The narrative follows Kaiona, a young surfer who encounters Namaka, the Hawaiian goddess of the sea, and her guardian dog, Moela, after a fall from her surfboard. Namaka teaches Kaiona about the ocean's beauty and dangers, gifting her a shell necklace as a reminder. When Kaiona tries to warn her family and village about an impending tsunami, her warnings are initially dismissed. However, with the support of her grandfather, she leads her community to safety, earning their gratitude for her wisdom and courage. Through Kaiona's story, students learn valuable lessons about ocean safety and the importance of preparedness. 

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Kaiona Book Reading Event at the Pacific Tsunami Museum 

On July 27, 2024, the Pacific Tsunami Museum (PTM) hosted a special event centered around the children's book "Kaiona," newly translated into Hawaiian and Tagalog. The day was dedicated to educating the community, particularly students, about disaster preparedness, with a strong focus on tsunami awareness. The event was a collaboration between the Pacific Tsunami Museum and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), both committed to promoting safety and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Event Highlights:

• Bilingual Book Readings: The event featured two readings of the "Kaiona" book. The first reading was conducted in Hawaiian, followed by a second reading in Tagalog. These readings brought the story of Kaiona to life in two languages, offering students a unique and engaging experience. The readings were broadcasted and recorded!

• Spotlight on Tsunami Heroes: The custom edition of the book included special pages that honored local tsunami heroes—individuals who have made significant contributions to raising awareness about the dangers of tsunamis. These heroes were highlighted during the event, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and community resilience.

• Book Signing: After the readings, a book signing took place, allowing students and attendees to receive personalized copies of the book. This interaction further deepened the connection between the content of the book and the community it serves.

• Disaster Preparedness Activities: Throughout the day, HIEMA set up booths and hosted guest speakers to educate students and attendees on various aspects of disaster preparedness. These activities were designed to be interactive and informative, ensuring that all participants left with a better understanding of how to stay safe in the event of a natural disaster.

• Book Distribution: Every student who attended the event received a copy of the custom edition of "Kaiona," ensuring that the message of preparedness and cultural heritage could be shared with their families and communities.

Partners:

Pacific Tsunami Museum (PTM)

The museum played a central role in organizing and hosting the Kaiona Book Reading Event, using its platform to bring the community together for a day of learning and cultural celebration.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA)

At the event, HIEMA provided vital educational resources and activities, reinforcing the importance of disaster preparedness. Their participation ensured that students not only enjoyed the readings but also left with practical knowledge that could be applied in real-life situations.