Pathways for the Future of Our Kingdom of Hawai'i
Kingdom Pathways is a Community Based Organization
At the heart of our Hawaiian values is Malama 'Āina concept, to care for the land from Ma uka (inland) to Ma kai (ocean). We believe in creating sustainable futures through enviromental restoration, social justice, and cultural perpetuation in our moku of Wai’anae.
WHAT WE DO
'ĀINA
'ĀINA
'ĀINA
Advocate for our Land and Environmental Health
Ua mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono (motto of Hawaiʻi), the life of the land is preserved in righteousness.
WAI
'ĀINA
'ĀINA
Protect our Water Resources
The Hawaiian word for water is "Wai." It is so valued and important that we refer to water as "Wai Wai."
EA
'ĀINA
EA
Strive for Social Justice
“Ea” is translated as “life” but also means “sovereignty, rule, and independence.
OUR CURRENT PROJECTS
Pōka'ī Bay Breakwater Wall Improvement
Pōka'ī Bay Breakwater Wall Improvement
Pōka'ī Bay Breakwater Wall Improvement
The breakwater wall restoration project aims to repair structural damage and enhance natural water flow within Pōkaʻī Bay. Improvements are designed to reduce stagnant water, improve circulation, and protect both public health and marine ecosystems. Community and agency collaboration guide the planning to balance safety, recreation, and e
The breakwater wall restoration project aims to repair structural damage and enhance natural water flow within Pōkaʻī Bay. Improvements are designed to reduce stagnant water, improve circulation, and protect both public health and marine ecosystems. Community and agency collaboration guide the planning to balance safety, recreation, and environmental care.
A community meeting will be scheduled soon to review the proposed changes. During this session, scientific circulation data collected from Pōkaʻī Bay will be shared to help inform discussion and decision-making.
Na Ho'okele Sculpture Installation
Pōka'ī Bay Breakwater Wall Improvement
Pōka'ī Bay Breakwater Wall Improvement
Nā Ho‘okele (“The Many Navigators”) is a community art and education project celebrating the leadership and resilience of the Waiʻanae Coast. The sculpture honors cultural navigators past, present, and future who guide their communities through stewardship and knowledge. The project uplifts communities voices and creates a visual reminder
Nā Ho‘okele (“The Many Navigators”) is a community art and education project celebrating the leadership and resilience of the Waiʻanae Coast. The sculpture honors cultural navigators past, present, and future who guide their communities through stewardship and knowledge. The project uplifts communities voices and creates a visual reminder of kuleana to this wahi pana of Kū'īlioloa Heiau, ʻāina, and kai.
The Nā Ho‘okele Sculpture Project is moving forward steadily. The installation platform has been completed, and we are now awaiting the final plaque printing. Once the plaques are ready, the project will advance to the installation phase, marking a major milestone in bringing this community artwork to life.
Pōka'ī Bay Buoy HAR Rule Change
Pōka'ī Bay Breakwater Wall Improvement
Ua'u Kani (Shearwater) Conservation
This initiative seeks to amend Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (HAR 13-244-33), which governs ocean water use at Pōkaʻī Bay, to better reflect current community needs and environmental priorities. The project focuses on adjusting buoy placements and updating safety and environmental regulations to improve swimmer safety, protect coral and ma
This initiative seeks to amend Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (HAR 13-244-33), which governs ocean water use at Pōkaʻī Bay, to better reflect current community needs and environmental priorities. The project focuses on adjusting buoy placements and updating safety and environmental regulations to improve swimmer safety, protect coral and marine life, and ensure that local community voices are incorporated into future harbor management decisions.
The Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) is currently in the process of hiring a Legal Fellow to assist with drafting and compiling the community’s proposed project language into a formal legal packet.
Stay tuned and subscribe to Kingdom Pathways newsletter for meeting dates and updates.
Ua'u Kani (Shearwater) Conservation
Ua'u Kani (Shearwater) Conservation
Ua'u Kani (Shearwater) Conservation
This conservation effort focuses on protecting the ʻuaʻu kani (wedge-tailed shearwater) seabird populations nesting along the Waiʻanae coast. The project combines habitat restoration, predator control, and cultural education to safeguard nesting sites while teaching the community about the bird’s role in coastal ecosystems and Hawaiian mo
This conservation effort focuses on protecting the ʻuaʻu kani (wedge-tailed shearwater) seabird populations nesting along the Waiʻanae coast. The project combines habitat restoration, predator control, and cultural education to safeguard nesting sites while teaching the community about the bird’s role in coastal ecosystems and Hawaiian moʻolelo.
The 2025 nesting survey revealed ongoing challenges for the ʻuaʻu kani population along the Waiʻanae coastline. Out of 16 identified nesting burrows, none successfully survived this season. During monitoring, observers recorded the presence of four feral cats, one mongoose, and a pack of five dogs residing with houseless individuals in the immediate area.
These findings highlight the urgent need for continued predator management, habitat protection, and community education to support future nesting success and balance the needs of both wildlife and local residents.
Ho'oulu Lāhui Forestry Project
Ua'u Kani (Shearwater) Conservation
Ho'oulu Lāhui Forestry Project
Ho‘oulu Lāhui (“To Grow the Nation”) restores native and canoe-plant species across Waiʻanae’s coastal parks. The project increases shade, improves soil and water retention, and provides cultural and food resources for the community. Through tree planting, education, and partnerships, it strengthens resilience and connection to ʻāina.
Huliau O Wai'anae
Ua'u Kani (Shearwater) Conservation
Ho'oulu Lāhui Forestry Project
Huliau o Wai‘anae (“Turning Point for Waiʻanae”) is an intergenerational program bridging traditional knowledge and modern science. It trains community members to collect environmental and health data, understand government processes, and lead advocacy rooted in ʻāina-based learning. The program builds pathways for community-led research and policy change.
Hawai'i Cesspool Conversion
Kingdom Pathways continues to support statewide efforts toward equitable cesspool conversion through community focus groups, education, and conversation mapping. Our goal is to ensure that local voices guide how policy, funding, and technical solutions are shaped for impacted communities.
Recent discussions in Wai‘anae, Nānākuli, and Hau‘u
Kingdom Pathways continues to support statewide efforts toward equitable cesspool conversion through community focus groups, education, and conversation mapping. Our goal is to ensure that local voices guide how policy, funding, and technical solutions are shaped for impacted communities.
Recent discussions in Wai‘anae, Nānākuli, and Hau‘ula have revealed growing concerns around affordability, groundwater contamination, and the lack of accessible information. Residents emphasized the need for financial assistance programs, clear timelines, and locally based contractors who understand cultural and environmental sensitivities.
Next Steps: A new round of focus group meetings will be scheduled in November. Stay connected through our Kingdom Pathways newsletter for updates, opportunities to participate, and community findings as they unfold.
Wai'anae Community Health Assesesment
The Waiʻanae Health Assessment is a community-driven effort to understand how environmental conditions, including water, air, soil, and proximity to landfills and cesspools, impact the health and wellbeing of residents along the Waiʻanae Coast.
Led by Kingdom Pathways through the Huliau o Waiʻanae program, this assessment combines communit
The Waiʻanae Health Assessment is a community-driven effort to understand how environmental conditions, including water, air, soil, and proximity to landfills and cesspools, impact the health and wellbeing of residents along the Waiʻanae Coast.
Led by Kingdom Pathways through the Huliau o Waiʻanae program, this assessment combines community knowledge and scientific data to identify environmental health trends and uplift the lived experiences of local families.
Through surveys, interviews, and environmental sampling, the project seeks to:
- Document community health concerns and environmental exposures.
- Strengthen data to support policy change and funding for health equity.
- Empower residents to take part in shaping solutions that reflect our cultural values and connection to ʻāina.
The findings will guide future planning, education, and advocacy ensuring that the health of the people and the health of the land are understood as one and the same.
When data is ready for publishing, updates and results will be shared here for the community to review and engage with.
Aloha 'Āina
Manaʻo. Movement. Mālama.
Kingdom Pathways is bridging the gap between community voices, state agencies, and lawmakers.
We’re holding this session to hear your manaʻo, uplift what matters most to you, and guide public health decisions with data and lived experience. Together, we can create solutions rooted in our local needs.
Aloha Kākou
Your kōkua helps us restore ʻāina, protect wai, and uplift ea for our keiki and future generations. Every dollar goes directly to community projects from planting shade trees and restoring native species, to water quality testing and cultural education.
Together, we can build a resilient, thriving Waiʻanae.