Our Mission
Mission Statement
Our mission is to perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture through education, land stewardship, and community building, while sustainably restoring our precious natural resources.
Vision Statement
The vision of Mālama Loko ea is to connect the present to the past
The Story of Mālama Loko ea Foundation
In 2008, Kamehameha Schools called out to community to restore Loko ea Fishpond in Haleʻiwa, ʻOahu.
James Estores and Benson Lee answered the call. Their intent was to reconnect Loko ea and ʻUkoʻa Fishpond and give back to Princess Bernice Pauahi and Kamehameha Schools.
In the beginning, kupuna with generational ties to Loko ea came, keiki cam, more kupuna came. The community, sports groups, corporate groups, church and school groups, they all came.
In 2009, Mālama Loko ea Foundation was established.
Mālama Loko ea Foundation provides a space for students and community learn and practice mālama ʻāina, nohona Hawaiʻi, living and practicing Hawaiian culture as a way of life, and ʻike kuʻuna, knowledge of traditional Hawaiian practices.
With the kuleana to mālama a rich cultural and natural resource, Mālama Loko ea Foundation works to revive Loko ea to once again become an abundant and thriving fishpond. Mālama Loko ea Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
Back: Tony Morlock
Middle L-R: Lehua, Uncle Buddy Keala, James Estores*, Benson Lee*
Front: Kalani Fronda
*Founding Board Members of MLEF
