03/25/2026
THE SHOW WILL GO ON! My update on the flood damage at the Camp and the green light the retreat has gotten from the director, Darrell Whitaker:
Friends:
We write to you with heavy hearts as well as abiding relief—and a lightness inspired by the Hawaiian word ‘ohana. The heavy heart, of course, is for all the damage that has rained (literally) upon Hawai‘i Nei and, especially, the North Shore.
The relief? Camp Mokule‘ia reports that its main buildings are unscathed. The executive director writes, “The Writer’s Retreat can definitely happen. No water went into the lodge or dining hall so no damage to either of those buildings. Please let your people know that we are good to go on our end to host your group.” (The Camp is hard at work repairing some sinkholes in the campfield.)
Finally, the inspiration: Thousands of people from across the island showed up last Sunday to help dig Waialua out. The mayor of Honolulu himself was wowed by the spirit of ‘ohana—which narrowly means “family” and “community” and more generally refers to a commitment to care for, lift up, and support one another. (The word comes from the Hawaiian word ‘oha, referring to the taro plant, our “older brother.” Just as taro roots grow together and nourish life, families and communities thrive by staying connected, sustaining one another, and making a place for everyone.)
The floods in Hawai‘i are just one example of uncertainty and strife across the globe the world. We are so lucky to have a retreat awaiting us—a safe space where we can gather, create, support each other, and do our important work. And we feel more committed than ever to nourishing our smaller ‘ohana of creative people, while also joining the larger Waialua community in imagination and resilience.
See you April 20!
