Kahu Kauila Haumea – A Story of Resilience and Inspiration

In the vibrant community of Hilo, Kauila Haumea stands as a beacon of resilience and cultural pride. Despite facing the challenges of isolation during the pandemic, Kauila’s spirit remained unyielded. His journey with Full Life, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, has been nothing short of transformative for those who support Kauila.

A Story of Resilience and Community Building

The pandemic posed significant challenges, isolating many, especially those with developmental disabilities. However, Kauila’s initiative to start a paddling club with the support of his Full Life Direct Support Professionals Ian Kow and Vince Zamora and other friends brought a renewed sense of purpose and connection. His collaboration with Sammy Sampaga of OSMD Hawai’i (Operation-Sammy-Muscular-Distrophy) led to the donation of three outrigger canoes and shared use of the Billy Kanoi Halau on Hilo Bayfront. Ohana Waa Laulima (the name of the canoe club) provides opportunities for inclusive paddling, allowing people with developmental disabilities and other disabilities to engage in cultural activities, improve physical health, and make new friends.

Today, Kauila and Full Life host twice-weekly paddling practices open to all. OSMD and Ohana Waa Laulima hold an annual canoe race on King Kamehameha Weekend for Awesome Athletes in partnership with the Arc of Hilo. The weekly practices have seen over 40 participants, fostering new friendships, encouraging physical activity, and celebrating Hawaiian culture. The Annual race hosts hundreds of paddlers and volunteers. This year the race will be held on June 2, 2024, at Hilo Bay Front from 10am to 4pm.

Ian Kow, a Direct Support Professional and ‘Ohana Wa’a Lau Lima paddling founder, describes Kauila as unwavering, inspiring, and passionate. “Kauila knows what he wants and does everything in his power to achieve it. Even when there are setbacks, Kauila always persists and finds a way to try new things, especially when it is difficult.” Ian admires Kauila’s empathy and his ability to inspire those around him. “Everything Kauila does inspires those around him and challenges everyone to do more than what they think is possible.”

Ian continues to share that “I have learned to really never give up when a challenge arises and to always look for different ways to approach how something is done. Kauila has really pushed me to learn more about adaptive technology and resources and all of the amazing support that is available. Most importantly, I have learned from Kauila to trust and have faith that great things will happen when you take a chance.”

Kauila Haumea’s journey with Full Life is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of cultural heritage. Kauila was born with a rare degenerative neurological condition. This condition has not limited Kauila’s ability to do the things he loves and to share his mana with others. His story is one of resilience, inclusion, and the unwavering spirit to overcome challenges and create meaningful connections.

Kauila’s favorite aspect of Full Life is the opportunity it provides to interact with the community. This engagement has been a cornerstone of his personal growth and fulfillment. Through Full Life, Kauila has not only found support but also discovered a platform to share his passion for Hawaiian culture and outrigger canoe paddling.

Lessons in Patience and Growth

One of the most valuable lessons Kauila has learned from Full Life and his Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) is the importance of patience, especially when training new support staff. This patience has been a vital part of his journey, helping him adapt and thrive in various circumstances.

An Interesting and Enlightening Journey

Kauila describes his experience with Full Life as an interesting journey and a significant learning curve. He believes that Full Life offers participants a chance to meet unique individuals with diverse interests and personalities, making it a community rich in experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

Founding Ohana Wa’a Laulima

Through Full Life, Kauila was able to establish his non-profit canoe club, Ohana Wa’a Laulima. The club emerged as a lifeline during the pandemic when traditional activities were curtailed. The cancellation of UH canoe paddling classes spurred Kauila and his friends to reconnect with the ocean by forming their own club. This initiative not only rekindled his connection to the sea but also fostered a sense of community and inclusion.

Becoming a KAHU

Kauila’s journey to becoming a KAHU (spiritual leader) is rooted in his family’s tradition of spiritual healing. Influenced by his extended family and his practice of Reiki, Kauila was ordained as a minister in 2007 through the International Assembly of Spiritual Healers and Earth Stewards Congregations. His spiritual journey has been marked by a deep connection to his heritage and a commitment to healing and energy work.

Blessings and Inspiration for Chanting Oli

Kauila supports his community through blessings. He is often sought after to share opening pule for events and ceremonies. Recently, Kauila provided the blessing for Full Life’s new Hilo Office. Interestingly, Kauila’s talent for chanting was not taught but inspired. When he chants, he lets the spirits speak through him, creating a profound and authentic expression of his cultural heritage.

Memorable Experiences

One of Kauila’s favorite memories with a Full Life DSP involves an adventurous birthday celebration where he went zip lining. This experience is a testament to his adventurous spirit and determination not to let anything slow him down.

Involvement in the Abled Hawaii Artist Festivals

Kauila was the first healing arts practitioner to participate in Hilo’s Abled Hawaii Artists (AHA) festival. His participation inspired the inclusion of other healing arts practitioners in the festival.

More Insights from Ian Kow

Ian Kow shares that paddling with Kauila has been a transformative experience. “Kauila’s passion has really pushed me to try many new activities. He has inspired every single person in the UH Recreational paddling class and in ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima, consistently demonstrating that there are no limits to what individuals with disabilities can accomplish.”

Kauila’s empathy stands out to Ian. “I was recently reminded how deeply empathetic Kauila is and his ability to understand when others are struggling is deeply admirable. Kauila is also very passionate in everything he does and finding new ways to unleash that passion will only help not only Kauila but everyone around him.”

Gratitude

Full Life and the entire Hawaii Island community is grateful for Kauila Haumea and all that he has taught us and shown us what is possible with vision and determination. Next time you see Kauila out in the community introduce yourself and it is likely you will have a new friend. Come to the 3rd Annual King Kamehameha’s Awesome Athletes Inclusive Canoe Race on Sunday June 2nd to talk storey with Kauila.