bills—let them know what the people want!
💡 Need help? Have questions? Message us—we’ll walk you through it!
Even if just one of these bills resonates with you, I encourage you to take 30 seconds to submit testimony. It truly makes a difference! If you know of other bills that need support, drop them in the comments!
A hui hou,
Keʻili
P.S. If this post feels pushy or political—E kala mai! But in my defense….. I told you to skip it….. <3 Love you all!
Dedicated to those who use their gifts to create the world they love. As always, this post is for my mother, who taught me to share my passions—surfing, dancing, and standing up for what matters. Mahalo to everyone supporting ʻAʻĀ and her mission!