For the third year in a row, 'Ao'ao O Na Loko I'a O Maui President Kimokeo Kapahulehua is asking his friends and supporters to celebrate his birthday by showing their aloha for one of the many causes that he has dedicated his life to over the years - the revitalization of Ko'ie'ie Fishpond in north Kihei.
On Dec. 15, Kapahulehua will turn 65 years old. Instead of receiving personal gifts, he's encouraging his supporters to make a monetary donation of $65, $165, $650 or any other amount to 'Ao'ao O Na Loko I'a O Maui, the nonprofit organization that is revitalizing the South Maui fishpond.
In addition, he's inviting the community to join him from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 15 at the fishpond to restore 65 feet of its wall. The birthday celebration/community workday will take place at Ko'ie'ie Fishpond and will be followed by a light luncheon for volunteers and supporters.
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Kimokeo Kapahulehua will spend his birthday working at Ko‘ie‘ie Fishpond.
Kapahulehua has been the association's president since 2000. Throughout his presidency, he has guided the nonprofit through an environmental planning process, has spearheaded fishpond wall restoration efforts, has been instrumental in securing funds and partnerships within the community and is the face of the association.
He is also well-known throughout Maui as a Hawaiian cultural practitioner and leader. Kapahulehua has a passion for sea voyaging and uses his paddling expertise to spearhead a fundraising program for the fishpond by providing interpretive cultural tours of the fishpond from the seat of an outrigger canoe.
In honor of his birthday, people wanting to participate in a fishpond canoe tour are asked to make a suggested donation of $65 per person for a 90-minute tour. Canoe tours are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
"Gifts" for Kapahulehua are being accepted by 'Ao'ao O Na Loko I'a O Maui throughout December. Tax-deductible donations will be used to help fund the nonprofit fishpond restoration, education and outreach programs.
To make a contribution or participate in the Dec. 15 community workday or experience a canoe tour of the fishpond, visit www.mauifishpond.com or send checks to 'Ao'ao O Na Loko I'a O Maui, P.O. Box 1371, Kihei 96753.
