Embedded Files
Next meeting: Thurs, Nov. 20 at 5:00 p.m. Queen Emma Summer Palace - ALL WELCOME
Announcements
Planning Today for Tomorrow: Securing What Matters Most
Because Your Legacy Matters.
Join us for our next ‘Auwai Meeting
Thursday, November 20
5:00 p.m.
Queen Emma Summer Palace
Featured Speaker:
John Van Atta, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Attorney
Reese & Van Atta, Honolulu
Our ‘auwai is more than a stream—it’s a living connection to the past, present, and future. It carries not only water, but also the stories, work, and kuleana of those who care for it.
Join us for our upcoming ‘Auwai Meeting as we explore how planning for the future protects the people and places we love.
We’ll welcome John Van Atta, an estate planning, probate, and trust attorney with Reese & Van Atta in Honolulu. With over 15 years of experience, John helps families and communities prepare for the future through wills, living trusts, and thoughtful estate planning.
His presentation will guide us in understanding how our personal legacy and legal planning intersect with our shared kuleana to the ‘auwai—ensuring that care, access, and responsibility are clearly passed on to the next generation.
Together, we’ll discuss:
How to understand your will and its role in caring for shared resources
How to ensure your wishes and responsibilities for the ‘auwai are honored
How estate planning can strengthen families and preserve cultural stewardship
This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and plan with intention—because what we protect today sustains the ‘auwai for tomorrow.
July 2025 Community Potluck
July 2025 Community Potluck
The Hui Mālama 'Auwai O Nu'uanu had a wonderful time coming together to share stories, tour the McKenney property, and meet new members of our 'auwai committee as well as remember the life and legacy of our founder Lynn Lalakea. Special thanks to Lynn's granddaughter Puanani for hosting!
From left to right: Puanani Lalakea (Daughter), Lynn Lalakea (Founder), and Lisa Wong (Current Coordinator)
In Loving Memory of
In Loving Memory of
Lynn Lalakea
Lynn Lalakea
October 31, 1932 - February 24, 2025
October 31, 1932 - February 24, 2025
Lynn (Carolyn) Lalakea passed away peacefully in her home on Dowsett Avenue. She was a beloved friend, neighbor, and community pillar. Lynn and her late husband Tom shared a lifelong commitment to preserving the history, culture, and legacy of the Nuʻuanu ʻauwai. Together, they founded Hui Mālama 'Auwai O Nu'uanu. Her quiet strength and deep aloha left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
E mālama ʻoe i ka ʻāina, e mālama ka ʻāina ia ʻoe.
Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.
MISSION
MISSION
Our mission is to protect and preserve our Native Hawaiian water systems in Nu'uanu Valley, O'ahu through community education, collaboration, and advocacy efforts.
What is an 'auwai?
An 'auwai is a traditional Hawaiian irrigation system used to divert water from streams to lo'i kalo (taro patches) and other agricultural areas. These systems were carefully designed to distribute water fairly among farmers while maintaining a sustainable balance with the natural ecosystem. In traditional Hawaiian society, the management of the 'auwai was a communal responsibility ensuring that water use supported both agriculture and the health of the watershed.
To sign up for our monthly newsletter and receive assistance with repairing your 'auwai, please CLICK here.
CONTACT
CONTACT
Email: NuuanuAuwai@gmail.com
For a complete directory of organizations and volunteers in the community who you can reach out to for help, please click here.
Last Update: August 31, 2025
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse