Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabrielle Joyner | 150513-N-WC566-115 PEARL HARBOR (May 13, 2015) Representatives from the Navy and Joint...... read more read more
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PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Navy and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) representatives, Native Hawaiian civic clubs and Aiea community members gathered at McGrew Point Housing Pavilion to discuss the progress of a local fishpond restoration May 13.
The restoration process began last year. It took six months to complete the first phase of the project, which was to clear the mangrove trees obstructing the pond. Due to the archaeological sensitivity of the site, workers cleared the dense mangrove by hand. The next phase will be to conduct an archaeological survey of the pond to determine the viability of the long-term goal, which is to restore the pond to its original full function.
“Although all are hopeful of achieving that long-term goal, some community members stated there is already cultural and educational value, just in revealing the pond by the removal of the invasive mangrove,” said Tom Clements, Navy Region Hawaii Environmental public affairs officer.
After a traditional blessing, participants took a tour of the Pearl Harbor fishpond observing the progress of restoration efforts.
“From my perspective, today is the day that we see the fruits of our labors,” said Cmdr. David McAlister, JBPHH public works officer. “Our desire is to make sure we can do our mission, but in a way that has the least amount of impact on the environment and it helps to both support and maintain those critical things that we have that we can’t replace.”
McAlister noted that he is interested in this project not only as an engineer, but also as a resident of McGrew Point. “I get to experience Hawaiian culture right outside my door.”
According to Shad Spearman Kane, a cultural practitioner, the impact of restoring this ancient site is both cultural and environmental.
“It’s not just the restoration of a fishpond, but more importantly, it is the restoration of relationships that will make this a success,” said Kane. “It’s not just about putting them back. It’s getting people together and establishing that relationship.”
Claire Tamamoto, president of the Aiea Community Association, expressed how important this restoration project has been for the community.
“It was like a dream come true,” said Tamamoto. “We are so glad to engage and to provide a learning experience for the community and the military. We are so happy and proud that they are our partners.”
Fishponds in early Hawaiian history were used to farm fish, providing food for the surrounding communities. There were originally 22 fishponds in Pearl Harbor, but now only three remain. Of the three, the fishpond at McGrew Point was the most accessible and in the best condition. It is estimated that some of the fishponds were built in the 1400s, or perhaps earlier.
| Date Taken: | 05.13.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2015 17:29 |
| Story ID: | 163491 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Hawaiian Fishpond Restoration Progress Report, by PO2 Gabrielle Joyner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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