Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka announced today that the National Park Service has awarded a $350,000 Save America's Treasure grant to Project Ola ‘Ai‘opio, a Park Service initiative to restore the ‘Ai‘opio Fishtrap located in the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

"I am pleased that this grant will  allow for the stabilization of the kuapa (fishtrap walls) and aid in preserving the fishtrap.  The ‘Ai‘opio Fishtrap, and sites like it, are important artifacts of ancient Hawaii and the lifestyle of times past.  This award will ensure that people will be able to appreciate Hawaii's unique historical and cultural heritage into the future," said Senator Akaka, Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks Historic Preservation and Recreation.

The ‘Ai‘opio Fishtrap is a 1.7-acre pond located in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on the Western (Kona) coast of the Island of Hawaii.  The fishtrap consists of a man-made stone and coral wall along a naturally curving shoreline.  Fishtraps differ from fishponds in that the fish are trapped and caught, but not raised.  Ocean waves and erosion endanger the walls of the ‘Ai‘opio Fishtrap.  Project Ola ‘Ai‘opio will methodically stabilize the walls over a 12 month period.

The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park was established in 1978 to provide for the preservation, interpretation, and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian culture, to demonstrate historic land use patterns, and to provide for the education, enjoyment, and appreciation of traditional Native Hawaiian culture. 

The National Park Service awarded Save America's Treasures grants to 41 projects in 26 states this year.  This is the sixth Hawaii project to receive a grant since the inception of the program in 1999.

-30-