This is a comprehensive list of current projects and permits held by Mālama Hulēiʻa as an organization. Whether you’re a supporter or have questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@malamahuleia.org. We value your involvement in our mission to make a positive impact at Alakoko Fishpond.
Historic Wall Restoration
Preserving History: Restoring Alakoko Fishpond’s Iconic Kuapā
Our primary objective is to stabilize and restore the historical kuapā (fishpond wall) at Alakoko fishpond, a formidable structure extending 2,700 feet, effectively delineating the fishpond from the Huleiʻa River. Alakoko’s wall is a remarkable feat of engineering, characterized by a rock face along the riverside and a kuāuna-style earthen bank, akin to a loʻi kalo, adorning the fishpond side. Over the past 60+ years, this historic wall has endured damage from relentless mangrove roots and a series of storm events in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, resulting in two debilitating breaches and unstable conditions. Following the successful removal of mangroves, we’ve noted several instances of king tides coinciding with high rainfall and floods. Our aim is to elevate the wall to the necessary height for stabilization during such events. Detailed information, including the permit, is available through the provided link above. Leading this project is Peleke Flores, Director of ʻĀina and Community Engagement at Mālama Hulē‘ia. Peleke is a well known Hawaiian cultural practitioner who has decades of experience in the art and science of Uhau Humu Pohaku (Hawaiin dry set stone masonry).
Permits
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Workday Permit
Sediment Management
Reviving Alakoko Fishpond: A Community-Driven Sediment Management Project
Concurrently, as the Uhau Humu Pohaku work unfolds, a significant portion will occur during a community event commemorating the 5-year Community Workday Anniversary at Alakoko Fishpond. This occasion will serve as an opportunity to address the issue of sediment accumulation, a consequence of decades of mangrove invasion within the fishpond. Using an amphibious excavator, we will gather and redistribute this sediment along the kuāuna, the earthen interior section of the wall. This sediment management project boasts a dual focus—reconstructing the kuāuna of the kuapā and rejuvenating the alawai/auwai (freshwater channel) situated in the mauka section of the fishpond. The alawai/auwai system plays a pivotal role in the fishpond’s overall health, facilitating the introduction of freshwater into the brackish fishpond, thereby optimizing water chemistry for a productive ecosystem. Detailed information, including the permit, is available through the provided link. This endeavor represents a harmonious blend of tradition, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, dedicated to preserving the timeless legacy of Alakoko fishpond for generations to come.
Permits
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Sediment Permit
Mālama Hulē‘ia 