August 3, 2023 (part 2) In Memory of Benny RE74 and Pohaku RO28

Thanks to Dana for following up on the remains of Benny RE74 and Pohaku RO28. Auntie Nettie was there to bless their ashes before they were returned to the ocean. And to all the volunteers that were there to remember the two seals and participated saying a few words to remember them.

The ceremony was also attended by two seals. Auntie Nettie was surprised to see them in that they usually show up a little later. The two seals were RN14 Kalani and RL12 Aukai, perhaps to say their goodbyes. After the ashes were scattered in the water, RN14 decided to roll into the water (just like Benny use to) then he went over by the rocks and swam through and rolled in the spot where the ashes were scattered.  Perhaps they know more than we give them credit for.

Thank you Melody for sharing!!

(this is such a Benny pose)

July 22, 2019 (part 2) A Very Special Blessing

I will do my best to describe what has been sent to me from Team Billand and Melody.  It is experiences like this that leave you with chicken skin and emotion. I can only say I wish I had been there to experience this blessing with Pohaku, PO5 and my monk seal ohana.

Team Billand received a message from Auntie Nettie to come meet her, so off they went. Auntie told them she had a dream at 3 am what to name the pup. Auntie asked them to tell volunteer Melina so they called her and put her on the phone with Auntie.  Auntie Nettie wanted to do the Blessing and Naming of the pup NOW! 
Barbara described it as a beautiful ceremony, short and sweet, and just as Auntie announced the name of the pup "Nanea" six dragon flies appeared around them and kept circling around. The name NANEA which means peaceful.  Auntie said " Since the birth of Nanea, the reefs are free of humans, the water is still, Pohaku had brought the beach PEACE. The reef can rejuvenate.  
Team Billand, Melina, Melody and others left Auntie and went to Pohaku and Nanea. Barbara walked into the water and said a prayer, with tears of joy.

Melody described her experience as a blessing and I have to agree with her. Melody shared her photos of Auntie Nettie and Team Billand participating in the blessing. You can almost feel the power of their emotions. Thank you Melody for sharing.  

I am sharing the photos with all respect for the sanctity of this cultural and spiritual event.
Last note, Barbara mentioned Nanea lost her umbilicus and there was no line or indication it is a boy, clean smooth belly like a little girl. 

 NANEA born July 19, 2019

6/1/2016 DB's Dailies: Sadie&Pup@RI, DBPohaku@Paradise Cove, RIP&R8HY@Makua Cliffs, Team Billand,

It would be my 2nd look at Rabbit Island before I found Sadie & Pup (D#35) on the beach, fronting Left Greenery doing a feed. This marks the first observed time that they have been away from the “birth beach”, at the left end of the island. They would enter the water ate 0914 and haul out again at their more usual spot left of 1BS at 1000. They were the only RI residents today.

 At 0611 Team Billand reported Pohaku (RO28) out on the rocks at Paradise Cove. Auntie Nettie did a blessing, and Pohaku departed at 1700. Hopefully Barbara will comment on the blessing.

 At 1123 they found RIP (RR70) and another animal at Makua Cliffs. At 1215 the other animal would prove to be R8HY. Both would depart at 1215.

 Sadie and Pup

 Pohaku Blessing

 Auntie Nettie

 Pohaku

R8HY

 Rip and R8HY

Rip

Blessing for Sharkbite

Aloha,

There will be a Hawaiian blessing for our dear friend Sharkbite on Wednesday, June 27th at 6 pm. People can park at the White Plains parking lot and meet at cabins 1706-1707 (About 5 min walk to the right). If there is someone who is not able to walk down the beach we can let them into the gate (just before you reach the White Plains parking lot). 

Please notify Dana ahead of time if there is someone who needs access and she will coordinate with Barb to let them in. There have been many inquiries from Barbers Point staff and the surfers who would also like to be there to say a final farewell to Sharkbite. Aqua Kids will also be filming the blessing.

Mahalo,

Dera
Dera Look

Assistant Regional Marine Mammal Response Coordinator

NOAA Fisheries

Pacific Islands Regional Office

1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110

Phone: 808-944-2285

Fax: 808-973-2941