Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 11, 1 November 2007 — Waikalua fishpond [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Waikalua fishpond

What does an ancient Hawaiian fishpond look like?

How did our kūpuna build and maintain it? What kinds of fish were grown and harvested from the loko i'a? Find out - and help out - at a lā hana, or work day, at the Waikalua Loko fishpond in Kāne'ohe. On Nov. 17, from 8 a.ni. to noon, 'ohana, individuals and school and community groups will have an opportunity to leam about the fishpond while supporting restoration efforts. Volunteers will spend time removing mangrove - an invasive tree that traps silt and prevents water circulation in the pond. Depending on the tides, volunteers may also have an opportunity to help rebuild the 350-year-old pond wall. Pre-registration is required, and volunteers will need to wear covered shoes, sunscreen and clothes that they don't mind getting dirty. To register, contact Ka'ōhua at 843-1217 or e-mail kaohua @hawaii.rr.com. The fishpond is located just ma kai of Pū'ōhala Elementary School in Kāne'ohe.

Volunteers participate in ū Iū hono, or work doy, at Waikalua fish pond. - Photo: Clyde Tamaru