MĀLAMA I KE KAI ‘O WAIPI‘O

Community. Connection. Stewardship.

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Our mission is to ensure ocean access for Hawaii Island residents to perpetuate traditional forms of wave riding, fishing, gathering, and other shoreline activities that sustain a thriving Waipi‘o Valley.

Days since Emergency Proclamation. 

  • SIGN THE PETITION
    On Feb. 25, 2022 Waipi’o Valley access was cut off to the community under Mayor Mitch Roth’s Emergency Proclamation. Access was allowed for some while denied to others. Sign the petition to show support for community access.
  • STAY UPDATED
    Visit our News page where you can join our mailing list, link to press articles, and stay informed about community events.
  • LINK TO SURVEY
    If you are a Hawai‘i resident,  have a strong history of connection to Waipi‘o,  and are concerned about being denied access, please link above to submit a testimonial. Itʻs important that the mayor understand the diversity in our community.

TESTIMONIALS

Why is Waipi’o important to you? 

Robin Fasciano

It is a place that I feel the most connected to Hawai’i Island. Maunakea, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, & Waipi’o Valley. Those places to me are the hearts of the Island. I am a lifelong surfer & also a trail runner, This closure prohibits me from surfing the waves of Waipio Valley & from running the trail to Waimanu Valley.

Robin Fasciano
Patrick OʻLeary

Ocean access at Waipio plays a crucial role in the health of our island community–it is a place for families to regenerate and maintain their spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

Patrick OʻLeary
Celeste Barcia

This is a place of significant meaning to our family. Our children grew up knowing this as a place of connection to land and to the ocean. We have gathered here with our family and friends to surf, fish, pray and spend valuable time with one another. As an educator, I have been able to arrange for my class to help on the lo’i. We now grow taro on our own land in Puna after we learned from the farmers.

Celeste Barcia