What does “kuapā” mean?

“Kuapā” is the Hawaiian word referring to the fishpond wall. The root word of “kuapā” is “kua” meaning backbone or support. This is fitting since the kuapā is the backbone of our fishpond and is the very essence of Hawaiian fishponds. He`eia Fishpond is a loko kuapā – a walled fishpond – and is unique since the wall completely encircles the pond.

What is the kuapā made of?

Our wall is 1.3 miles in length and ranges in width from 10 to 14 feet. Traditionally, it was constructed using 2 materials - pōhaku (basalt rock) and ko`a (coral) obtained from our adjacent reefs. In our current refurbishment efforts, we use rock and coral that is either bought or generously donated.

Why is mangrove bad for the wall?

Mangrove was introduced to Hawai‘i via SE Asia in the early 1900s and to He‘eia in 1922. There are 3 different species of mangrove found at He‘eia Fishpond: American Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Oriental Mangrove (Brugheria gymnorhiza), and Button Mangrove (Conocarpus erectus). Mangrove, especially American Mangrove, is bad for the wall because its aerial roots grow into the wall and loosen the rocks and coral, destroying the kuapa's integrity. A strong wall is essential to retain water within the fishpond.

Why is mangrove bad for the fishpond?

Besides breaking up our fishpond wall, mangrove is bad for our fishpond environment. Because of the mangrove's extensive root system, sediment from the āina (land)and decaying organic matter builds up amidst the roots over time, and eventually creates land, where there otherwise was none. Large stands of mangrove also create wind breaks, preventing our prevailing trade winds from circulating the fishpond's surface waters. Wind circulates the water creating more oxygen, and oxygen is essential for fish and all other life living within the fishpond.

How is the Kuapā Refurbished?

Refurbishment at He`eia Fishpond starts by removing all mangrove and invasive plants that are damaging the wall. Then the wall sections that need to be repaired are restacked using the traditional Hawaiian method of dry-stacking. Coral is then used to fill in behind the stacked pohaku.

Goal: To organize our community in an effort to malama He`eia Fishpond

Projects: Mangrove Removal, Wall Refurbishment

When: 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month (except December, January, June, July, and August)

Start: 8:30 a.m.

Finish: 12:30 p.m.

To maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of these workdays, we place a limit on the number of participants we host each workday. Please call to reserve a spot during one of our workdays and inquire about parking information. Join the revitalization effort!

Also, please remember to bring the following items:

Covered shoes or tabis* Work clothes Sunscreen Hat (optional) Water Bottle Change of clothes and towel (optional) *IMPORTANT: No one will be allowed to work without covered shoes!

Past community workdays participants include:

He`eia Fishpond like all fishponds took and still needs a community to build and maintain it. Thanks to the many participants in our Kū Hou Kuapā program whose support, hard work, dedication, and generous donations allowed us to initiate and continue this program to preserve the fishpond wall. Over the years, many hands and hearts have touched the wall and added their mana (spiritual power) to it. All participants, from keiki (child) to kūpuna (elder), have contributed to revitalizing this unique resource.

Mahalo to all those who have supported us and continue to do so!

Kamehameha Schools, Ameron Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Castle Foundation, Hawaii Tourism Authority.