This is another aerial view of Kaho'olawe Island.  My untold stories happened on this island

Tribute to the Guardians of Kaho‘olawe

For seven unforgettable years, I had the privilege of working on Kaho‘olawe — a place scarred by history yet resilient in spirit. It was more than a job; it was a calling. Each day, I stood shoulder to shoulder with men and women whose dedication to the healing of this sacred island deserves the highest honor — a resounding Bravo Zulu.

These individuals were not just workers. They were warriors of restoration, stewards of culture, and protectors of legacy. Every weekday, without fail, they boarded a Sikorsky helicopter on Maui and flew across the channel to Kaho‘olawe. The journey itself was a symbol of commitment — a daily pilgrimage to a land that had been wounded but not forgotten.

On the island, the work was grueling. The sun was relentless, the terrain unforgiving, and the tasks often dangerous. Yet, the spirit of the team never faltered. From clearing unexploded ordnance to planting native flora, every action was a step toward renewal. We weren’t just restoring land — we were restoring hope, dignity, and connection.

The ocean whispered its gratitude. And through it all, we grew — as individuals, as a team, and as part of something far greater than ourselves.

To those who gave their time, their sweat, and their hearts to Kaho‘olawe: your legacy lives in every leaf, every stone, every breeze that dances across the island. You are the guardians of healing, and your work will echo for generations.

Mahalo nui loa. Bravo Zulu.

1983 Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team on Kaho'olawe Island searching for unexploded bombs and projectiles.