P I L I N A – association, relationship, connection, joining, fitting
* Embrace different perspectives from different schools of knowledge.
As indigenous researchers, our relationships to place, people and our ancestors are all intricately woven into our practice, understanding and interpretation of science. Because we work in an interdisciplinary environment, no one person has all the knowledge necessary to succeed. Insights come from many different places and perspectives. The knowledge we learn from stories, history and from working on the land are just as valuable as the knowledge we gain from text books and research articles. Embrace these aspects of the culture that we share, as well as your own culture, as important resources to elevate your experience and uderstandings of biology
* Working in a team is part of the research experience.
Research and restoration progress best in a collaborative team atmosphere. Throughout this journey you will be paired with other students, mentors and community members and we expect you all to help each other to achieve success.
* Ask for help when you need it
Don’t be afraid to ask for help; this is why most labs are composed of a diverse group of people. Nobody will criticize you for asking for help. All of us need help sometimes. Ask even the simple questions.
P O N O – balance, existence characterized by integrity and feeling everything is all right
& P O L O L E I – correct, accurate, precision, upright
* Academic Integrity:
Integrity in everything you do should be of paramount importance. Mistakes happen to even the best scientists, but if you are careful you will eventually catch mistakes. Faking data, sabotaging experiments, “cherry‐picking” data, or plagiarizing are inexcusable offenses in science. A scientist must be honest and objective or the whole process of sciences comes to a halt.
* Don’t be afraid to disagree.
Academia is all about a search for truth, and the thing is, faculty researchers do not always have the answers. Don’t think that if you disagree with your mentor that it is a bad thing. We would not be doing our job if you did not start the process of become independently‐ minded researchers. Feel free to ask questions and investigate things. Be curious. Push boundaries of knowledge. Don’t ever let someone’s credentials or positions threaten you to accept inadequate answers. Be respectful, but also be prepared to back up your positions.
P A H U H O P U – goal
* You get out what you put in.
Setting goals creates a long-term vision and provides short-term measurable goals to focus on each day. Goals provide the framework to organize your time, energy and focus each day. The benefits of setting goals include greater direction, greater focus, increased productivity, and higher levels of motivation. Setting goals that are specific and measurable can transform your habits, your mindset, your confidence, and your daily actions.
* Challenge yourself.
Taking on challenges is highly motivational as it allows us to develop our skills, flex our problem-solving muscles, and gain a deeper sense of personal achievement.
* Learning and excitement should be in abundance.
Your research experience is, first and foremost, a learning experience. Even if you do not do research for a career, the insights you learn, and your development of critical thinking will be invaluable for any career. This experience is not a “class” in the traditional sense, but we expect that you will learn a great deal. It is more important for you to learn than to “get results.” But realize that by getting results, either positively or negatively, you will learn a tremendous amount.
* Ka pahuhopu o Kawainui
This is a catchphrase that occurs throughout the mo’olelo (traditional story) of Makālei, the fish-attracting branch of Kawainui fishpond. This phrase reminds us that our research projects should help our communitiy partners return productivity to Kawainui and well-being to Kailua.
M Ā L A M A – to take care of, tend, attend, preserve, protect, maintain, serve, honor
As we learn in the mo ‘olelo of Makālei through the journey of a Kailua boy, his grandmother, and their Kailua chiefs, well-being can only be accomplished through the efforts of a community intent on care at every possible level: care for land, care for water, care for people, care for relationships, and care for legacy. Caring for a healthy Ulupō Nui is a first step on the way to caring for a healthy Kawainui, which in turn is the key to caring for a healthy Kailua.
* Malama ʻāina – care for the land
Land is not a commodity to be exploited, it is a relative that is respected and cared for and, who, in turn, cares for us. Mālama ʻāina expresses our kuleana (responsibility) to care for the land and to properly manage the resources and gifts it provides.
* Mālama kekahi i kekahi – take care of one another
You must treat our hosts, the environment, your lab mates, and all people in the program with respect. You must treat everyone the way you want to be treated, ensuring each others safety and supporting their successes. No insulting or gossiping will be tolerated. Jokes (in good taste please) are welcome, but any intentionally hurtful remarks are unacceptable behavior.
M A ʻ E M A ʻ E – clean, pure & M Ā L I E – calm, gentle, quiet
* Safety at all times.
Please pay attention to all safety and hazard issues in the laboratory and in the field, as you learned in the safety training. Use common sense. If you are not sure how to work something, don’t hesitate to ask. Nobody will insult you for being safe.
* Careful use of lab equipment.
Please respect the equipment in your labs. Everything you see was purchased with grant money that comes mostly from taxpayer dollars, and was built with considerable effort. Please treat lab equipment carefully, and learn how to use all devices you need in the lab.
M A I A U – industrious, skillful, expert, correct, careful, ready and correct in speaking
* Hard work and perseverance are most important.
Research is not easy, and more often leads to frustration than to happiness. But when things work in the lab there are few experiences that can compare to it! To be effective takes considerable commitment and discipline. Students that demonstrate a strong will and a “don’t give up attitude” have the best chance of success and the best research experiences that will likely shape them for the rest of their lives.