Background of the WLFPS

The Waikalua Loko Fishpond Preservation Society (WLFPS) was founded in June 1995 to manage and implement a preservation plan for Waikalua Loko. Its purposes include:

• To preserve, stabilize and beautify Waikalua Loko;
• To educate the Windward O`ahu community about ancient and modern Hawaiian fishpond practices;
• To provide an educational resource to be made available to educational institutions and community organizations for use in teaching ancient and modern Hawaiian fishpond practices.

The WLFPS was conceived by Pacific Atlas (Hawaii) Inc. which is the fee owner of the pond and surrounding property. The WLFPS is currently pursuing the formation of a non-profit corporation in accordance with the laws of the State of Hawaii. Its current Board of Directors include seven directors, three alternates and two ex officio members that are charged with the task of managing, researching and implementing the tasks of the preservation plan approved by the Department of Land & Natural Resources, State of Hawaii in July 1995. All are volunteers that are assisted by Pacific Atlas and community residents from the island.

Progress to Date

• Mangrove clearing and eventual eradication; replace and enhance with native Hawaiian plant species. (including milo, hau, kou, etc.).

• Repairs to the three makaha gates using temporary structures for crossing and stabilizing gates until permanent repairs can be made.

• On-going research into the history, uses and modifications to the pond. Gather oral history, photographs, legends, stories, literature, etc. known to exist about the pond.

• Community education, awareness and involvement in preservation and stabilization activities. To date (March 1998), over 1,200 community residents, children and service organizations have visited and/or participated in the preservation and revitalization of the pond.

• Document current revitalization process using modern technology for storage of data and information; develop presentation materials for broad dissemination of activity to community as needed.

• Establish a public pedestrian pathway from Kaneohe Bay Drive to the shoreline and around the Waikalua Loko Fishpond for public use.

• Seeking grant monies to help with the revitalization and preservation process including interpretive literature for educational purposes.

• Recruit volunteers to serve on various committees and or help in periodic "Community Workdays" at the pond site.

• Pursue educational/curriculum development with schools to focus teaching through practical experience.

YOUR KOKUA IS NEEDED AND WELCOME.
COME JOIN US. MAHALO.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL HERB LEE, JR. AT (808) 262-3261
OR WRITE TO
P.O. BOX 1917, KAILUA, HAWAII, USA 96734.

LINKS: [HOME] | [Fishpond] | [LINKS]

Last modified August 26, 1998 by webmaster (guinther@aecos.com)