Pacific American Foundation

What We Do

In 2016, the Society declared its 20 year mission to restore the fishpond complete, and ownership was transferred to the Pacific American Foundation. Ongoing restoration efforts, educational projects, water quality testing and data analysis, and cultural activities are enjoyed by students, families, and community.

Present day issues being addressed include climate change, sea level rise, pollution, invasive species, and safe, plentiful food cultivation using a combination of ancient practice and knowledge and modern scientific inquiry and practice.

Who We Are

Waikalua Loko Fishpond is a loko kuapā—a type of fishpond that is unique to these Islands. Waikalua Loko I’a was built about 350 years ago.

At that time, the ahupua’a flourished with productive lo’i kalo (taro patches) fed by the waters of Kawa and Kāne’ohe streams. The waters flowed from the streams through ‘auwai (ditches) into the loʻi and into the loko I’a (fishponds). The original pond received fresh water from both Kāneʻohe and Kawa streams. Grates once controlled the flow of water from these streams into the pond so that pond managers could control the salinity of the water.
The original locations of the mākāhā (sluice grates) on the makai side and the dimensions of the pond walls are not known.
The current sea levels are higher than at any time in the past, due to climate change.

Cause Areas

Environmental Conservation