• Outcome 1 - A new generation of konohiki apprentices have the foundational understanding of konohiki principles, values and practices and are equipped with generational knowledge and adaptive management skills resulting in their participation in training and monitoring efforts of Mohala Nā Konohiki Miloliʻi.

Our Mohala Nā Konohiki Jr. Apprentice program started with ten learners. By the end of the fall period, we had twelve learners enrolled and have been hard at work to continue the generational practices of lawaiʻa through the konohiki apprentice program under the direction of our program teacher and Mohala Nā Konohiki team lead Laila Kaupu. The students primarily are high school age with a few middle and two elementary school students—majority of the Jr. apprentices live in the village of Miloliʻi, with a few students who live in the neighboring community of Papa. Our students come from families who continue to honor these practices and want the next generation to be prepared to take on this kuleana.

• Outcome 2 - As a result of participating in the Mohala Nā Konohiki monitoring and training in Miloliʻi, the apprentices will increase the application of their knowledge of marine resources in the management of their Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area and adjacent waters.

In the fall period, these Jr. apprentices worked on learning the different rules, practices, and management goals to share with other youths that attended Miloliʻi through our fall outreach during the fall break Unashamed camp, which included about 80-100 youths throughout Hawaii. We also hosted an exchange with ten youths from across the continental US. The MNK Jr. did walking educational learning experiences that let others know the value of caring for ʻĀina-based natural resources. The students worked alongside the kumus who taught them about the different monitoring surveys and lawaiʻa pono practices during our monthly workdays. They learned about the different aspects of kilo (observational), making inferences about our environment so that they can make better decisions when it comes to fishing—the MNK Jrs. inaugural fall program created an important space for our students to learn and apply these practices to real-life situations.

 

• Outcome 3 - Increased 7-12 grade student exposure to generational fishing and konohiki practices and values. Students are able to articulate pride in self and place relevant to their learning experiences.

The fall program allowed our Jr apprentices, camp participants, and student exchange youths to gain valuable exposure to the practices in Miloliʻi that are heavily based on our unique fishing lifestyle. The apprentices not only learned from our lawaiʻa but led many of the activities. The expectation is set at a higher standard; thus, they are training to be our future cultural practitioners. Thus they have more in-depth training, monitoring, and konohiki experiences. The camp participants and exchange students participated in smaller learning experiences conducted by our program lead teacher and the Jr. Apprentices. Altogether, they achieved more knowledge of critical management practices as they continue to live sustainably in Hawaiʻi's delicate ecosystems.