Marine Debris Removal 

Our shorelines are absorbing the damage from trash left by unregulated dumping in our open oceans. The Loko Iʻa is not spared from the negative environmental and social impacts caused by the movement of the great pacific garbage patch. Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi crew paid a visit to Kupeke Loko Iʻa to remove tons of rubbish that scattered within the fishpond.

 ​Ke Kaiaulu: Community Connection

Itʻs important for us to have a succession plan in place for the continuity of our culture. Our hope is that our mission to restore and maintain this ahupuaʻa will carry on with the next generation. We hope to accomplish this by educating and possibly inspiring the next kiaʻi poʻo for Kupeke Loko Iʻa.

Kana Wai: Water Rights Advocacy

Representatives of Kupeke Ahupuaʻa have participated in public processes on the subject of water use for Molokai. Natural springs supply fishponds and important fishing grounds with a constant flow of fresh water. It is an absolutely essential component of healthy estuarine & marine habitats. As of this writing, there is no codified means of protecting natural spring flow from interference. We remain committed to the goal of protecting groundwater for estuaries & nearshore fisheries.
Picture
Freshwater Springs are visible during low tide. These sources are of critical importance to all fishponds, not just Kupeke.
After clearing debris from an opening, the resident ʻAmaʻama drink wai from the submerged spring when the tides return. 

Kau Wela: Season of Ku

We honor the traditional changing of the seasons with offerings to the Ku stone at the northern face of the fishpond wall. ʻOhiʻa lehua is a symbolic representation of Ku, which we respect as a fishing god. The ʻohiʻa lehua is gathered from the top of Kupeke ahupuaʻa, and placed at the shrine in the fishpond. Practitioners maintain the communication between mountain and ocean elements as a holistic system that is the ahupuaʻa. 
Picture
ʻOhiʻa Lehua is gathered from the slopes of Kupeke.
Picture
Kinolau of KU is placed at the KU stone/shrine at Kupeke Loko Iʻa.