What do you do when you have a conflict with someone and you need to solve a problem? The ancient Hawaiians had a process to solve conflicts called ho'oponopono. Ho'oponopono in Hawaiian means to "make right." Usually a family elder or kupuna (religious leader) led the meeting with the people involved. Ho'oponopono was also a religious process. The families would pray to the Hawaiian gods and family gods to help them solve their problems.

Steps in doing Ho'oponopono:

1. Ho'omalu- quiet time; time to think about the problem
2. Kukulu kumuhana- state the problem
3. Mahiki- discuss the problem with everyone involved

A) What do you like about the other person?
B) What does he/she do that irritates you?
C) What are some helpful ways we can help him/her improve?

4. Ha'ina- confession; admitting to guilt and asking for forgiveness
5. Kalana- forgiveness
6. Panina- closing

A) Response to the session
B) Showing aloha (love, friendship) by patting another on the back, shaking hands, or hugging

So what can you do when you have a problem with someone? Do what the Hawaiians do and try ho'oponopono. Try the steps listed above and hopefully your conflict will be resolved.

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