JOB SUMMARY

Hoaʻāina is a legal term that describes the function of an ahupuaʻa tenant, caretaker, and land overseer. This position aims to facilitate regeneration and restoration using traditional, place-based Native Hawaiian methods.

We are seeking individuals who embrace Aloha ʻĀina and community-based conservation management concepts.  The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate community-based research to preserve, restore, regenerate, and maintain natural and cultural resources and have a general understanding of the ahupuaʻa system.  Engage in public policy discussions and advocate for the natural and cultural resources within the Kapukapu – Kapalilua region.  The Hoaʻāina department will collaborate with cross-functional teams to assist in executing programs.  Organize, host, and facilitate diplomatic relations with visiting Indigenous Groups and educational internships that promote the overall success of Hoaʻāina initiatives in HKN.   HKNʻs operates on a hybrid schedule, and the in-person location is in the District of South Kona on the Island of Hawaiʻi. From time to time, work may include travel and brief time away from your daily living.

WHO IS HKN?

Hoʻāla Kealakekua Nui, Inc. (HKN) is a Native Hawaiian-driven nonprofit corporation that aims to preserve and maintain the natural, cultural, and spiritual significance within the Kealakekua Region and participate within the scope of the Kapalilua District (South Kona). Our group works in partnership with our community and government agencies to ensure that Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and the Village of Nāpoʻopoʻo exist in harmony with villagers, kamaʻāina, guests, and the natural world. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Hoaʻāina Coordinator will report to the Executive Director.

1. Be able to attend and contribute to monthly staff meetings.
2. Hoaʻāina will encompass being a policy analyst and advisor

Coordinate Hanalima

1. Facilitate the Hanalima Program using an ecological calendar aligned with traditional knowledge and projects the Hoaʻāina manages.
2. Coordinate with local schools for field trip visits. 
3. Facilitate and coordinate internships.

Restoration and Regenerative activities 

1. Include the removal of invasives, out-planting 
2. Cultural site stabilization, 
3. Implement place-based conservation management.  

• Conduct community-based research, analyze, and advise on data to appropriately steward wahi pana.

1. Be willing and able to learn, comprehend, and implement the following methodologies:
   1. Kilokilo
   2. Ma ka hana ka ʻike
   3. Papakū Makawalu
   4. Kumu Kānāwai
   5. Kaulana Mahina

• Perform, educate, implement, and track kilokilo (traditional visual observations) 

1. Coordinate and implement the HKN App.
2. Gather, analyze, evaluate, and report data.

• General understanding and respect for Native Hawaiian traditions, customs, and spiritual practices.

1. Be willing to respect, engage, or implement traditional ecological knowledge.  

• Coordinate and implement Kuene Kai (Makai Watch)

1. With discretion, educate visitors about the wahi pana of Kealakekua Bay

• Observe and track Civil Defense weather and surf conditions and do post them.

• Provide support to Federal, State, and County law enforcement officers

• Participate in training and professional development as prescribed by your leader.

• Perform other tasks as assigned to support the mission and vision of HKN.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Be at least 16 years of age. In compliance with labor laws, anyone under 18 will require a workerʻs permit and parental permission.
   1. U.S. and Hawaii Labor Law Guide
2. Actively attending school, high school diploma, college degree, or equivalent.
3. Work full-time for a minimum of 35 hours and 40 hours per week.
4. Strong swimmer and hiker in rugged conditions
   1. Able to lift 50 lbs. 
   2. Work safely outdoors, traversing uneven surfaces and carrying tools, equipment, backpacks, and other loads in a hot, dry, and rainy environment.
   3. Paddle a kayak.
5. Able to read, speak, and appropriately pronounce standard ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language).
6. Able to read, write, speak, articulate, and comprehend standard English.
7. Possess some cultural knowledge and are willing to learn and perform place-based cultural protocols. 
8. Strong research, analytical, and data collection skills.
9. Public speaking skills
10. Computer and technology literate or willing to learn:
    1. Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
    2. Operate mobile applications and conduct and record visual observations.
11. Work a flexible schedule, be self-directed, and work independently.
12. Access to wifi and a computer, laptop, or mobile device.
13. Lifeguard and/or first aid/CPR certifications are a plus.
14. Produce certifications such as SCUBA/PADI, AAUS, DANS, Academic degrees, and Archaeological Monitoring for specific tasks.
15. Be willing to provide the necessary tools and gear for the task, i.e., fins, wet suit, mask/snorkel, reef shoes, hiking shoes, backpack, and flasks.  
16. Operate power tools
17. Reliable transportation. 

BENEFIT PACKAGE

HKN offers a competitive benefits package. 

• PTO – paid time off
• 11 paid holidays
• Medical package (including dental and eye exams)
• 401K retirement plan

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and screen prints of applicable certifications to Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen at akoni@kealakekua.org. Include “Hoaʻāina Coordinator Application” in the subject line. The application deadline is January 31, 2025.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

GLOSSARY

 Wahi pana: In Hawaiʻi, these may include burial or birth sites, war temples or places of healing, battlegrounds or water sources, the sites of legends, or the homes of the legendary.  Most sacred areas are called wahi pana. (HPPA. What is a Wahi Pana, blog. Aug. 2024) 

Aloha ʻĀina:  A concept that promotes reciprocity in building a relationship within an ecosystem.  To express Aloha is the ability to recognize the giving and receiving of aloha.  (Papakū Makawalu – Akua, Kanahele, P., Ph.D., 2024)

Kumu Kānāwai: A Native Hawaiian cosmovision that includes natural phenomena as part of the socio-ecological world of relationships in which all are intimately connected; an island point of view or consciousness in approaching stewardship.  (Kumu Kānāwai, Hawaiʻi Islandʻs Environmental Kindship, Kanahele, P., Ph.D., and Wong-Wilson, Noe Noe, Ph.D., Mauna Kea Working Group 10/17/2021, total pages, 3.)

Akua: nonhumanistic; elemental energies of our environment that have a nomenclature, i.e., Kāne-i-ka-wai-ola. (Papakū Makawalu – Akua, Kanahele, P., Ph.D., 2024)

Policy Advisor & Analyst: A policy Advisor is hands-on and influential in policy development and implementation, while a Policy Analystʻs role is centered on research and analysis.  

REFERENCES

An Introduction to the Hoaʻāina and Their Rights; McGregor, Davianna; 27 pages; pdf

Conservation Research, Policy and Practice; edited by, Sutherland, W., Brotherton, P., Davies, Z., Ockendon, N., Pettoreli, N, and Vickery, J., Cambridge University Press Online, DOI.org, British Ecological Society; 336 pages.