*After listening to Kumu Umi’s presentation, what do you think our kuleana as Hawaiians is?

*What do you think is your personal kuleana now and in your future?

*Do you have any questions? (optional)

Creating Sustainable Communities captures the mind through imagining the world that could be if we all make sustainable choices. We are introduced to the abstract concept of sustainability through the eyes of The Lorax by Dr. Suess. The Lorax teaches students the importance of revisiting children’s literature, which often holds deeper, more complex meaning as one grows older. The fable is about how the destructive “Onceler” ignored the warnings of the Lorax and destroyed the truffala trees to manufacture “thneeds.” When all the natural resources were used up, the Lorax gives this message: “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better.”

Humans and animals are dependent upon plant life for things such as food, clean air, water, etc., and that it is important to replace what we take from the environment when possible. We must learn about the harmful effects that man’s greed and carelessness has on our precious environment. Unless we take responsibility and care for the environment, it will not always be around.

Discuss how resources will eventually run out if they are constantly abused.

How do we as guardians and leaders of our ‘aina create a sustainable future?

*What things did you learn from Mr. Hannah’s presentation that left a lasting impression?

*After listening to Mr. Hannahs’s presentation, what do you think our kuleana as Hawaiians is?

*What do you think is your personal kuleana now and in your future?

*Do you have any questions? (optional)

Around AD 500, Hawai‘i was settled by the Polynesians and around AD 1000 Aotearoa (New Zealand) was settled as well. The migration of the Polynesians is impressive considering that the islands settled by them are spread out over great distances—the Pacific Ocean covers nearly a half of the Earth’s surface area.

Today, Dr. Kepa discussed many interesting topics with our classes, focusing on knowledge systems of the Pacific Islands. What stood out for you in his talk? (For example, Capt. Cook, Tahitian wayfinders, mo‘olelo, Polynesian voyaging, etc.)

How will learning what you did today influence your thoughts about legends and traditional knowledge? How can you apply this knowledge to your life?

Unlike many people who believe that this is a terrible time to live because of the Global Warming crisis, I, on the other hand, believe this is an exciting time to be alive. We are in a period of time when we have a great opportunity to change and redesign the world in a loving and sustainable way. I would like future generations to look back on us now and say we were the finest and noblest of all generations—the generation that made this world an extraordinary place to live and thrive.

We have the technology to be able to cut our impact on our Earth by 90% quickly and efficiently creating an environment that is more sustainable to living things. What is stopping us from doing this?

A man in the video mentions that “things are thieves of time?” What do you think this means? Explain.

What can indigenous peoples of the world teach our world concerning our interactions with the environment and with each other?

How can we use our understanding of science and technology along with our understanding of culture and how culture changes to create a society that will interact with science and the world around us in a sustainable fashion?

What new jobs and opportunities do you think will be created in the future to create a sustainable and just world?

Humankind’s 11th hour is here: the last moment when we can change course and stop our rush toward global ecological collapse. This is the theme of the documentary we watched today. We watched astonishing images of floods, fires, hurricanes, collapsing ice cliffs and growing mountains of waste.

What were your thoughts and feelings watching 11th hour?

Do you think the near future will be mankind’s darkest hour or will it be mankind’s finest?

What can the world do to create a sustainable future for humankind?

What can you do personally to affect positive change for our planet?

If you’ve traveled around this world of ours – in continental Europe, in South America, in many parts of Asia – you have noticed that many of the world’s citizens speak two languages, and some speak three or more. In fact, there are more multilingual people in the world than monolingual.

Monolingual Americans – and if you are American you are likely monolingual – invariably feel a twinge of shame about this. In Germany or Singapore, Moscow or Rio, folks switch from their language to ours because it’s understood us backward Americans can’t switch from ours to theirs.

Rationale for learning another language.

Development of a global attitude-During their elementary school years, children are open to ideas of global understanding. Study of a foreign language and culture can serve as an important vehicle by which to expand their intercultural views.

Enhancement of cognitive skills-Cognitive development takes place when a child is faced with an idea or experience that does not fit his or her realm of understanding. The cognitive conflict becomes the catalyst for new thinking. Children who learn a foreign language are more flexible and creative, and they reach high levels of cognitive development at an earlier age than their monolingual peers.

Enhancement of communication skills-The study of foreign languages has also been shown to have positive effects on memory and listening skills.

Personal Benefits-Individuals who study foreign languages and cultures help themselves toward international and intercultural communication. They expose themselves to a global perspective, and enhance their career potential in the ever growing arena of international trade and cross-cultural professional exchange.

Why do you think it is important and beneficial to learn another language?

What language do you want to learn and why?

La‘au Point on Moloka‘i is an area historically used by native residents for subsistence—gathering and hunting. Moloka‘i Properties intended to build 200 homes over 800 acres on La ‘au Point. In return, Moloka‘i Properties has offered to put 55,000 acres into a community land trust. Water is scarce on the land, and Moloka‘i Properties already owns a resort on the dry west side that they have let fall into neglect.

Development (jobs) versus Hawaiian identity?

Did the people of Moloka’i make the right choice protesting against development?

What would you do if you were a leader of the Moloka’i community?

How do different groups of people view land and how do their views shape their leadership and society?

How is the control of land essential/important to people?

How is knowledge of history important for making and guiding future decisions regarding land use?