Respect for our Ocean
E Mālama i Ko Kākou Moana
NATIVE HAWAIIAN ORGANIZATION
For centuries, Native Hawaiians have deeply respected the ocean, recognizing it as a vital source of life and spiritual sustenance. The ocean provided food, materials, medicine, and more. Our ancestors fostered a stewardship ethic that emphasized harmony with nature. This legacy inspires our ongoing efforts to protect Hawaii's precious ocean resources for future generations.
Our Mission
We aim to serve our Native Hawaiian community and our collective interest to protect our ocean resources.
Makemake mākou e lawelawe i ko mākou kaiāulu ʻōiwi Hawaiʻi a me kā mākou hoihoi like e mālama i kā mākou kumuwaiwai kai.
Key Threats: Fishing
Hawaiians once sustained abundant coral reef fisheries and sophisticated fish pond aquaculture systems that supplied up to 2 million pounds of local fish per year. Today, yields have decreased to around 623,000 pounds. The loss of traditional fishing and resource management practices, combined with the collapse of reefs and coastal fisheries, has led to a depleted supply of local, sustainable seafood for the people of Hawai‘i.
Key Threats: Ocean Life
Today, Hawai‘i's sea turtles face significant risks from human contact and pollution. Runoff from agriculture, sewage discharge, and plastic debris contaminate their habitats, leading to health problems and disrupting their ecosystems. Human activities such as coastal development and boat traffic can result in injuries and increased mortality rates for sea turtles. Additionally, ingestion of plastic waste and entanglement in marine debris pose severe threats to their survival, impacting the overall health and sustainability of Hawai‘i's sea turtle populations.
Key Threats: Ocean Health
In Hawai‘i, untreated sewage discharge contaminates ocean waters, posing serious health risks to surfers, including gastrointestinal illnesses and skin infections. Studies have shown elevated levels of harmful bacteria at popular surf spots, leading to frequent beach closures. This pollution also disrupts marine ecosystems, further impacting the quality and safety of Hawai‘i's surf environment.
Our Founder
Andrew Kaulaokalani was born and raised in Oahu, coming from two generations of fishermen whose livelihoods depended on the ocean. His father, an avid surfer since his youth, fearlessly rode the biggest waves on the North Shore, instilling in Andrew a deep love for surfing.
For over 30 years, Andrew has witnessed the changing landscapes of Hawaii and the impact on its ocean. He has seen firsthand the challenges facing our precious ocean resources—from overcrowded surf line-ups and erosion due to climate change to a general lack of awareness about the impact of human behavior on the ocean and its habitats.
Andrew founded Nā Kahu Kai to focus on the sustainability of Hawaii’s ocean for Native Hawaiians and all who enjoy Hawaii. Join him on this journey to mālama our vital ocean resources.