University of Hawaii, Maui College has a diverse array of programs aimed at igniting active and responsible stewards of the land and sea. Mālama ‘āina thrives here, and impassioned advocates for sustainability are eagerly working toward a Sustainable Science Management degree. One such student, Celina Day, has recently become president of the Student ʻOhana for Sustainability (SOS) Club. Celina has a deep dedication to environmental preservation, and she wishes to spread the message with a call to action. Sustainability is inclusive of everyone. Every bit counts, every individual choice matters, no matter how small.
Celina’s vision for the Student ʻOhana for Sustainability Club is to recruit members to guide them in discovering what their specific niche within the sustainability realm might be. Whether it be through animal welfare, agriculture, oceanography, or environmental conservation, sustainable practices are all-inclusive, and together every little part makes a difference. In a heartfelt statement, Celina advocates for small yet impactful lifestyle changes, including responsible waste management, beach cleanups, and the adoption of hybrid vehicles to mitigate fossil fuel consumption. Celina says that pressing issues that should concern us all are plastic pollution, the rapid warming of the ocean, and the urgency of maintaining the delicate balance of our planet, stressing that every effort, no matter how modest, contributes to the collective cause of combating climate change. Celina’s dedication to environmental advocacy and the initiatives with the SOS Club at UH Maui College encourages students to embrace a sustainable lifestyle and become active stewards of our planet’s precious resources. As the SOS Club continues to expand its reach and influence, its commitment to a sustainable future remains.
Celina Day, President of the Student ʻOhana for Sustainability Club
Having relocated to Maui three years ago to help care for a younger cousin, Celina discovered a connection to the island’s eco-conscious way of life. Then, despite initially giving up on college, she found a new sense of belonging at UHMC. Celina attributes her academic motivations to the people she met here at UHMC, and the genuine support and understanding she found in the campus staff and community.
“There’s a place for everyone in sustainability, and I love that. It’s just about finding out what works for you or what you’re interested in. Anyone is welcome to try and make a difference, no matter how small. If you didn’t care before but you care now, that’s what matters. Sustainability is the most important thing to work on. Climate change is here, from here out it’s about maintenance and keeping things from getting worse faster. Littles matter, like recycling, sorting garbage appropriately, beach cleanups—every little bit really helps!”
Celina Day, SOS club President, Fall 2023
What Joining SOS Club Looks Like
The Student ʻOhana for Sustainability Club’s mission affirms a call to action, emphasizing the significance of every individual’s role in sustainable living practices. From engaging in environmental stewardship activities like adopting a highway to participating in Hawaiian wildlife programs that focus on the protection of turtles, whales, and sea monks, the SOS Club actively promotes a holistic approach to conservation. The club holds monthly movie nights, where documentaries and discussions explore environmental issues. Recently, the club welcomed Dwayne Sparkman as a guest speaker. Dwayne is a dedicated Lahaina resident and project leader, involved in tree maintenance, debris clearance and more. A screening of the documentary “Lahaina Waves of Change” served as a catalyst for conversations on local environmental challenges and the collective responsibility to address them. Each year SOS Club engages the community with its annual earth day event on the great lawn. Various environmental and sustainability groups gather to showcase sustainable efforts and recruit community members.
UHMC Upholds Core Values Of Hawaiian Sustainability Practices Through Degree Programs.
UHMCs sustainability program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become responsible stewards of the environment. Degree programs include Sustainable Science Management, Environmental Studies, and Oceanography with an emphasis on holistic approaches to addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Students have the opportunity to delve into various aspects of sustainability, from renewable energy and resource management to conservation and biodiversity preservation.
Students can gain an understanding of sustainability through teachings of ancient Hawaiian ways of eco-living. The Hawaiian belief system is deeply rooted in the concept of kuleana or responsibility, and places significant emphasis on the idea of being stewards of the land. Central to this is the understanding that humans and nature are intricately interconnected, and that the well-being of the land is directly linked to the well-being of the people. This system encourages harmony with the environment, and promotes for individuals to honor and respect the natural world. The notion of mālama ʻāina, which translates to “to care for the land”, is a principle that embodies a profound sense of reverence and obligation towards the earth. By recognizing the interdependence between humans and the natural world, the Hawaiian belief system encourages a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, advocating for practices that ensure longevity and vitality of the land for future generations.
Resources for Sustainability:
More On Sustainability at UHMC
Information on UHMC’s SSM Program
Aloha Challenge Maui Sustainability Map (Get Involved!)
