This article explores how indigenous worldviews can shape sustainable fisheries management in Hawai‘i and Aotearoa New Zealand. It argues that “Native Hawaiian worldviews incorporate people into ecosystem dynamics” and that “TEK [Traditional Ecological Knowledge]… is critical to sustainable management.”

The article supports empowering communities like Miloli‘i to manage resources using traditional practices embedded in place-based knowledge.

From a Native Hawaiian perspective, this article would resonate because it advocates for mālama ‘āina (caring for the land), aloha ‘āina (love for the land), and lōkahi (balance). The emphasis on incorporating kupuna (elders) knowledge and honoring mo‘olelo (stories/traditions).

Miloli‘i, often referred to as "The Last Fishing Village in Hawai‘i," is recognized for preserving traditional Hawaiian fishing practices. The CBSFA designation is a culmination of extensive community-led efforts, particularly by the local group Kalanihale, in collaboration with the DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR). Together, they developed rules that blend traditional knowledge with modern scientific understanding to manage the area's marine resources effectively.

The established rules include size and bag limits for species such as pāku‘iku‘i, kole, uhu, opihi, and ula; seasonal restrictions for kole, ‘ōpelu, ‘ū‘ū, and uhu; prohibitions on taking terminal males of larger uhu species and female ‘a‘ama with eggs; bans on harvesting ‘opihi kō‘ele; and a prohibition on commercial aquarium fishing. Additionally, specific gear and species restrictions are applied within several sub-areas of the CBSFA.

This initiative reflects the community's commitment to mālama i ke kai (care for the sea) and aloha ‘āina (love for the land), ensuring that traditional practices and the health of marine ecosystems are preserved for future generations.

https://kupaaiau.wordpress.com/2020/05/04/miloli%CA%BBi-the-last-fishing-village-on-the-island-of-hawai%CA%BBi/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959378014001332

The study notes that “Hawaiians practice nurturing of the land to produce resources and they harvest only what is necessary for subsistence and prosperity,” highlighting a deep respect for the ʻāina (land) and its resources. However, it also points out challenges in translating these practices into modern legal frameworks, stating that “many Hawaiian values and concepts remain hard to translate because they don’t fit into modern legal concepts.”

The Main Hawaiian Islands contain the largest reef area in the United States, providing room for dispute and varying perspectives in terms of management regimes and conservation efforts.

https://cases.open.ubc.ca/a-contemporary-exploration-of-native-hawaiian-preferences-practices-and-involvement-in-ocean-and-land-management-hawaii-usa/

Sparked by tensions over aquarium fish collecting, the WHFC was founded under Act 306, which mandated “substantive involvement of the community in resource management decisions.” The Council established nine Fish Replenishment Areas (FRAs), covering 35.2% of the coastline, and promoted culturally sensitive regulations, including sea urchin harvests requested by kupuna. Miloli‘i plays a key role as one of the Local Resource Councils established to “make the work of the WHFC more locally relevant” and inclusive of isolated Hawaiian communities.

The report notes, “Hawaiian communities located far from the Kona area…are well-represented and their concerns not overlooked.” Indigenous values like pono and collective stewardship are embedded in WHFC’s approach, creating space for Native voices and traditional practices within contemporary marine governance.

https://mapstore.mytopo.com/products/ustopo_hawaii_milolii

This link will take you to a map which shows the changes to Miloli’i over time. If you swipe left and right you can see the older and even older maps which shows very different topography and how it changes over time.

It emphasizes that “Fishing was and still is an integral part of the lives of the people of Miloli‘i,” and describes the use of koa canoes, bone hooks, and the kapu system to manage fishing seasons. The village reflects the values of the ahupua‘a system, where land and sea are cared for together. As the article states, “In the case of the ahupua‘a of Miloli‘i, large rocks, rugged lava terrain, and small cliffs make for conditions in which fishing must be done in a more pelagic zone.” This connection to place shapes both technique and community structure.

For Kānaka Maoli, Miloli‘i represents resilience and the continued practice of mālama ʻāina. “Caring for one’s ‘āina…has been central,” the article notes, showing how Indigenous knowledge continues to guide life and stewardship in the village.

Shows off the glistening clear water with a viridescent aquatic plant life underneath the water making a perfect environment for fish and other marine animals.

Key regulations under the CBSFA include:

• Size and bag limits for species such as pāku‘iku‘i, kole, uhu, opihi, and ula.

• Seasonal restrictions for kole, ‘ōpelu, ‘ū‘ū, and uhu.

• Prohibitions on harvesting terminal male uhu, egg-bearing female ‘a‘ama, and ‘opihi kō‘ele.

• A ban on commercial aquarium fishing.

• Specific gear and species restrictions within designated sub-areas.

The CBSFA designation is particularly significant for Miloli‘i, often referred to as “The Last Fishing Village in Hawai‘i,” where traditional fishing remains a central part of daily life and cultural identity. The community group Kalanihale played a pivotal role in developing these rules, reflecting a collaborative effort between residents and the state to manage and protect marine resources.

This initiative not only safeguards the ecological health of the region but also reinforces Miloli‘i's cultural heritage, ensuring that traditional fishing practices can continue for future generations.

Key regulations under the CBSFA include:

• Size and bag limits for species such as pāku‘iku‘i, kole, uhu, opihi, and ula.

• Seasonal restrictions for kole, ‘ōpelu, ‘ū‘ū, and uhu.

• Prohibitions on harvesting terminal male uhu, egg-bearing female ‘a‘ama, and ‘opihi kō‘ele.

• A ban on commercial aquarium fishing.

• Specific gear and species restrictions within designated sub-areas.

The CBSFA designation is particularly significant for Miloli‘i, often referred to as “The Last Fishing Village in Hawai‘i,” where traditional fishing remains a central part of daily life and cultural identity. The community group Kalanihale played a pivotal role in developing these rules, reflecting a collaborative effort between residents and the state to manage and protect marine resources.

This initiative not only safeguards the ecological health of the region but also reinforces Miloli‘i's cultural heritage, ensuring that traditional fishing practices can continue for future generations.

Situated within the traditional land division of ahupuaʻa, the project emphasizes the importance of place in Native Hawaiian culture. The DEA notes that the center will support "public meetings, cultural activities, and educational and recreational programs," reflecting the community's commitment to preserving its heritage.

For Native Hawaiians, such a center is vital for perpetuating cultural practices and fostering community cohesion. The DEA highlights that the project will "address the community’s long-recognized need for a permanent, covered community center," underscoring its significance in sustaining the cultural fabric of Miloliʻi.

For generations, Miloliʻi's residents have relied on the ocean's bounty, practicing sustainable fishing methods passed down through time. The CBSFA ensures that these traditions continue, safeguarding marine resources for future generations.

Governor Ige emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We need young people to carry this work forward and encourage other communities to create community-based subsistence fishing areas for the benefit and future of the entire state."

This move not only preserves the cultural heritage of Miloliʻi but also serves as a model for sustainable resource management, demonstrating how communities can lead in protecting their natural environments.