i was planning to go to Mauna Kea alone, but i heard some kids playing outside my house and thought to myself “omg, i should take my Grand Nephews!!” so just like that, they jumped into my world of being spontaneous. absolutely no planning, we just go to the Mauna! i carried Mateus in my arm, Noah was right behind, and my brother in the very last minute said “book me a ticket.” so just like that, we went to experience something everybody in the world should experience. 
it was my first time on the airplane with these kids. the loved it! 
jumped into a rent a car and headed straight up to Mauna Kea. we arrived at 11am which was right before 12 noon protocol. this is when they pray, chant, dance hula, and worship the gods. 
we went from hot summer to freezing cold and raining mountain. Mateus was prepared for anything. 
it was very powerful walking up to the place i watch on the news everyday. i’ve been following this very closely because i really care. but it was nothing like the tv, it was more real, it was more deep, and it was way more emotional. i could see and feel the tears of the people flowing…
the prayers were all in Hawaiian. i couldn’t understand, but i could feel the message. and when they started dancing hula, it was something different. i watched hula dances all my life, but this hula was real, tense, passionate, and very powerful. i had chicken skin the whole time. 
then the most famous actor in the world pulls up, Jason Momoa. he came with his family, kids, and friends to support Mauna Kea. 
it was very emotional as he gave his offerings to the Kupuna. it was stronger than any role he’s ever played in a movie, his tears were real… i can tell you this because i was front row and could feel the vibe… 
his words were “i’m sorry it took me so long to come. there’s one thing that’s not going to happen. that telescope’s not being built here. we ain’t leaving!” 
at first, i was hesitant to take these kids to the Mauna, but after 10 seconds of thinking about it, i thought “these kids are Hawaiian and they have to see what’s going on. they don’t have to be for or against it, they just have to see it for themselves. this is a very historic moment for Hawaii and Hawaiians. the outcome of this will shape the future for these kids and their generations that follow. this is something you just can’t learn in school. this is as real as it gets. i felt like it was my responsibility as an Uncle to take them there. and if my Mom ever finds out, she’ll kill me!
