Nā Lauʻō ʻO Kaʻakepa
Nā Lauʻō ʻO Kaʻakepa or Nā Lauʻō for short, is a hui (group) of family and community members who are dedicated to protecting, perpetuating, and enhancing the natural beauty of Kaʻakepa, Malama under the guidance of Pōhaku Pelemaka. They will be the ones carrying the kuleana and implementing the sites management plan in collaboration with partners and volunteers.
Pōhaku Pelemaka secured a right-of entry for two Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) parcels and a County owned parcel in Malama-Ki, Puna, Hawaiʻi.
Pōhaku Pelemaka provides Nā Lauʻō ʻO Kaʻakepa with liability insurance, safety training, supplies, protocols, and the right of access to Kaʻakepa, Malama.
Mission
Preserve and protect Kaʻakepa now and for the future generations
Vision
Protect Kaʻakepa and implement the ʻOhana Stewardship and Adaptive Management plan
Kaʻakepa, Malama, Puna, Hawaiʻi
Kaʻakepa is one of the last remaining wahi pana (storied places) along Puna makai. It is scattered with tidepools, a historical uluniu (coconut grove) and has archaeological sites. Families and lineal descendants have been gathering here for generations to which Nā Lauʻō ʻO Kaʻakepa or just Nā Lauʻō will be dedicated to protecting and preserving in pepertuity.
The transmission of intergenerational knowledge of Hawaiian practices from kupuna to keiki is necessary for our people and places. These engagements are vital to preserving culture and place, building community resilience which foster healthy physical, spiritual, and mental wellbeing. It allows keiki to learn from the past, to help solve future challenges and to create meaningful solutions.
Everyone must pay attention, sacrifice, and aloha ʻāina. Even letting a space rest with no expectations (no extractions of resources, no loud music, etc) directly enhances the wellbeing and health of place and peoples. Recovery and healing is a lifelong journey and if done together, anything is achievable.
We, Pōhaku Pelemaka invites you to join and support our efforts!