The deep sea is usually described as dark, cold, lifeless, and mysterious, but to Pacific Islanders, it is the complete opposite. The deep sea is where life began, mysteries unfold, and our ancestors reside.
In this changing world, the deep sea has become a point of interest for exploration, research, deep sea mining, protection of biodiversity, fisheries and much more. All these topics have brought voices from around the globe together to discuss how common ground can be achieved without jeopardizing the livelihood and cultural heritage of those who love and depend on the ocean the most. In this issue, you will dive into the perspectives of those who hold significant relationships with the deep and get a glimpse of the unique marine life below.

Nicole Yamase, PhD
Director of Impact, OneReef

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Kuhi mau ʻia ka moana kai hohonu i wahi pouli, anuanu, neoneo, a pohihihi, eia naʻe, no ka poʻe o nā moku Pākīpika, he ʻokoʻa leʻa ia. ʻO ka moana kai hohonu kahi i kupu ai ke ola, kahi e mōhala mai ai nā mea kupanaha, a ʻo ia kahi e noho ai nā kupuna kahiko.

I kēia ao loliloli, ua lilo ka moana kai hohonu i wahi hoihoi  loa no ka huli ʻana, ka noiʻi ʻana, ka ʻohi minelela, ke kahu ʻana i ka ʻokoʻa manamana o ke ola, nā koʻa lawaiʻa a nui hou aku. Ma muli o kēia mau kumuhana, hōʻākoakoa ʻia maila nā leo mai ʻō a ʻō a puni ka honua no ke kamaʻilio ʻana ma kēia mau kumuhana, e ʻimi ana i kahi e ʻae like ai nā hui like ʻole me ke kāohi ʻole ʻia o ka nohona me ka hoʻoilina o ka poʻe nona ke aloha nui a me ke kaukaʻi nui ʻana i ka moana. Ma kēia pukana, e luʻu iho ana ʻoe i ka ʻikena o ka poʻe nona ka pilina koʻikoʻi me ia moana kai hohonu, a ʻike lihi paha i ke ola kakahi o lalo o ia kai.

Translation by Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier
Polopeka Welo, Professor Emeritus of Hawaiian Language, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Luna Hoʻokō, Awaiaulu