MLEF HISTORY

In 2008, Kamehameha Schools called out to restore Loko Ea fishpond in Haleiwa, Oahu.

James Estores and Benson Lee answered the call. Their intent was to reconnect Loko Ea and ʻUkoʻa fishpond and to give back to Princess Bernice Pauahi and Kamehameha Schools.

​In the beginning, kupuna with previous ties to Loko Ea came. Keiki came. More kupuna came. The community, sports groups, company groups, church groups, and school groups, they all came.
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In 2009, the Mālama Loko Ea Foundation was established.

Mālama Loko Ea is an educational platform where students and community members learn and practice land stewardship, 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.