Mahalo for your interest in our Ola Nā Kini (ONK) program! ONK strives to regenerate native and edible forests in the southern Leeward O'ahu through active community engagement and education. This program is an opportunity for everyone to learn from the 'āina through hands-on, place-based education that has relevant applications through participation in site restoration projects. We feel it's our collective kuleana to care for Hawai'i's natural and cultural resources for future generations.
In order to assist West O'ahu schools that may not have the funding to cover all expenses for ONK huaka'i, MLC recently established the Al Nagasako Kaulike Fund in honor of the late Al Nagasako. He was Kapolei High School’s (KHS) first principal and a founding MLC board member who served 38 years as a public school principal, vice principal, Leeward District Superintendent, and teacher. He also served as Executive Director of the Hawai`i State Teachers Association. Al was a passionate advocate for students, especially those who struggled financially or academically. This Fund is aptly named “kaulike,” which can mean “fairness” or “equitable.” It honors Al’s values by helping West Oʻahu public schools provide huaka'i (field trips) to MLC’s Ola Nā Kini ecosystem restoration sites that they may find difficult to afford. Al wanted students to have these hands-on, project-based learning experiences beyond the classroom. Many generous individuals have helped to "seed" this fund through personal donations.
As part of the ONK program, we can host workdays at a variety of different sites spanning mauka to makai located in Leeward O'ahu. Those sites include:
-Pālehua (mauka sites in southern Wai'anae mountains)
-Nānākuli Muliwai @ Kalanianaʻole beach park (makai site)
-Pālehua Mauka Native Plant Nursery
-Awawalei Food Forest Site in Kunia @ Hawai'i Agriculture Research Center
*Workdays generally run from 9am-1pm (half day) Monday-Friday and includes an educational service activity. Saturdays are possible as well if available.
During these educational workdays, your students will learn about the historical, cultural, and environmental benefits of native and culturally relevant food plants followed by hana (work) that may include some or all of the following activities: Native outplanting, removal of invasive species and debris, watering, mulching, seed collection/plant propagation, and site preparation for future plantings.
Please fill out this huaka'i request form if you're interested in bringing your students to one of our ONK sites listed above and seek financial assistance to do so. This information will help us coordinate a productive and engaging visit for each group. We will try our best to accommodate your requests based on your needs and our financial capacity using money from this fund.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email
info@malamalearningcenter.org.
