Focusing on Service and Team Building at Ulupō Heiau

Written by Sienna Kim, photos by Jada Santos, and video by Bernard Nunies 

On Aug. 14, the Admissions and Marketing team gathered at Ulupō Heiau State Historic Site to become the first department to take advantage of Human Resources’ new initiative focused on community service and team building. This program is not only a great way to build camaraderie, but also serves HPU’s higher purpose of giving back to the land and community we are so fortunate to be a part of.

The program was coordinated by Kupuna-in-Residence Lynette Cruz, Ph.D., Human Resources Director Bernard Nunies, and was led by conservation biologist Kaleo Wong who led team members in reciting an Oli Komo (entrance chant), educated the group about the Kawainui Marsh area, and showed them how to clean and uproot the taro so that it could be replanted.

Overall, the experience was insightful for both those familiar with Hawaiian culture and those experiencing and learning about its rich heritage for the first time. Beyond being educational, the experience allowed the departments to reconnect as a team while befitting the community.

It is an experience all departments would benefit from experiencing! 

Highlight video here.

The Loi Experience is available as a community service and team building event for all departments and colleges at HPU.  Those interested should contact Bernard Nunies in the Office of Human Resources for more information.