Meet Kai Uyehara, originally from the south shore of Oʻahu, who is helping revitalize the traditional art of making Hawaiian fishnets. Kai shares about his love of the ocean and how his reverence for Hawaiian culture continues to grow. From learning how to throw net to spending long hours observing the shoreline, he reflects on how slowing down and going analog has shaped the way he approaches fishing, community and life in Hawaiʻi.

In this conversation, Kai explains how so many parts of his story begin with - and circle back to - the YMCA. It’s where his parents met, where he first discovered a love for ʻāina as a teenager, and where he has now worked for more than a decade. Along the way, mentors welcomed him in and shared their knowledge and practices, from farming to making throw nets, that continue to guide his path today. Through these relationships, Kai has paid it forward by mentoring youth and helping keep cultural traditions alive in the present day.

Episode Highlights

00:49 Throwing net, making friends

03:28 Growing up on Oʻahu's south shore

05:23 The moment throw nets clicked

06:52 From looking cool to cultural perpetuation

09:21 Learning how to make Hawaiian fishnets

12:02 Belonging and hā (breath)

18:29 What fishing looks like today

21:05 ʻĀina and spirituality

21:59 When nature responds - the puhi (moray eel) story

23:47 Knowing when to stop

25:01 Chanting at the lele (altar) 

28:30 Kilo and reading ocean signs

29:17 Why I never sell nets

31:13 Trading, time, and value

34:13 Teaching takes commitment

35:47 YMCA roots

39:11 Coming full circle

Check out Kai’s work at the YMCA and their student spring break trip on Molokaʻi:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCItXIhxl6g

Photo Credit: Kai Uyehara

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Credits
🎙️ Host & Producer: Molly Mamaril
🎸 Guitar: Amund Gismervik

A Diversity of Experiences: Guests on Heartbeat Narratives share their own perspectives and experiences. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the host or the podcast. We invite you to listen with an open mind and enjoy the joy and insight offered from many different vantage points.