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 has 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 have been made to teachers and hundreds of students and team members have 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 they think 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. Perhaps most exciting is the recently hired Ka‘ena Point Ambassador, Walt Keale Mix, through the Hawai‘i DLNR. Ka‘ena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project staff successfully obtained a grant from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority for a one year interpretive ambassador 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.  To date, our combined outreach efforts have been effective in directly reaching more than 2,000 people from O‘ahu who may have some connection to Ka‘ena Point, and engaging those who truly care about this special place in the process of making this endeavor the best it could be. 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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