Impacts of climate change in loko i‘a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) management I

A student sits in a canoe in the middle of the fishpond. — Cherie Kauahi explores the complexities of groundwater sources in the coastal environment of the loko i‘a (traditional fishpond).

Groundwater springs are fundamental to providing nutrients to coastal environments. However, these systems are challenging to understand due to the complex interactions between hydrogeologic, oceanographic, and climatologic processes. In Hawai‘i groundwater plays a significant role in the functioning and sustainability of coastal loko i‘a (fishpond), so understanding the interactions between groundwater and seawater in these environments is important to their persistence. The focus of this project is to identify how groundwater flow changes over different timescales at three loko i‘a in Keaukaha, Hawai‘i. The work will also examine the socio-ecosystems of place by soliciting information from the perspectives of various individuals who have an experience-based relationship to these loko i‘a. This research will provide fishponds managers details of groundwater flow changes through time that can be used to enhance loko i‘a practices and sustainability.

Project Collaborators

Masters Student

Cherie Kauahi, Graduate Student

Faculty Advisor

Steven “Steve” Colbert, Associate Professor of Marine Science, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Committee Members

Noelani Puniwai, Assistant Professor, Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies
Jene Michaud, Professor of Geology, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Kēhau Springer, Conservation International Hawaiʻi

Additional Collaborators

Luka Mossman, Manager, Hale o Lono Fishpond, Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation and Conservation International Hawaiʻi
John Burns, Lecturer/Researcher, Marine Science, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Jason Adolf, Associate Professor (Marine Science), Dept. of Biology, Monmouth University

Final report (pdf)

Graduate defense presentation (7/6/18)

MCC Loko Iʻa Project Voice of the Sea Feature

MCC Loko Iʻa Collaborative Restoration PICCC Film

E LAUHOE MAI: Redefining “classroom” in Keaukaha video

PI-CASC News: “Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald Article Outlines Senate Climate Change Bill and Highlights MCC Research”

UH Hilo Stories: “Climate change research at UH Hilo: Fishpond management and restoration”