On July 31st, Hui Aloha Kīholo collaborated with Rebecca Most, Marine Program Manager, with The Nature Conservancy on Hawaiʻi Island to learn about the structure of Ka Loko o Kīholo, the fishpond at Kīholo. The kuapā, or fishpond wall, often consists of four specific types of rock, many of which have stood in their foundation for hundreds of years.
From our Hoa ʻĀina, Lehua Kamakaʻs standup paddleboard we witness the beautiful kuapā of Ka Loko o Kīholo. In 2019, a hoʻokua, rockwall restoration day, was held, including family, volunteers, and expert stone setters of the Hui Loko Network. Between 7am and noon, a 300-foot section of wall was restored, a testament to the skill and aloha of all of these individuals.
Caption: 2019 Hoʻokua (Rockwall Restoration Day), PC: Nancy Erger
Kuapā Hula!
Becca shared a fun and easy to remember hula for the names of the four rock types making up the kuapā: Niho - foundation stones, a solid base, as our teeth, or niho, are; Alo - meaning face or front, these are the outer facing stones; Pāpale - meaning hat, as you might imagine, these stones make up the flat surface of the top of the wall; and Haka haka, meaning space or holes, these are the rocks which act as the glue and fill in the interior of the wall. Jump to 26:45 to see the the kuapā hula!
Caption: Fitting haka haka in the kuapā (fishpond wall). PC: Nancy Erger
LĀ HOʻIHOʻI EA
Each July 31st Hawaiʻi recognizes and celebrates Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, the return of Hawaiʻiʻs Independence in 1893. Following a 5 month occupation of Hawaii by a British naval fleet, July 31st marks the end of that occupation, and the restoration of sovereignty to the Hawaiian Kingdom. On that day, Britainʻs Admiral Thomas carried forward the British governmentʻs acknowledgement of Hawaiiʻs sovereignty. Together he stood with Hawaiʻiʻs reigning monarch, Kamehameha III Kauikeaouli, at Kawaihaʻo church in Honolulu to once again raise ka hae Hawaii, the Hawaiian flag. It is from Kauikeaouliʻs speech that day that our State motto was birthed: "Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono". On this day we celebrate the EA, the independence, sovereignty, life, breath, and upward motion of Hawaiʻi.
MAHALO NUI
Mahalo to everyone who came along to Kīholo with us. In this time of social distancing, and the partial closure of Kīholo State Park Reserve, it is a privilege to share the continued vibrancy of Kīholo with you in safe and responsible ways.
REBECCA MOST
Rebecca is the Hawai`i Island Marine Program Manager for The Nature Conservancy, and she blends a strong marine science background with a sensitivity to the lessons of place, to help care for Ka Loko o Kīholo, the marvelous fishpond of Kīholo, and beyond. Rebecca and her team conduct research, enlist the knowledge of local kupuna, and organize community workdays to restore the fishpond.
Camping at the Kīholo State Park Reserve will be closed starting September 24, 2021 until further notice due to COVID-19 guidelines set by the State and/or County.