Please Malama Our Friend, Jacob!
Donation protected
(Narrative shared by Wendy Hamane, Jacob Obleroʻs former teacher)
“After graduation, I plan to work in a forestry program—giving back to the ‘aina and taking care of the rainforest where I belong.” Four years ago, Jacob Oblero shared this vision during his graduation speech. A few weeks later he was on a plane to Oahu to carry out his mission via the Kupu Summer Internship Program: setting hog-wire fencing for ungulate control, removing invasive species, and outplanting native plants. Thereafter, he continued this line of work through organizations such as the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, Ho’oulu Lehua, and most recently with Forest Solutions.
Jacob’s love of nature and his passion for conservation management are admirable; however, what I have always appreciated even more about this young man is his genuine thoughtfulness and generosity. When Jacob met a fellow Kupu intern from Punahou who asked him questions about hunting, he invited him to his Big Island home and took him on a hunting adventure. A few weeks later, another Kupu intern flew back to Hawaii to spend a week hunting, fishing, and catching prawns with Jacob. His mainland visitor was so grateful for these experiences that he invited Jacob to eat “hush puppies” at his southern home any time! This inclination to befriend others, to willingly give of himself, is so Jacob—biggest heart ever!
I have been fortunate to experience Jacob’s thoughtfulness firsthand. Although Jacob graduated 4 years ago, I saw him 4 times in the last two months. Who still visits their high school teacher 4 years down the road? Jacob brought fresh poi that he made with kalo that he harvested in Waipio Valley. Kalua pig from his uncle’s imu. Stew meat from a cow he slaughtered. Smoked meat, perfectly done. Always enough to feed my entire ohana and I know that he freely gives to many others, never expecting anything in return. Jacob has shared that he just loves the feeling of taking care of the people that he loves.
Each treasured gift always came with a smile and a story, followed by an expression of appreciation. Four years later and Jacob still shares how thankful he is not only for me, but for all of his instructors who supported him at a time in his life when he was struggling to cope with the tragic loss of his mom. This young man is truly a giver, someone who carries so much gratitude in his heart, never forgetting those who have been there for him along the way.
After seeing Jacob just a few days ago and learning that a blessing is on the way (Chloe Lautalo, his girlfriend of 4 years, is 3 months pregnant), I was shocked to hear of his accident that resulted in a compression spinal fracture, a pelvis broken in 3 places, a collapsed lung, and a fractured cheek. I thought of his last text asking me to help him to enroll in college to pursue a career as a firefighter so that he can give back to our community and provide stability for his soon-to-be ohana. How could this be happening?
Jacob was medivaced to Oahu and is presently recovering from a 6 hour surgery on his pelvis to reduce the chances of accidentally severing an artery which would result in internal bleeding. He is heavily sedated in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with doctors working to stabilize his organs so they donʻt shut down. Jacob’s road to recovery is unmapped and must be assessed day by day. The uncertainty and worry that his ohana and girlfriend are facing is understandably overwhelming.
Anyone who knows Jacob knows that he has a heart of gold. Please consider returning all of the kindness that he has shared with others by offering support and prayers for his full recovery during this challenging time. Medical costs and other related expenses are quickly mounting--letʻs lessen this financial stress so that the focus can be on Jacobʻs recovery. If we all pull together we will have Jacob back on his feet, hunting in the forest and providing for his growing ohana again! Any contribution will be greatly appreciated!
“After graduation, I plan to work in a forestry program—giving back to the ‘aina and taking care of the rainforest where I belong.” Four years ago, Jacob Oblero shared this vision during his graduation speech. A few weeks later he was on a plane to Oahu to carry out his mission via the Kupu Summer Internship Program: setting hog-wire fencing for ungulate control, removing invasive species, and outplanting native plants. Thereafter, he continued this line of work through organizations such as the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, Ho’oulu Lehua, and most recently with Forest Solutions.
Jacob’s love of nature and his passion for conservation management are admirable; however, what I have always appreciated even more about this young man is his genuine thoughtfulness and generosity. When Jacob met a fellow Kupu intern from Punahou who asked him questions about hunting, he invited him to his Big Island home and took him on a hunting adventure. A few weeks later, another Kupu intern flew back to Hawaii to spend a week hunting, fishing, and catching prawns with Jacob. His mainland visitor was so grateful for these experiences that he invited Jacob to eat “hush puppies” at his southern home any time! This inclination to befriend others, to willingly give of himself, is so Jacob—biggest heart ever!
I have been fortunate to experience Jacob’s thoughtfulness firsthand. Although Jacob graduated 4 years ago, I saw him 4 times in the last two months. Who still visits their high school teacher 4 years down the road? Jacob brought fresh poi that he made with kalo that he harvested in Waipio Valley. Kalua pig from his uncle’s imu. Stew meat from a cow he slaughtered. Smoked meat, perfectly done. Always enough to feed my entire ohana and I know that he freely gives to many others, never expecting anything in return. Jacob has shared that he just loves the feeling of taking care of the people that he loves.
Each treasured gift always came with a smile and a story, followed by an expression of appreciation. Four years later and Jacob still shares how thankful he is not only for me, but for all of his instructors who supported him at a time in his life when he was struggling to cope with the tragic loss of his mom. This young man is truly a giver, someone who carries so much gratitude in his heart, never forgetting those who have been there for him along the way.
After seeing Jacob just a few days ago and learning that a blessing is on the way (Chloe Lautalo, his girlfriend of 4 years, is 3 months pregnant), I was shocked to hear of his accident that resulted in a compression spinal fracture, a pelvis broken in 3 places, a collapsed lung, and a fractured cheek. I thought of his last text asking me to help him to enroll in college to pursue a career as a firefighter so that he can give back to our community and provide stability for his soon-to-be ohana. How could this be happening?
Jacob was medivaced to Oahu and is presently recovering from a 6 hour surgery on his pelvis to reduce the chances of accidentally severing an artery which would result in internal bleeding. He is heavily sedated in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with doctors working to stabilize his organs so they donʻt shut down. Jacob’s road to recovery is unmapped and must be assessed day by day. The uncertainty and worry that his ohana and girlfriend are facing is understandably overwhelming.
Anyone who knows Jacob knows that he has a heart of gold. Please consider returning all of the kindness that he has shared with others by offering support and prayers for his full recovery during this challenging time. Medical costs and other related expenses are quickly mounting--letʻs lessen this financial stress so that the focus can be on Jacobʻs recovery. If we all pull together we will have Jacob back on his feet, hunting in the forest and providing for his growing ohana again! Any contribution will be greatly appreciated!
Organizer
Chloe Lautalo
Organizer
Hilo, HI