Kihei: `Ao`ao O Na Loko I`a O Maui (Association of the Fishponds of Maui) is proud to announce that we are increasing the number of opportunities available for the community to unite and help restore Ko`ie`ie Fishpond in South Maui. Thanks to two grants which we received from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, we will host community work days on the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 8 - 11 a.m.
During community work days, volunteers will learn about the history and cultural significance of Ko`ie`ie Fishpond, will help unearth rocks buried and submerged in the sand and help place them back on the kuapa (rock wall). `Ao`ao O Na Loko I`a O Maui staff will be on-hand to work side-by-side with volunteers and enhance your learning experience as you come across interesting marine life and help revitalize this ancient cultural treasure.
Kö‘ie‘ie Fishpond is one of the last remaining Native Hawaiian fishponds along South Maui’s coastline and is by far the most in-tact along these shores. This cultural treasure was built more than 500 years ago by Native Hawaiians and has weathered many natural disasters. However, because of neglect over time, the wall has slowly crumbled. ‘Ao‘ao O Nä Loko I‘a O Maui works with Maui’s communities and recruits volunteers to help with the restoration of the fishpond’s wall. In addition, the association educates students and the public regularly about the host culture and fishponds. |
