Money Flowing Into Waikalua Loko Fishpond ‘University’
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Deep in the heart of Kaneohe lies Waikalua Loko Fishpond - living proof that learning can take place far beyond the classroom.
Waikalua Loko Fishpond Preservation Society and Pacific American Foundation have been working since 1995 to revitalize the pond and create educational opportunities in fishpond practices, old and new, and a recent $800,000 federal grant should speed that along.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to Windward Community College is intended to help preserve the pond and support its educational and career goals.
“We’ve created a cultural-based curriculum using the fishpond and ahupua`a practices to teach math, science, social studies and language arts in the concept of culture,” explained PAF executive director Herb Lee Jr., who also is on the society’s board of directors. “For Hawaii, the fishpond has literally become a community classroom.
“You can see the wonder on the kids’ faces when they come to the pond. It’s a great synergy that we’re extremely proud of,” added Lee, a Kaneohe native who never imagined in 1995 that it would turn into a place for continuing, hands-on education.
Students from across the state and abroad, from kindergarten to doctoral candidates, come to the pond each year, eager to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to basic, everyday skills.
“We train about 1,200 teachers statewide in the curriculum and have about 50 core volunteers. We have stations where students can learn about history, invasive plants, science and more.”
The fishpond currently is owned by Bayview Golf Course, but WCC is working with PAF to purchase it for themselves. Lee said they hope to gain the title within the next year.
Waikalua Loko Fishpond invites the public in during five community workdays each year to explore and help with restoration. The next workday is this Saturday. For more information or to arrange a classroom tour, call 843-1217 or visit www.ulukau.org, www.thepaf.org or www.waikalualokofishpond.org.
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