HR286

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	286
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

WHEREAS, Eddie Pu is a humble and compassionate individual, an outstanding Hawaiian elder whose reputation as a spiritual and cultural leader is widely known on the island of Maui; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Pu knows the importance of the aina, the land, where he has spent every working day of his life, first as a lifeguard at a beach in Hana, Maui, then as one of the first park rangers of Oheo Gulch, a series of pools and falls that now form a part of Haleakala National Park; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Pu has shared a deep love of the land with thousands of residence and visitors and has even saved many lives, including those of the Saudi ambassador and his wife and son, who experienced trouble at Oheo Gulch and were swept out to sea; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Pu reconnects to the life and energy of the land and his Native Hawaiian ancestors by annually walking the one hundred fifty mile Pi'ilani trail, an ancient trail that encircled the island of Maui and connected villages and heiau scattered on Maui's coastal areas; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Pu's spiritual trek, which takes him several weeks to complete, has raised awareness of the Pi'ilani Trail's native and endemic plants, archeological sites, artifacts, and burial sites that need to be preserved for the public and future generations; and

WHEREAS, through his words, actions, and lifestyle, Eddie Pu serves as an excellent role model for the people of Hawaii; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representative of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, that this body hereby recognizes and honors Eddie Pu for his contributions, efforts, and achievements in perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture and traditions and wishes him continued success in all his future endeavors.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Recognizing and honoring Eddie Pu for his dedication to perpetuating Hawaiian culture and traditions.