The dynamics in Kīholo are amazing! This community has fought for their kuleana and taken this measure of responsibility to establish a functional model for community-based management. Hui Aloha Kīholo is a non-profit organization who has identified themselves as the primary caretakers of this place. Years ago when the State of Hawai`i wanted to shut down Kīholo from public access because of blatant mis-use and legal liability, the Hui stepped up and requested that the State entrust them to regulate access and to care for the State Park. With ample support from Hawai`i Island communities, they have been successful in maintaining and cultivating healthy relationships at Kīholo.
People came from all around the Island. The monthly Kīholo Work Days hosted by The Nature Conservancy draws so many volunteers. It was great to hear that people drove all the way from Hilo and Puna to “give back”. It was obviously a place that people were connected to in some way. We spent our morning clearing invasive plants from the edge of Kīholo fishpond to reduce additional sedimentation in the pond. Many hands made for light work and afterwards we were able to share a potluck together and leisure in the shade.
The ‘ohana of Kīholo represents the breath of this place. Ku`ulei Keakealani, member of Hui Aloha Kīholo, shared about her kūpuna of Kīholo. Her stories gave life and context for everyone. Aunty Shirley, a kūpuna of Kīholo, told of her journeys as a little girl from Pu`uanahulu on the slopes of Hualalai, to the shores of Kīholo on the back of a mule. She referenced a time of “fun” and “really living off the land”. It was wonderful.
The Fellows' Ship 