Volunteers Sought for Fishpond Rebuilding Project
|
Maui residents and visitors can enjoy an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience while helping to rebuild a stone wall enclosing the historic Kö`ie`ie fishpond just offshore from the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s Education Center in Kihei.
Volunteers are needed to assist trained native Hawaiian workers Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Believed to have been built more than 500 years ago, the fishpond was a reliable source of food in a time without refrigeration.
Kö`ie`ie Loko (rapid current fishpond) was sacred to the ali1i, Hawaiian royalty, according to Kimokeo Kapalehua, president of `Ao `ao O Nä Loko I`a O Maui, Maui’s fishpond association.
“We know that the site was visited by several kings, including Kamehameha I, II, IV and V and was extensively re-built in the 1800’s,” said Kapahulehua. “Now it is our turn to give new life to this cultural treasure.”
Although ancient Hawaiians allowed only men to work on the sacred fishponds, Kapahulehua welcomes 21st century men, women and children to help with tasks ranging from gathering seaweed to moving heavy rocks.
Workers need to wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves, hats and drinking water. For more information, call Kapahulehua at 276-7219 or go to www.mauifishpond.com.
`Ao `ao O Nä Loko I`a O Maui, the non-profit agency responsible for saving the wall, aims to use this historic treasure as a living classroom where youth, residents and visitors learn about Hawaiian culture, values and historical accomplishments. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
