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Akakū Upstairs – Harvesting Hawaiian History – Kihei’s Ancient Kō’ie‘ie Fishpond

Akakū Upstairs Ancient Kihei Fishpond Rescheduled!

The history and restoration of Kihei’s ancient Kō’ie‘ie Fishpond will be the topic of a special Akakū Upstairs Salon on Thursday, August 22 at 6 pm. The event was originally planned for July 11, 2019, but was canceled due to wildfires.

This presentation will be led by Kimokeo Kapahulehua and Vene Chun. Kimokeo is a former president and current treasurer of ‘Ao‘ao O Nā Loko I‘a O Maui, the group which advocated for the pond’s restoration and preservation as a historical-cultural site, and has been instrumental in caring for and sharing this local treasure for almost 20 years.
The presenters will show the short film, “The Mo’olelo of Ko’ie’ie Fishpond” produced by Akakū’s Jay April and Lou Diliberto, and talk about the historical and cultural significance of Hawaiian fishponds — how they were used to ensure a steady supply of fresh fish for the Hawaiian people, and the extensive restoration process that has been undertaken to ensure that Kō’ie‘ie remains intact for generations to come. He will also discuss how visitors can tour and explore the fishpond site in Kihei and participate in its conservation.

In ancient times, Hawaii’s chiefs were considered wealthy if they had fishponds within their ahupua`a. Hawaiian fishponds were constructed of rock, mostly lava, with slatted openings that allowed small fish to enter and feed in the warm, nutrient-rich waters near the shoreline. Once they grew too big to escape, they were trapped in the ponds and easily harvested.
Salons are held Thursday evenings from 6-7:30 pm in the Akakū Media Lab, 333 Dairy Road, Suite 204, in Kahului, just upstairs from the Akakū TV studios and KAKU Radio.
The presentations are taped for cablecast on Akakū Blue Channel 55 and made available for video-on-demand through akaku.org. These interesting and informative presentations are admission-free, but please RSVP to www.akaku.org/salons or call 808-871-5554 to let them know you are coming.