Our Intention
At one point in time, Pu`uloa was rich with at least 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, perennial fresh water 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.
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For More Details on Preparing Crabs Harvested From Pu`uloa Check Out Our New Video!
Protect your ʻohana from toxins in the Pu`uloa food web while we work together on solutions!
Free Learning Resources For All
Click on the titles below for free access to materials weʻve developed with a number of partners!
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.
Fish Safe/Eat Safe (Brochures) - color brochure masters available in 6 local languages
Red Hill Community Information (website) - developed by a collaboration between students from Radford HS, UH Mānoa Natural Resource and Environmental Management faculty and graduate students and members of the UH Red Hill Response Team...all of whom are collaborators with Hui o Ho`ohonua.
Our new "toxins in the food web" coloring sheet (Single PDF document) - Excellent for use with keiki (and adults who still like to color)...we teach that toxins are "yucky chemicals" that we donʻt want inside of us
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.
Fish Safe/Eat Safe (Brochures) - color brochure masters available in 6 local languages
Red Hill Community Information (website) - developed by a collaboration between students from Radford HS, UH Mānoa Natural Resource and Environmental Management faculty and graduate students and members of the UH Red Hill Response Team...all of whom are collaborators with Hui o Ho`ohonua.
Our new "toxins in the food web" coloring sheet (Single PDF document) - Excellent for use with keiki (and adults who still like to color)...we teach that toxins are "yucky chemicals" that we donʻt want inside of us
Stay Tuned for Community Sessions Coming in 2023!
Mahalo to all who joined us virtually on May 26th!
ʻAʻOHE HANA NUI KE ALU ʻIA
No task is too big when done together by all
`Ōlelo no`eau #142
ʻAʻOHE HANA NUI KE ALU ʻIA
No task is too big when done together by all
`Ōlelo no`eau #142