Pu‘u ‘Eke: Protecting a vital source of wai
A small yet significant area of native forest near the summit of Kohala Mountain, Pu‘u ‘Eke is a primary water source for Kohala and the focus of innovative preservation efforts combining ancestral wisdom and modern technology. Our Kohala Stewardship Program team is engaged in a two-year stewardship initiative that includes kilo (keen environmental observation), community outreach, ungulate-proof fence installation, ungulate monitoring and control, non-native plant pest monitoring and control, ecosystem monitoring, and more. Inspired by the words of our kūpuna preserved in the chant He Mele o Kāne—“He wai puna, he wai e inu, he wai e mana, he wai e ola, e ola nō, ʻeā!” (Water springing forth, water to drink, water to empower, water to bring life, let it thrive, indeed!)—our desired long-term outcome is to protect and restore the Kohala cloud forest’s natural processes to provide cleaner and more abundant water for the communities it supports. Community members are invited to contact Mahina Patterson, ‘āina-based education specialist and ‘Eke project manager, at mpatterson@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411 with questions or for more information.
This project is being conducted in partnership with The Queen’s Health Systems / Queen Emma Land Company, Hawai‘i Division of Forestry and Wildlife / Natural Area Reserves System, Parker Ranch, U.S. Forest Service, Hawai‘i Department of Health, Hawai‘i Department of Hawaiian Homelands, South Kohala Coastal Partnership, and Oceanit Laboratories, Inc. |
