Kahu ʻAina
Kahu ʻAina Hawaiʻi is a stewardship program designed for hired stewards to collect fees, human use data, educate and disseminate information at Pohoiki (eventually host at Kaʻakepa.)
Kahu ʻAina Hawaiʻi will create a self-sustaining program to protect, preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and recreational resources at Isaac Hale Beach Park, Pohoiki Boat Ramp and neighboring properties in partnership with the Hawai'i County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Mission
To protect and preserve cultural, historical and natural resources along the Puna Coast through culture-based education and community-based stewardship within the wahi pana of Pohoiki
Vision
We envision a revitalized and sustainable Isaac Kepoʻokalani Hale Beach Park that embodies Hawaiian culture, celebrates natural beauty, and provides a safe, enjoyable space for everyone for generations.
Pohoiki
Pohoiki is a wahi pana located along the Puna coastline on Hawaiʻi. It is situated between the ahupuaʻa Keahialaka and Laepaoʻo. This wahi pana is home to many lineal descendants that are fishers and farmers. Pohoiki is well known for its boat ramp and for the fish that has sustained families for generations. Even the world renowned red house “Uncle Haleʻs House” still reminds at the edge of Pohoiki boat ramp after generations of time. This was Uncle John Haleʻs last home before he joined our higher ancestors. Other ʻohana (families) that reside on neighboring properties are Hale/Veloria, Kuamoʻo, Smith, Kapukini-Kon and Kealoha Estate.
It's important to note that the history of Pohoiki is deeply intertwined with the larger history of Puna and Hawaiʻi. The stories and traditions passed down by generations continues to enrich the cultural significance of Pohoiki and the surrounding region. “Uli i ke kai uli” is a concept that speaks to the health of our ecosystems from the deepest dark mountains to the deepest dark ocean and everything in between which reminds what a thriving mountain to sea should be.
Program Highlights
Planning for future needs
For years there has been an overwhelming amount of visitors to Puna makai with a lack of education, protocols and without boundaries set into place. As a community, we are still in recovery from the 2018 Kīlauea lava eruption and basic infrastructures are still needed. Roads and water restoration is critical for ʻohana to access their homes and resources. Once basic infrastructures are restored, Pohoiki and other wahi pana along our coastline will have open access. And we will experience more numbers of visitors which may have negative impacts on the quality of life for residents and resources unless appropriate education and protocols are set up. So we are vigilantly preparing and working towards solutions.
Hawaiian-Based Education
Hawaiian culture-based education focuses on our kanaka maoli worldview, traditions, language, and practices. It is integrated into daily life, curriculum and teaching methodologies, which emphasizing the importance of cultural identity, history, and values. This educational model acknowledges that Native Hawaiian culture is living and evolving, and that we need to embody it everyday.
Community Based Stewardship
Community-based stewardship refers to a collaborative approach to managing and caring for natural resources and cultural assets at a specific place. It involves dedicated residents, organizations, and stakeholders working together to take responsibility and action towards enhancing human wellbeing and nature.
