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 Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

ʻĀina means “land.” Hoʻōla means “to heal.”

ʻĀina is a concept far more profound than the simple notion of “land.” It embodies a deep, reciprocal relationship between people and the earth—a connection rooted in sustenance, stewardship, and mutual care. To speak of ʻāina is not merely to reference a specific piece of land but to evoke a rich understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibilities that come with it.

At ʻĀina Hoʻōla—meaning “land in the process of healing”—we honor this profound connection through our work to restore native wetlands and loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds), guided by a deep respect for Native Hawaiian knowledge and cultural heritage. Our commitment is to care for these sacred places with humility and stewardship, recognizing that to speak of ʻāina is to embrace a responsibility to nurture the land, just as it has always nurtured us.

What began as a passion project during the COVID pandemic has evolved into a full-scale, hands-on restoration effort focused on the estuarine wetlands and fishponds of Lokowaka, Kiʻonakapahu, and ʻAkahi in Keaukaha.

From the beginning, our work has been guided by ʻike kupuna—traditional wisdom that reminds us of our deep responsibility to the land:

He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka.
(The land is chief, the man is its servant.)

Nanā ka maka; hana ka lima.
(Observe with the eyes, work with the hands.)

Ma ka hana ka ʻike.
(In working, one learns.)

E lawe i ke a’o a mālama, a e ‘oi mau ka na’auao.
(He who takes his teachings and applies them increases his knowledge.)

These values are at the heart of what we do. We recognize that the ʻāina sustains us, and in return, it is our kuleana (responsibility) to mālama (care for) and restore it. This begins with careful observation, hands-on work, and a willingness to learn directly from the land itself.

Our journey began with a memory: a single sighting of the aeʻo, 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 Kiʻonakapahu and planting native species in their place. Our work quickly bore fruit as we saw the return of nēnē, 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 nēnē to the occasional visiting stilt and white-faced ibis, as well as various migratory and vagrant birds. We are also seeing a promising increase in the population of ʻalae keʻokeʻo, or Hawaiian coot, a sign that these wetlands are becoming healthier and more supportive of native waterbirds.

Our work, however, is far from over. We continue to expand our efforts, engaging volunteers from both the local community and beyond.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of revitalizing our wetlands and protecting our feathered friends. We welcome support in many forms—volunteering, donations, or simply spreading awareness—to help us keep the momentum going. Together, we can ensure that these vital ecosystems thrive for generations to come.

ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia.
(No task is too big when done together by all.)

Photo credit: Megan Tasaki