Our Intention
At one point in time, Pu`uloa was rich with about 30 loko i`a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) and acres of loʻi kalo (taro patches). Both the loko iʻa and loʻi kalo were fed by an abundance of estuaries, 5 perennial fresh water springs, 3 artesian springs, shallow aquifers, and the healthy nutrient runoff of 12 different watersheds.
Over time, Pu`uloa’s aquatic ecosystems have been contaminated with mercury, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, microplastics, lead and more from multiple sources of polluted run-off. Many of these toxins persist in the environment for great lengths of time and bioaccumulate in the tissues of fish, aquatic plants, and wildlife, becoming concentrated as they move up the food chain.
We aim to empower the people of `Ewa, especially its youth, while restoring the shoreline of Puʻuloa, and ultimately returning abundant food production to the region. We seek to learn more from our community and partners including developing a better understanding of water quality, the levels of seafood being harvested and consumed, and more from our community members who are harvesting from the waters of Pu`uloa.
The primary goal of Malama Pu`uloa is to help begin to restore Pu`uloa to abundance - ʻāina momona. We believe that this work must be done through a community-driven approach built on trust. In order to heal the land and waters, we must (re)build pilina and come together to do so. Current health and scientific narratives must acknowledge, respect, and compliment indigenous wisdom, place-based knowledge, and cultural practices.
Over time, Pu`uloa’s aquatic ecosystems have been contaminated with mercury, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, microplastics, lead and more from multiple sources of polluted run-off. Many of these toxins persist in the environment for great lengths of time and bioaccumulate in the tissues of fish, aquatic plants, and wildlife, becoming concentrated as they move up the food chain.
We aim to empower the people of `Ewa, especially its youth, while restoring the shoreline of Puʻuloa, and ultimately returning abundant food production to the region. We seek to learn more from our community and partners including developing a better understanding of water quality, the levels of seafood being harvested and consumed, and more from our community members who are harvesting from the waters of Pu`uloa.
The primary goal of Malama Pu`uloa is to help begin to restore Pu`uloa to abundance - ʻāina momona. We believe that this work must be done through a community-driven approach built on trust. In order to heal the land and waters, we must (re)build pilina and come together to do so. Current health and scientific narratives must acknowledge, respect, and compliment indigenous wisdom, place-based knowledge, and cultural practices.
We Want To Work With Community to Create Solutions
Do you fish in the waters of Pu`uloa? Help us get to know more about community relationships with Pu`uloa.
Educational Resources For All
The Watersheds - the Waiwai of `Ewa (Presentation) - It all starts with knowing where our water comes from! This is an introduction to the watersheds of `Ewa and their importance
We Canʻt Eat the Fish? (Presentation) - How can we protect community from toxins in seafood harvested in Pu`uloa?
Ola i ka Wai (Presentation) - A collection of resources created to provide kumu, haumana and the community the opportunity to participate in kūkākūkā (deep, thoughtful discussions and reflection) around the topic of water in Hawai`i.
We Canʻt Eat the Fish? (Presentation) - How can we protect community from toxins in seafood harvested in Pu`uloa?
Ola i ka Wai (Presentation) - A collection of resources created to provide kumu, haumana and the community the opportunity to participate in kūkākūkā (deep, thoughtful discussions and reflection) around the topic of water in Hawai`i.
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