Education

The Ka‘ena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project has captured the attention and imagination of many who realize what an amazing place of learning and inspiration Ka‘ena Point can be as it is restored.  Since October 2007, the Ka‘ena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project outreach team coordinated by Mālama Hawai‘i has heard from hundreds of individuals and community organizations. The team has been very active in the communities surrounding Ka‘ena Point (both the Mokulē‘ia and Wai‘anae sides), to give everyone accurate information and provide them the opportunity to give feedback. Overall the vast majority of people who have been contacted support this project strongly and are interested in ensuring that Ka‘ena Point NAR is protected for the long-term. The outreach team met with groups such as neighborhood boards, Hawaiian civic clubs, community associations, cultural preservation and environmental protection organizations including the Friends of Ka‘ena and more. Presentations were made to teachers and hundreds of students and team members also conducted many one-on-one meetings and site visits with respected kūpuna (native Hawaiian elders), community leaders, fishers and 4x4 club members where concerns were shared and addressed wherever possible.

The outreach team also conducted surveys at Ka‘ena Point on weekends to get input from actual users of Ka‘ena Point about why they visit Ka‘ena and what thought about the proposed fencing.  The same survey was administered at the popular Hawai‘i Fishing and Seafood Festival.  Of the 141 respondents, 95% of whom were from Hawai‘i, 82% supported constructing the fence, 15% were possibly supportive, and 3% were unsupportive. Students from Mililani High School, Wai‘anae High School, Nānākuli High School, Kamaile Academy, Punahou School, and others have used Ka‘ena Point as a place of learning and discovery. More schools and programs have made active use of Ka`ena as a learning resource thanks to the Navigating Change (NOAA) program and the Ka Papa O Kakuhihewa Fund of the Hawai`i Community Foundation.  See blog: Kaena Point Education Restoration Perhaps most exciting is the daily presence of Ka‘ena Point Ambassador, Walt Keale Mix, through the Hawai‘i DLNR. Ka‘ena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project staff successfully obtained an initial grant from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority for the position. Keale is based primarily in the Ka‘ena Point NAR to educate the public, provide volunteer coordination and lead service visits. Continued funding for this position will be a priority.  Please check back periodically to see updates on education at Ka‘ena Point NAR and new educational materials.

Ua ao Hawai‘i ke ‘ōlino nei mālamalama.

Hawai‘i is enlightened, for the brightness of day is here.

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