John Kekua came back through the Umikoa area with bulldozers, turned the soil, and koa seedlings sprang forth. And each log, even as it is cut, is not dead. As one works on a canoe, the life of the log comes into the canoe as the spirit of the builder goes into the canoe. Each canoe speaks of something different as it goes through the stages of creation. Some people name a canoe as the log is felled.
Some people name a canoe before it is finished, some wait until it is completed.
Keep in mind that as the process evolves, so does the feeling that ultimately effects the final naming. It is important that the right time be established as to how and when the restoration project shall proceed. There is a lot of mana in these two ancient wooden vessels, and PICA is now empowered with giving life back to them. They are present to oversee the project, and with their guidance we can succeed with the restoration. Julian and John worked long hours to attempt to accomplish their goal of displaying a fully restored canoe.