Uluhāhāloa

Niuliʻi, Kohala

In this program we work towards the restoration and revitalization of the ancient stone walled loʻi (terraced water gardens) infrastructure of Niuliʻi. Aiming to cultivate Kalo, the sacred staple food of Kānaka maoli, and “Kahu ʻĀina”, land stewards, we are bridging lineal descendants, kānaka maoli, and the Kohala community to these ancestral resources. Also hosting school groups and visiting orgs for hands-on, educational experiences. In this, simultaneously cleaning, and assisting in the rejuvenation of the Niuliʻi stream ecosystem.

Goals:

• Restore the ancient walls and terrace sites and reactivate them into production.  

• Host and Model best practices to shift Ag in Hawaiʻi towards supporting traditional and healthier environmental and community practices

• Remove invasive overgrowth and help maintain healthy stream flow

• Collect the supporting data that shows the ecological benefits of traditional agricultural practices.

• Empower and support community in developing a healthy collective stewardship framework for the future care and cultivation of Niuliʻi