Windward OahuLeading the way in environmental education

Hawaii: Leading by example

 

Hawaii is a small reflection of the world. We must pursue sustainable solutions to conserve natural resources.

There are many approaches to sustainability

Through modern eyes…

June 8, 2015: Hawaii became the first state to propose fossil fuel-free energy by 2045. This limits pollution which disrupts marine life and ecosystems. The bill focuses scattered initiatives to strive for a common goal.

Looking towards the past…

Hokulea brings old seafaring to the new world. The vessel proves what we are capable of accomplishing if we decide to use our resources wisely. We learn how dependent we are on the environment.

Hokulea docked at Kualoa Beach, where royalty manifested their future

We have the same opportunities at home

Not everyone rides on the Hokulea, but opportunities are close to home with similar ideals:

We become stewards by participating in sustainable solutions.

The first step is finding a mentor and navigator.

Finding Teachers

Few sustainability education programs with limited access to students

Teachers don't have relevant technology to teach science

Ambivalent student mentality due to assumptions that science is hard and uninteresting

Important to link programs to students and educators Possible solution: sustainability education database

Windward Oahu Education Programs

WIRED: Connects students grades 6-12 and graduates to research entities

• Increases STEM interest through field work

• Provides access to field and lab equipment https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cSF7I0JJbFE/VIuZ3aVoLtI/

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Elementary and high school students collect water quality data in Kaelepulu Stream for Oceanit (Division of Forestry and Wildlife).

Windward Oahu Education Programs

PaCES: Six week environmental science internship at Windward Community College

• Connects students of different backgrounds

• Involves teacher training by interns

• Produces college-level research

• Fishpond water quality Top: PaCES student selects disease associated marine bacteria for genetic studies.

Left: PaCES mentors train Kamehameha teachers in field studies.

Windward Oahu Education Programs

NALU Studies: Environmental stewardship program empowering at-risk teenagers

• Students realize their potential for positive change

• Post-program career opportunities become available

• Program graduates mentor middle school classes NALU students redefine their

identity through culture and home.

Finding Our Classroom

• Environmental stewardship: taking responsibility for the land

• Educational and cultural opportunities are found outdoors

• Shows students that science is manageable, fun, and relevant

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Learning About the Past

Ahupua`a systems fostered ridge to reef thinking. Everyting flowed into the loko.

Unique sluice gates (Makaha) naturally grew fish.

~500 loko fed all of Oahu.

These practices were taught through generations at the fishpond.

Left: Kamehameha School’s representation of an Ahupua`a showing ridge to reef connection.

Right: The makaha at Waikalua Loko.

 

The Ancient Icebox

Waikalua Loko is one of 50 to 60 remaining ponds on Oahu. It is a loko kuapa (brakish water fishpond).

You could obtain 2000 pounds of fish per acre.

It fell into disrepair until 1995 but has since been revitalized.

Though the Waikalua Loko would not be able to feed Kaneohe it is still an important educational outlet.

Progress of revitalization efforts in aerial view of the Waikalua Loko.

PC: Waikalula Loko Preservation Society

The Classroom Today

Traditional practices are taught with modern understanding involving economics, history, and science.

Different age groups learn at the pond from different social economic backgrounds.

5000 students use all 5 senses with hands on learning at the pond every year.

Community Cooperation

Taking care of the fishpond requires lots of help from different people.

Managing council involves cultural specialists, scientists, and community leaders.

Effective management comes from cooperation.

Limu removal by Castle High School students.

Future Plans

In the future Waikalua Loko hopes to turn the adjacent sewage plant into an aquaculture facility.

At the facility the intention is to sell fish commercially.

This creates a modern method of aquaculture right next to a traditional method of farming.

The Waikalua Loko will still be used as our outdoor classroom.

How our vessel works

Place-based learning programs involve different populations in sustainability efforts

Community commons focus many initiatives to feed global needs

Next steps are to qualitate success

PaCES and Castle High School students collaborate with Waikiki Aquarium for Earth Day Moi release

Some anecdotal indicators There is a decade long running history with national and international

exposure

Former students pursue degrees and careers in environmental science and policy

Education programs and school consortiums use our model for learning

PaCES delegation at the 2007 Coastal America Student Summit

NALU national finalist for science education at Washington DC

Our network of support

NALU

Hui o Ko’olaupoko

Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership

Center for Microbial Oceanography Research and Education

Oceanit

Pacific America Foundation

NOAA

PaCES

Hawai’I Community Foundation

UH Manoa

Waikalua Loko Preservation Society

Minami Foundation

Ameron Hawai’i

The National Science Foundation

Islands of Opportunity Alliance

Pam and Pierre Omidyar Fellowship

Fish and Wildlife Services

Hawai’I Juvenile Court System

Hawai’I Department of Education

Kako’o ‘Oiwi

Windward Community College

WIRED

Now we’re at SHYLI

MAHALO