Mlama loko EA foundation (MLEF) is a native hawaiian community-based organization situated at historic loko EA, a 400-year-old fishpond in haleiwa, hawaii

The Malama Loko EA Foundation was awarded a $1,774,350 Project Grant (ID: D24AP00303) from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Interior Business Center under the Native Hawaiian Climate Resilience Program (CFDA 15.098). The grant, awarded on October 1, 2024, will support the "Ka Liu O Loko: Climate Resilience Project", which aims to increase the network of restored and functioning fishponds to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Key activities include training an on-site staff cohort in cultural practices for fishpond management, such as kilo (observation), water quality monitoring, and species propagation. The increased capacity developed at Malama Loko EA Foundation is expected to be shared within a network of partner fishponds, ultimately benefiting the larger Native Hawaiian community. This grant builds on the foundation's previous federal awards, including a $120,000 grant (ID: D23AP00261) for the Hololea Wahi Pana Kele Ao program, which focuses on developing culturally informed visitor experiences and community engagement.

While sustaining 15 years of expanding operations, MLEF is uniquely positioned to broaden the reach and impact of its programs that continue to benefit the native hawaiian community (NHC). Inclusive of ongoing environmental and cultural restoration efforts, MLEF is poised to serve as a modern focal point for navigating the localized impacts of climate change. Native hawaiians, who thrive using INA-based, hands-on, and culturally relevant practices are demonstrating their commitment to mitigating the wide-ranging impacts of climate events, especially at esteemed sites such as loko EA. When considering hawaiian FISHPONDS as a model for food sustainability and security, their importance and practicality cannot be overstated. The ancestral ecological knowledge required to assess, restore, and manage FISHPONDS, therefore is imperative. Often considered simple or outdated through a western lens, traditional knowledge is proving (CONVERSELY) to be innovative, adaptive, and resilient. This is a timely fit for modern climatic stressors. As a capacity-building force in the community, MLEF proudly celebrates having hosted over 60,000 visits by hawaiian students and hawaiian community members who participate in educational programs, cultural workshops, and community work days. These achievements attract significant and numerous partnerships including organizations representing other loko IA (FISHPONDS). Subsequently, this alliance is collectively aware that the number of kiai loko (caretakers with traditional knowledge of FISHPONDS) is becoming scarce, as reflected in hawaiis historic loss of FISHPONDS and the proportionate loss of kiai who manage them. Therefore, the partnerships are keenly aware of the necessity to further train their members under the guidance of the remaining kiai loko who serve as generational liaisons. This depth of knowledge simultaneously supports the nhcs resilience to climate change while endowing local communities with a sincere sense of self-determination, especially as the project goals come to fruition. This is KA LIU O loko (wisdom within): climate resilience project. Recognizing that traditional knowledge and ingenuity are necessary for responding to climate change, this project ultimately increases the nhcs ability to cope, adapt, and transform in the face of the challenges ahead. As the frequency and magnitude of climatic events increase, MLEF is committed to developing assessment protocols that inform its pond management strategy. An on-site staff cohort will be trained by experienced kiai loko to specialize in cultural responses that help ensure fish pond vitality, which includes but is not limited to: kilo (OBSERVATION), water quality monitoring, attention to seasonal cycles, species propagation, and natural indicators. The increased capacity developed at MLEF is forecasted to be shared within a network of partner FISHPONDS, ultimately benefiting the larger native hawaiian community. Mlama loko EA foundation is applying for the kapapahuliau climate resilience program under priorities 2 and 3: adaptation to climate change and creating opportunities for innovation, transformation and systematic change for which the objectives and outcomes are as follows:the goal of mlefs KA LIU O loko: climate resilience project is to increase the network of restored and functioning FISHPONDS to mitigate the impacts of climate change. FISHPONDS with experienced and knowledgeable kiai lokoincrease indigenous aquaculture systems and food security for the NHC, activate reinforcing meaningful connections to land and culture.support well-being and fulfillment through an indigenous approach, adapt respond to extreme climate events such as increased tidal action, maintain a cultural stronghold, expand and share IKE kupuna.