Modern agriculture faces a wide-range of challenges, many of which are interconnected and have global implications. Some of the key challenges include soil depletion, erosion, water pollution, synthetic chemicals, deforestation, climate change, food scarcity, and a loss in biodiversity.
The majority, if not all of these issues, are present in Hawai’i and have been exacerbated by the global pandemic, recent trends in supply chain vulnerability, and historic mismanagement of resources. Here in Hawai'i some of the biggest threats to farmers and agroforestry include: development, overpopulation, increase in property fees/utility expenses, pollution, GMO's, and invasive species. Hawai’i is experiencing an extinction crisis where over 250 native plant species have fewer than 50 wild individuals remaining as reported by the Department the Land and Natural Resources in 2022. Overregulation, overconsumption, and complacency has also led to a state of collective amnesia where the linkage between food, water and personal sovereignty is forgotten.
Empowerment of the indigenous Hawaiian and reintegration of our traditional customary practices into modern agriculture and business will foster a dignified existence, consisting of self-determination, cultural preservation, and self-reliance. The cultivation of holistic medicinal plants, mālama aina (caring for the land), and artistic expression aids in the overall well-being of any individual. Additionally, modern sustainable approaches such as food forests, agroforestry, companion planting, and organic farming aim to promote soil health, reduce resource use, enhance biodiversity, and increase the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change and other external pressures.
One of our goals at Mālama Pono Nui Loa is to empower all. We believe in the strength of communities and strive to collaborate with local communities to identify their needs and co-create solutions that will empower them. We work alongside our local communities to build self-reliance and resilience. We hope that by offering a more cyclical economy, a more integrated approach to agriculture, and a more direct relationship to nature, that we will be able to empower and invigorate people of all backgrounds. We are planning to develop a community center that features workshops, classes, various forms of healing services and a space for people to connect and share their gifts with each other. We also plan to offer workshops, seminars and certification programs for local water and soil testing.
At Mālama Pono Nui Loa we recognize ourselves as stewards of the aina, and believe that it is our responsibility to preserve our planet's biodiversity to ensure a healthy environment for future generations. We are fortunate enough to be connected to a Ahu'pua'a and our goal is to lead conservation initiatives to protect natural ecosystems, wildlife and critical habitats.
Here at Mālama Pono Nui Loa we utilize the historic ahu'pua'a system and integrate it with modern systems of analysis and data collection to manage and conserve our resources. We practice traditional Polynesian planting and harnessing the mana (spiritual energy of power and strength) of the la’au lapa’au (knowing, identifying and respectfully gathering of medicinal native plants that aid in the healing of the people’s ailments).
We are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint, reducing waste and are always striving to learn better ways to help our aina.
Mālama Pono Nui Loa utilizies agroforestry for sustainable agriculture that promotes biodiversity and soil health. We promote agroforestry practices that harness the power of nature and indigenous knowledge to create sustainable food systems and protect natural resources. Our goal is to work with the aina in order to ensure a healthy environment for future generations. To learn more about agroforestry, food forests and companion planting, click the link below.
Here at Mālama Pono Nui Loa we honor and respect the Kanaka Maoli/Indigenous heritage of communities by preserving and celebrating their traditions. We strive to protect the livelyhood of indigenous/native peoples through protecting and preserving Native Hawaiian Mahia’ai (farmers). We believe adopting the Native Hawaiian practices for every ohana, both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian, of being self-sustainable. Cultural practices such as growing their own kalo in loi or mala, growing other foods, as well as medicinal gardens helps to guarantee self-sustainability for all. To quote from a famous spoken law (olelo Noe’au) “ He Ali’I Ka’ Aina, He Kaua Ke Kanaka” which means the land is chief; Man is its servant. This olelo Noe’eau teaches us to recognize the stewardship of our kuleana (responsibility) to preserve and protect the land for generations to come.
At Mālama Pono Nui Loa we honor and utilize the ahu'pua'a and indigenous practices of land cultivation and are always seeking ways to better our relationship to the aina. We invite residents and guests to volunteer to have a culturally immersive experiences through our Mālama days. We plan to offer workshops and events to increase awareness and understanding of different cultures including practices like the sweat lodge, ho'opono pono (oral traditions), and artistic expression such as hula and lei making.
We host mālama days every Saturday from 12-5 and will be hosting various workshops and classes in the near future. Feel free to contact us for more information about how you can get involved with our community by filling out a form below.
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