For generations, Paepae o Heʻeia has stood as a symbol of resilience and abundance. After decades of restoration, the kuapā of the loko iʻa is nearing completion. On Saturday, Dec. 13, volunteers will come together to restore the final 300 feet of the kuapā and move 160 tons of coral for this historic moment.

“It is a one-day event, but we’re bringing the last 800 years together with the upcoming 800 years,” said Keliʻi Kotubetey KSK’96, assistant executive director of Paepae o Heʻeia. “Our goal is to restore it so it can feed people for another 800 years. This event is about connection — to place, to history, and to each other.”

Moʻokuapā is more than an event. The name derives from “moʻo–” which speaks to perpetuation; and “kuapā,” the wall of stone and coral that holds the pond together. As an ʻĀina Ulu collaborator, Paepae o Heʻeia works with Kamehameha Schools’ ʻĀina Pauahi Group to perpetuate stewardship and offer Hawaiian culture-based education.

“Moʻokuapā is more than restoring a wall, it’s about our upholding our collective kuleana to ʻāina,” said B.J. Awa KSK’99, natural and cultural stewardship manager with ʻĀina Pauahi. “By joining this effort, we help to build thriving and resilient communities rooted in aloha ʻāina. Every hand strengthens that connection and ensures abundance for generations to come.”

Volunteers will receive lunch sourced entirely from Heʻeia, including iʻa from the fishpond, vegetarian lūʻau stew (ʻuala, kalo, cassava) and kalo paʻa.

If you would like to contribute but cannot attend the workday, please consider making a donation. Paepae o Heʻeia, with support from ʻĀina Pauahi, is asking for the following donations:

• Lei lāʻī: Help us encircle the 1.3-mile wall with lei. Contribute a twisted, open-ended ti leaf lei, at least 5-feet-long.
• 5-gallon buckets with handles: The buckets will help volunteers transport coral to complete the wall.
• Snacks: Drop off packaged granola bars, fruit and other treats to keep volunteers fueled.

Donations can be dropped off at Kawaiahaʻo Plaza, parking stall #A03 on Thursday, Dec. 11. Join us and contribute to this historic occasion!

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