Our Programs

Community Engagement

We host monthly wetland / loko workdays (last Saturday of the month) and community events to share this wahi pana (special place) with fellow community members and visitors.

Past themes have included: lāʻau lapaʻau, history of Kaʻū, keiki science fair, and several hoʻolauleʻa

Wetland Restoration

Community Engagement

In 2011, we were awarded a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant (with DLNR DOFAW) from the US Fish & Wildlife Service. We are still working with the state to acquire the permits necessary to move this program forward for the health of the estuary and native wildlife.

Visitor Safety

Community Engagement

Visitor Safety

With help from KOOH Board member, Daniel Dierking, and the County of Hawaiʻi Parks & Recreation, we have installed lifeguard "rescue tubes" and are working to install mono-fishing line bins along the shoreline at Honuʻapo.

Our Core Team

KOOH Board of Directors (2021) - L to R: Daniel, Kalā, John, Nohea, Ken, Megan (missing Jodie).

2025 Current Board of Directors

Nohea Kaʻawa (President)

Daniel Dierking (Vice President)

Ken Sugai (Treasurer)

Megan Lamson Leatherman (Secretary)

Jodie Ray Rosam (Director)

CURRENT LOKO CO-COORDINATORS:

John Replogle (poʻo)

Kaʻū Johnston-Kitazawa

Colby Lund

Past Board of Directors & Volunteers (past & current)

Alice Birnbaum

Allison Yahna

Angie Avenue

Amber Garber

Brynn Cabudol

Chris Manfredi

Colby Lund

David Vance

Dennis Riordan

Donna Ambrose

Evyonne Koch

Lowell Grant

Jimmy Cocallas

John Replogle

Josh Stanbro

Kalāhoʻohie Mossman

Kathrine Postelli

Kaʻū Johnston-Kitazawa

Lauren Kurpita

Lois Pollock

Lowell Grant

Michelle Chacón León

Michelle Galimba

Paul Takehiro

Shary Grant-Crocker

Sterling Robbins

Sue Barnett

Thomas King

Ursula D’Angelo

Wendy Scott-Vance

STAFF (retired):

Lehua Lopez-Mau (Executive Director, 2008 - 2012)

John Replogle (Loko Coordinator 2021 - 2024)

List of Co-Founders

John Replogle (Pres)

Wendy Scott-Vance (VP)

Lowell Grant (Treas)

Sterling Robbins (Sec)

CORE VOLUNTEERS @ Founding:

Brynn Cabudol

Kathrine Postelli

Megan Lamson Leatherman

Paul Takehiro

Other Support

Ka ‘Ohana entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the County of Hawai‘i regarding the restoration, maintenance, and protection of Honu‘apo Park. We also comply with all rules, restrictions, and policies under the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).