100th Hubbell Bubble Chicken Coop!

Last Saturday we drove down to the shoreline... not to swim or sunbathe at the beach, or even to walk along the coast... but to help build a chicken coop for Kua O Ka La, the Hawaiian immersion school next to the Ahalanui warm pond. It was part of a series of Natural Farming talks that have been taking place there since October.

We have really enjoyed this series which has included such topics as the Hawaiian moon calendar, cultivating 'uala (sweet potato) and kalo (taro), and will conclude with the big 'Ulu Festival next month. This time it was a more hands-on project: building a chicken coop for the school.

 

There was a good turnout and everyone joined in, one way or another. 

Even the younger keiki got to try their hands at coop-building.

Many hands make light work... and the coop was just finished in only two hours!

Once the coop was completed, there was a little blessing. Hawaiian chanting always gives me "chicken skin" and this time was no exception, though the day was hot and sunny. There was also a special presentation: Mike was chosen for the first annual Natural Farmer's Award! He was so surprised! It was announced that this is the 100th Hubbell Bubble chicken coop built on the islands - and that's just counting the ones that the UH-CTAHR Extension Office is aware of!

There were representatives from both Kua O Ka La and the Kamehameha Schools in attendance, as well as a member of the Maui County Council. The word about Natural Farming is spreading!

At then end of the morning, it's all about the friendship and camaraderie of doing good work together. Mahalo to all who helped.