Hui Mālama Loko I‘a is a growing consortium of kia‘i loko (fishpond guardians and caretakers) and stewardship organizations from loko i‘a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) across Hawai‘i. This network came into existence in 2004 as an opportunity for kia‘i loko to empower each other and leverage their skills, knowledge, and resources related to loko i‘a restoration and management.
This 2023 gathering was convened by the nonprofit Kua‘āina Ulu ‘Auamo (KUA), which has facilitated the network since 2013. We gathered on Kaua‘i, graciously hosted by Mālama Hulē‘ia, the stewardship organization for Alakoko fishpond. It was especially exciting to reconvene many long-time and new kia‘i loko after more than 3 years since the February 2020 gathering in He‘eia.
This gathering report is meant to share our experiences and takeaways, and to tell the happenings and history of Hui Mālama Loko I‘a.
Please check out the summary report and photos from the gathering at the links below!
Summary Report: https://go.kuahawaii.org/hmli-2023-report
“…i mea e maopopo ai i keia hanauna; a ia hanauna aku ia hanauna aku…so that this generation and each subsequent generation will understand…” S. M. Kamakau.
