Kuleana

By: MPW ‘Ohana

Kuleana means many things. Mary Kawena Puku‘i describes kuleana in the Hawaiian dictionary as a right, a privilege, a concern, and even a parcel of property. Kuleana is most often described, however, as a responsibility, a uniquely Hawaiian value and practice which refers to a reciprocal relationship between the person who is responsible, and the thing which they are responsible for. For John Cutting, kuleana is a big part of his lifestyle. John and his beautiful wife Peggy both understand that where we live, our home and community, it is important to give back, to help make it a better place, and that’s exactly what they have done. Over many years they have both volunteered for a multitude of community organizations and taken on the kuleana of responsible leadership and caring for our special home.

The list is long as they have both been actively involved in a diverse
assortment of organizations including the Outdoor Circle, the North Shore Seniors, caretaking work at Pu‘u o Mahuka Heiau and Waimea Valley, the Waialua Bandstand and for the past fifteen years, John has served as a stellar Board Member for Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea, providing stewardship and educational outreach at the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District.

John and Peggy are both volunteer champions in our community who are moving on in their years and taking on new priorities as they care for ‘ohana. John has gracefully retired from his physical role with Mālama Pūpūkea-Waimea but continues to serve in an advisory capacity – for which we are eternally grateful. We would not have been able to accomplish all we have without John’s humble wisdom and unwavering guidance. Mahalo for all you have done, John, and for what you continue to do for our beloved community. You are a wonderful example of someone who takes
on kuleana selflessly and whole-heartedly to benefit our home…something that enriches us all.