Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) and related companies American Savings Bank, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiʻi Electric Light and Maui Electric has recently fueled the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) and their upcoming historic voyage with a five-year, $250,000 grant.
PVS canoes, Hokuleʻa and Hikianalia will navigate our Earth's oceans on a five-year, around the world journey. The $250,000 grant will support the voyage themed, Malama Honua (care for the Earth).
In a press release from the Polynesian Voyaging Society presented to the media on Wednesday, January 29, the PVS described the mission and purpose of the voyage while using modern power technology to bridge culture and tradition to a global audience.
HEI's grant will help to document the voyage and collect, interpret and share scientific and cultural data for a global audience. While Hokuleʻa is the traditionally navigated voyaging canoe using ancestral knowledge and signs of nature to navigate the ocean, Hikianalia is the ecologically friendly and high-tech support canoe powered by photovoltaic panels, electric motors and sails with satellite communications capability. The two vessels will bridge culture, tradition and indigenous knowledge with modern technology while they serve as platforms for exploration, communication and connection.
"We are proud to be a part of this extraordinary journey which will build relationships across the globe," said Connie Lau, HEI president and CEO. "We applaud PVS for their efforts to foster culture, education, exploration and sustainability as we share the same commitment to make Hawaiʻi and the world a better place for our children and generations to follow."
"We are grateful for the strong partnerships with individuals, businesses and organizations like Hawaiian Electric Industries who share our values and vision for the Worldwide Voyage," said Nainoa Thompson, PVS president. "HEI's contribution will help assure a sustainable future that honors the health and well-being of our islands, oceans, culture and people."
"Hokuleʻa's historic voyage reminds us of our host culture's courage and knowledge as well as our willingness to embrace the future," added Alan Oshima, president of HEI's Charitable Foundation. "We think the attention that will be given to the two canoes and their crews will inspire us to overcome challenges, hopefully inspiring new leaders. For these reasons, we are proud to support Malama Honua."
Photo courtesy of 'Oiwi TV
PVS has been awarded a five-year, $250,000 grant from Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) to support
Hokule'a. Standing left to right are: Jenna Ishii (PVS), Nainoa Thompson (PVS), Rich Wacker (American
Savings Bank), Connie Lau (HEI), Dick Rosenblum (Hawaiian Electric) and Clyde Namuo (PVS).
