ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative is a Hawaiʻi non-profit corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Founded by Kumiko and Patrick Mattison, our mission is deeply rooted in the preservation and restoration of Hawai’i’s unique ecosystems.

What started as a passion project during the COVID pandemic has grown into a full-scale, hands-on restoration effort focusing on the estuarine wetlands and fish ponds of Lokowaka, Ki’onakapahu, and ‘Akahi in Keaukaha.

Our journey began with a memory: a single sighting of the ae’o, or Hawaiian stilt, in Lokowaka a decade ago. Inspired by this encounter, we began a labor of love, meticulously clearing invasive species from the pond Ki’onakapahu and planting native species in their place. Our work quickly bore fruit as we saw the return of nene, or Hawaiian geese, to the area just three months after we started.

Today, we continue to dedicate our time and energy to removing invasive species, planting native flora, and maintaining the balance of these vital habitats. Our goal is to provide a safe and thriving environment for the diverse bird species that call these ponds home, from nene to white-faced ibis and the occasional visiting stilt.

Our work, however, is far from over. We continue to expand our efforts, engaging volunteers from the community and partnering with local schools and organizations. We are proud to have worked with groups like the Rotary Club of Hilo, Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, Hawaii Island Girl Scout Troop 26, Cub Scout Pack 23 Webelo Den, UHH IS 150 Kuleana and Community, and the Youth Challenge Academy, whose invaluable contributions have helped us make significant strides in our conservation work.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of revitalizing our wetlands and protecting our feathered friends. We welcome support from our community in any form, from volunteering to donations, to help us keep the momentum going. Together, we can ensure that our beautiful islands continue to thrive for generations to come.