Keeper of the Bay

https://www.dearocean.org/keeper-of-the-bay

A STORY OF CARING FOR KAHALUʻU

Cindi Punihaole

Here, the Reef Heroes project shares the story of a native Hawaiian's struggle to continue her family’s place-keeping heritage in the face of profound cultural change and human environmental stressors. Growing up following in the footsteps of her kūpuna (ancestors), Cindi Punihaole learned to live in harmony with nature. Now, she listens to the cries for help from the land and seeks to heal it.

As outside development, industrialization, and tourism have risen, Cindi has seen the islands’ ecological health decline and bears witness to native species’ struggle to survive. For years, she’s observed the physical manifestations of a societal shift from protection to exploitation. And for years, she’s fought to reverse this.

Cindi embodies the bay she protects. Gentle and inviting on the surface; brimming with life and spirit and generations of Hawaiian wisdom within. She is soft spoken but powerful; patient though tenacious; understated yet strong. Her slight figure is offset by her striking black hair and directly intelligent brown eyes. Full of aloha and quiet determination, Cindi Punihaole is a true “keeper” of the land.