KUPA was originally formed to address the concerns of Ho`okena fisherman over the depletion of reef fish by commercial tropical fish collectors.  This conflict brought the community together to form a non-profit community organization called KUPA, an acronym for Kama`aina United to Protect the `Aina.

KUPA was successful in lobbying the legislation that limited the areas where tropical fish could be collected for commercial purposes.  KUPA was also instrumental in designating a six-mile area in Ho`okena as a Fish Replenishment Area where fish collection is not allowed.

History of Ho`okena

After the first steamships arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1836, Ho`okena was transformed from a sleepy little fishing village to a trade center.  The major village on Kauhako Bay was not suitable for landing because of the rocky shoreline.  Ho`okena’s soft, sandy beach on the shore of Kauhako Bay was better suited for landing.

It wasn’t until the increased usage of automobiles and trucks in the 20th Century that the importance of Ho’okena began to diminish.  Trucks traveling on the improved roads of the Kona coast replaced the need for many landings on the island.  By the mid-1930’s high surf and storms had demolished the landing. The ruins are still visible today.

The steamships left and so did most of the people.  Relocating closer to the highway, people all but left the once important shore of Ho`okena. Few people remained and few live in Ho`okena today.

Today Ho`okena is a state park, Ho`okena Beach Park, where locals and visitors alike can still enjoy the beauty there.  As with many government projects, Ho`okena is subject to bureaucracy, budget, and vision of politicians.  Many parks and beaches suffered economic difficulties during the 1990’s.

Recent Accomplishments of KUPA

August 2003 - Sponsored a Healthwalk Pancake Breakfast and Country Store fundraising event.  It was a success with over 50 members participating.  County Councilman, Bob Jacobsen, also participated in the walk and voiced his support of KUPA.  Councilman Jacobsen has attended several KUPA meetings and is committed to working with us in the future.

October 2003 - Six KUPA representatives attended a Developing Community Teams Workshop sponsored by the Mayor’s office, The Department of Civil Defense, The Hawaii County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hawai`i County Resource Center.  Attendees learned community building skills with a focus on resources available to the community to address those problems.

December 2003 – KUPA representatives attended a workshop on Molokai sponsored by The Native Conservancy.  In attendance were representatives from various communities from across the state who shared concerns over the depletion of marine resources in their area.  We are forming a network of communities and organizations to share information and support.

January 2004 - Ho`okena Beach Park was closed for a weekend community project sponsored by KUPA.  With materials supplied by County of Hawai`i Parks and Recreation, KUPA members and community volunteers constructed six barbeque pits, a handicap walkway, established camping site designations, cleared the pali behind the beach of overgrown trees and vegetation, leveled and rebuilt damaged stone walls, and cleaned the historic Puhau well at the end of the beach.  Approximately 50 members were involved.

June 2004- KUPA held it’s Second Annual HealthWalk Pancake Breakfast fundraiser with the Community Store offering homemade bake goods, jams, jellies, pickles, flowers and produce, handmade crafts, and more.