Hanau ka ‘Uku-ko‘ako‘a, hanau kana, he ‘Ako‘ako‘a, puka
Born was the coral polyp, born was the coral, came forth
— Kumulipo, a Hawaiian creation chant
Around the world, higher ocean temperatures are being recorded, posing a major risk to coral and other marine life. Events like marine heat waves can cause severe impacts on underwater ecosystems, including mass die-offs of animals, harmful algal blooms and seaweed destruction. Warm water also impacts fishing yields and the coastal communities that rely upon them.
The Kumulipo states that coral was one of the first forms of life on this Earth from which all other life sprang forth. Honoring our oceans and protecting the life nurtured by them from the threat of climate change is not only our duty, but also a privilege.
I call upon our elected officials to do all they can to reduce the emissions warming our oceans and our world.
Elena Arinaga
St. Louis Heights
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