Paepae O He‘eia
Here’s a brief description of the incredible work being done at Paepae O He‘eia, from their website:
“History
Paepae o He’eia is a private non-profit organization dedicated to caring for He’eia Fishpond – an ancient Hawaiian fishpond located in He’eia Uli, Ko’olaupoko, O’ahu. Established in 2001 by a group of young Hawaiians, Paepae o He’eia works in partnership with landowner, Kamehameha Schools, to manage and maintain He’eia Fishpond for the community. Paepae o He’eia was established to mālama He’eia Fishpond and serve as kia’i to this precious resource and treasure.
Vision & Mission
Our vision is to perpetuate a foundation of cultural sustainability for communities (‘ohana) of Hawai`i through education. Our mission is to implement values and concepts from the model of a traditional fishpond to provide intellectual, physical, and spiritual sustenance for our community
To reach our vision, we utilize the strengths of the fishpond as a place of learning to weave ancestral knowledge together with western ways of knowing to achieve our goals.
Production
Hawaiian historian Samuel Manaiakalani Kamakau noted that, “Fishponds were things that beautified the land. A land with many fishponds was called momona (fat).” It was with this quote in mind along with our desire to restore the abundance of He’eia Fishpond that we named this program.
The goal of this community-based economic development program is to research, develop, and feature various products and services from the fishpond and make them available to the public. In doing so, we aim to mutually benefit both the fishpond and those whom it can nourish.
Aquaculture
Methods of aquaculture at He‘eia fishpond have changed over the decades as well as the environmental conditions in and out which impact those methods. Paepae o He‘eia is committed to growing safe and healthy food within the fishpond by combining the lessons and practices of our ancestors with the best available technologies of today. By adapting our aquaculture methods to the current state of the pond, we hope to provide physical nourishment to our `ohana and community into the future.
Limu (G. salicornia/Gorilla Ogo) – Despite being an invasive pest, this seaweed is closely related to our native Manauea and common Ogo species that are commonly eaten in poke. This limu is a perfect crunchy addition to your homemade poke, makes a great namasu or seaweed salad, or can even be chopped finely and added to green salad as a garnish. We currently sell this limu for $3 per pound and orders can be made through our online store or over the phone. Check out our `ono limu salad recipe (link to recipe)!”
You can also find them at the Hanohano He‘iea booth (upstairs near Macy’s) during Windward Mall Farmers Market on Wednesdays – selling limu and limu salad.