North Shore NewsLoko ea Fishpond is linked physically and historically to ʻUko’a Fishpond. The ponds of ʻUko’a and Loko ea were considered as bountiful sources of choice fish and as such, were considered favorite locales of the ruling ali’i. Historic accounts document that King Kamehameha himself helped to restore the life-giving waters of this fishpond after his political consolidation of the islands in 1810.
The distinguishing feature of the pond was its ample fish stock, comprised of a distinctive school of ‘anae and āholehole whose skin colorings emulated the markings of various types of other fish species.
The waters of ʻUko’a emanate from streams originating in the upper mauka lands and from lower springs. However, records from 1883 indicate that ʻUko’a Fishpond was believed to have a subterranean connection with the ocean, since the waters of the pond would be adversely affected during the presence of strong offshore conditions and stormy weather. Over time, water diversion, spring capping & erosion from intensive sugar cultivation carried soil into the area, and siltation and other changes were due to accommodating demands of the sugar era.
While ʻUkoʻa marsh is mostly being managed for bird wetland habitat today, remnants of the fishpond remain historically significant. The long-term vision of MLEF is to clear out ʻUko’a stream in order to once again reconnect the two fishponds of Waialua, restoring health and water flow for present and future generations.