Story | 04 Ago, 2016

CEESP Excursion — Mahuahua Ai o Hoi: Helping to Restore the Food Systems of Heeia

Please sign up for the CEESP Excursion on Thursday September 8th. It will be a great opportunity to join other CEESP members and work with local communities! CEESP is partnering with local Hawaiian communities to convene a work day for volunteers to help restore wetlands essential for water quality for the downstream fishponds Paepae o He'eia and to improve food sovereignty by planting traditional food crops. The purpose of the day is to roll up your sleeves and help the team at Kako'o 'Oiwi clear invasive and prepare gardens for taro planting.

Kako’o ’Oiwi is a community-based non-profit organization based in the ahupuaa of Heeia, moku of Koolaupoko, island of Oahu.  With the support of the local community, Kako’o ’Oiwi acquired a 38-year lease agreement with the State of Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to implement Mahuahua Ai o Hoi (Regrowing the Fruit of Hoi), a long-range project to restore agricultural and ecological productivity to nearly 405 acres within the wetlands of Heeia. Through our cultural, educational and ecosystem restoration programs, Kako’o ’Oiwi is promoting the social and economic advancement of the local community.

KUA works to empower communities to improve their quality of life through caring for their environmental heritage together to better Hawaii and achieve aina momona— an abundant, productive ecological system that supports community well-being. KUA employs a community‐driven approach that currently supports three statewide networks: more than 31 malama aina community groups collectively referred to as E Alu Pu (moving forward together), 38 fishpond projects and practitioners called the Hui Malama Loko Ia, and a new and growing group of Limu practitioners called the Limu Hui.

The Excursion will be an invaluable opportunity to learn about the community's vision and to make a direct contribution through your labour. We promise to take care of you for the day and reward your hard efforts with an ocean swim at the end of the day.  For more information on the community's efforts visit: www.kakoooiwi.org

Time: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  We recommend you book in advance.  Tour pick-up at 7:15 AM from the Hawaii Convention Center (1801 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.)

COST:  $10.00 Per Person.   Includes round trip transportation from Hawaii Convention Center.  Lunch, water and snacks will be provided.

What to bring on Tour:  This site is just off the beaten path. Participants will engage in hands on work in the Heʻeia wetlands and should expect to get muddy for a good cause! Rain and sun protection (hat, sunblock, covering), outdoor footwear (boots, dirty shoes, tabis), personal/refillable water bottle and mosquito repellent is advised. Please bring a bag for dirty items for the end of the day, and an extra set of clothes for the ride home.

Work gloves will be provided.  A cleaning area will be provided so please bring a towel for drying.  Portable bathrooms will be on site as well as an area to clean off at once the work day is finished.

For more information and sign up, please visit: https://hawaii.iucnworldconservationcongress.org/wb/excursions/oahu/helping-to-restore-the-food-systems-of-heeia-september-8/

CEESP Executive team