Ke Malama ‘Ia Ka ‘Aina, Malama ‘Ia Ka Po'e
LOCATION: Moku of Kona, Puu Opae, Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii | TMK: 4-1-2-002:023 (POR.)
THE PROJECT: Puu Opae Farm and Irrigation Project (POFIP) – Kekaha Hawaiian Homestead Association (KHHA) in partnership with Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL)
A HISTORY OF FEEDING THE COMMUNITY
During the 1930s, a vegetable garden was grown at Puu Opae on 16 acres. A year later, the garden produced approximately 95 tons of vegetables and was expanded to 24 acres, helping to make Kekaha Sugar Company self-sufficient in the food supply. During the war, vegetable farming production was increased to feed the community.
PROJECT BACKGROUND: Puu O'pae is a 231-acre property leased by the Kekaha Hawaiian Homestead Association (KHHA) under an agreement granted by the State of Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Home Land Association. Puu O'pae is a community space where members learn and practice environmental stewardship, Hawaiian culture, sustainable farming of the "24 Canoe Plants," and silvopastoral methods.
PROJECT HISTORY: The property was owned and run by the Kekaha Sugar Company until it closed in 2000. The sugar crops grown were removed after the plantation shut down, and the property was transferred to the State of Hawaii. However, the ditch system and reservoir remained.
ACCESS NEEDS: There are two roads to Puu O'pae: The first begins in Kekaha using the Kokee Road and connects to a windy dirt road that eventually ends at the property's entrance. The second and more direct path is through Niu Valley road from the Kekaha plains. The Niu Valley road, although ideal, is closed due to erosion. Creating a safe, reliable infrastructure can significantly affect the sustainability of the Puu O'pae project. Improving connectivity to land and increasing access to all-season roads is a critical goal for this project.
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