Maliu MAI a pono: balance-making in hena state parksince its establishment in 1999, HUI makainana O makana (the HUI) has played a pivotal role in advocating forthe careful and intentional management…

This Project Grant award from the Department of the Interior's Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (CFDA 15.068 - Native Hawaiian Community Guest Stewardship) provides $178,189.00 to Hui Maka'Ainana O Makana, a Native Hawaiian non-profit organization, to support cultural preservation and sustainable tourism initiatives within Hena State Park.

The key activities to be delivered through this funding include: 1) Strengthening community engagement by facilitating at least 3 educational group visits per month for diverse stakeholders; 2) Promoting sustainable resource management through 2 annual farm-centric workshops on traditional farming, loi kalo (taro patches), and native plants; and 3) Enhanced visitor experience and education via monthly community farm workdays engaging both residents and out-of-state visitors in hands-on stewardship activities. This collaborative approach with the state aims to preserve the unique environmental and cultural heritage of Hena State Park for current and future generations.

Maliu MAI a pono: balance-making in hena state parksince its establishment in 1999, HUI makainana O makana (the HUI) has played a pivotal role in advocating forthe careful and intentional management of hena state park (HSP) to protect its natural and cultural resources -while centering the community and the lineal descendants. One of the foundational tenets of the HUI is therestoration and maintenance of the LOI kalo (taro patches) within the park. In 2021, the HUI entered a formalagreement with the state, in an unprecedented partnership as CO-managers of HSP, fostering a sustainable, regenerative, and community-centric approach to park stewardship. The LOI kalo continues to be one of the primary vehicles for engaging and educating visitors - including kauai residents, residents from other hawaii islands, out-of-state visitors, and international visitors. Funding will support current and ongoing efforts through the following key objectives:1. Strengthening community engagement: facilitate a minimum of three group visits per month, tailored to meet the specific and unique educational needs of participants from diverse backgrounds, including schools, government agencies, partner organizations, nonprofit organizations, cultural practitioners, and international groups.2. Promoting sustainable resource management: conduct a minimum of two annual farm-centric workshops at HSP, promoting traditional farming methodologies, LOI kalo, canoe plants, and highlighting unique cultivars and native plants at HSP.3. Enhanced visitor experience and education: organize community farm workdays on the first and third saturday of each month, engaging both residents and out-of-state visitors in hands-on activities that foster a deeperconnection to the land and promote environmental stewardship. These hands-on educational opportunities underscore the importance of hsps natural and cultural resources, ensuring that visitors respect and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the park while havingthe opportunity to engage in reciprocal stewardship activities. The CO-management agreement, with the state, recognizes the huis expertise in mlama INA activities, empowering the community to take the lead on managing crucial aspects of overall park maintenance and operations including parking, shuttles, and reservations - leading to a responsible, sustainable, and regenerative tourism model for other community groups doing similar work. This collaborative approach is essential for preserving the unique environmental and cultural heritage, ensuring that IT remains a valuable resource for both the local community and visitors - in perpetuity. Through these efforts, the HUI will ensure that hena continues to thrive as a vibrant and resilient cultural and historical landscape to the benefit of current and future generations.