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19th
Be a Hero for a Kalihiwai Family
This letter is from my friend Sandra about her partner, Keali’i, a native Hawaiian who’s family has been in Kauai for generations. Their property is in a beautiful little valley in Kauai called Kalihiwai. Their home is extremely modest, yet because of it’s location, is subject to enormous property tax. Keali’i is a school teacher and is living there with 3 generations of his family. I had the good fortune to visit in 2008 - what a treat it was. I’m so sad to say that they are at risk of losing their home now because they cannot afford the taxes they owe. This is a proud and self-reliant group… they are only reaching out now as a last resort. If you have a few extra dollars, please consider extending it to this beautiful Hawaiian family.
From Sandra…
Keali’i’s family has been in this valley for 6 generations - in fact, 3 generations are living here right now. Their bodies, hearts, and minds are so interconnected with this place, and they care for it so fully, that losing the land would be akin to losing a limb. Or two.
We are researching ways to deal with this OTHER than to continue playing this externally-imposed game. We are looking for legal paths to take that honor the sovereignty of the relationship between land and man. We are looking to remove this pressure, and remove it permanently.
And.
Because the pressure is so great, I am also reaching out to bring in the cash that would pay the bill.1,000 people donating $21 each would do it… and although it’s not the case for most of the Hawaiians I know, I also know that lots and lots of folks do have, as my Dad would say, plenty of 20-buckses around. So.
Here it comes… I can do this!!!
Iamaskingfor help.
Iamaskingfor help.
I am asking for your help.
(hold on now… I have to breathe)
Please know that anything you can do is appreciated. Sending a dollar, or forwarding this email, or offering a prayer or intention that the Holden home in Kalihiwai is FREE & CLEAR. Deleting this email with a laugh and a light heart because you know it’s all already done - even that! I still know the power of light heart - and of many light hearts joined in a single vision!
Now. The logistics.
If you are moved to participate in this particular story in the role of hero, here’s how you can do that. I’ve found a wonderful site that allows people to share financial resources easily and freely over the web. All you have to do is click here:
http://www.giveforward.org/KalihiwaiHeroes
Here’s part of what’s so pretty: if you like, when you send your gift, you have the opportunity to provide us your email address so that if and when this bill goes away, we can return your donation back to you. Please be sure to let us know! (Oh, yeah, and another pretty feature, just made for us gratitude junkies: even if you don’t provide us your contact information, we can still THANK YOU - it’s just anonymous on our side! Yeeee-hahahahahahhaaaaaaa!)
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