Aloha ʻĀina – “Love of the Land”

ROOTED IN HOPE PARTNERS WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN KONA

For the love of the land. Rooted In Hope’s most recent project is working with The Nature Conservancy and the native Hawaiian community of Kihole to restore and protect ancient fishponds that have provided sustainable fishing grounds for the community for centuries. “Aloha Aina” which means for love of the land encompasses a deep respect, connection, and responsibility for the land, culture, and community. It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a philosophy that emphasizes stewardship, sustainability, and recognizing the integral role of the land in Hawaiian life. 

Zach Horton, Sr. Associate and Director of Philanthropy for TNC shows Katie and Jenny Emick the 200 foot stone channel that serves as safe passage from the fish ponds to the ocean.

This notion, this philosophy, this way of living sustainably is truly brought to life here at this small national park and cultural and natural preserve.This 1,200 acre preserve includes the natural springs that feed the fish pond estuaries,  anchialine pools which represent vital ecosystems found in the cracks of lava, and 600 acres of adjoining nearshore marine waters. The area offers two contrasting but complimentary natural environments, from the stark sun baked  lava flows stretching out into the Pacific and coral reef habitats to the surrounding abundant beachside species of flora and fauna offering shade and protective habitats.

Jenny Emick examines the channel that connects the vital fish estuaries, spring fed ponds and anchialine pools to the ocean where two dozen fish species, green sea turtles are now thriving. 

The continued support of this important ecological area has helped restore this critical and now thriving habitat. Two dozen native fish species are thriving here, along with other marine life now found in abundance. This enables native Hawaiians to continue their traditional fishing practices, while protecting the fish populations for future generations. The 200 foot stone channel which connects the ponds of Kiholo Bay to the ocean serve as safe haven for the local green sea turtle population providing them a safer way to travel from the coastal waters to the fishponds where they can feed and rest. The preserve also has a small nursery dedicated to growing native species for planting, as invasive and non native species are removed.

The Kiholo Preserve offers protection to the endangered Green Sea Turtle, the largest of the hard shell turtle species. These magnificent creatures can live up to 80 years old and reach 3-4 ft in size and over 300 lbs.

Rooted In Hope is partnering with The Nature Conservancy on this important project with plans to hold annual site visits, fund raising and continued project support. This March, Rooted In Hope  held its Annual Board Meeting in Kona  and a team of 14 Board Members and volunteers  travelled to the Big Island to immerse themselves in local culture, tradition and an opportunity to experience and enjoy the natural wonders and beautiful environment of this special place. This was also an opportunity to promote Rooted In Hope programs, drive donations  critical to helping support these important environmental projects. 

Members of the Rooted In Hope Board and volunteers travelled to Kona to support the formal kick off of the Kiholo Preserve conservation and restoration activities.