Hoa ina Coordinator

Lynker is seeking to hire a Hoa'a ina Coordinator to support Ho a la Kealakekua Nui. Work will be primarily conducted in person at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park in South Kona. The purpose of this position is to be the face of Ho'ala Kealakekua Nui to most visitors. The position, titled Hoa A ina, refers to the "boots on ground” lead that will coordinate restoration and preservation efforts to address and minimize impacts along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. Duties will include the facilitation and organization of the Hana Lima ( "Working Hands”) Program and coordinating with local schools for field trip visits. The Hana Lima program was developed by Ho a la Kealakekua Nui to educate volunteers on cultural traditions and provide the opportunity for volunteers to take part in restoration activities within the Kealakekua Historical State Park. Restoration activities include the removal of invasive vegetation, out-planting of native plants, trail stabilization and repair, and coral gardening and conservation. Additionally, the Hoa A ina will conduct cultural research and kilokilo (visual observations) along the Ala Kahakai trail, Hikiau Heiau (ceremonial temple), and other project areas that are actively monitored or being restored.

Ho a la Kealakekua Nui is a community and descendant-led nonprofit organization whose goal is to preserve and maintain the natural, cultural, and spiritual significance within the Kealakekua Bay State Park area. Our group works in partnership with our community and government agencies to ensure that Kealakekua Bay Historical State Park and the Village of Na po opo o exist in harmony with villagers, kama a ina, guests, and the natural world. Ho a la Kealakekua Nui seeks to rise up to the challenge of protecting and preserving Kealakekua Bay for our generation and those to come.

Originating as a small dedicated group that cared for the sacred Hikiau Heiau and its surrounding area through a curatorship agreement with State Parks, it has progressed to becoming a nonprofit to face growing needs and challenges. After undergoing a Community Action Plan (CAP) in 2022, Ho a la Kealakekua Nui decided to build the capacity needed to achieve the vision of the CAP.

Mission Statement: Engage in collaborative stewardship of Kealakekua Bay's natural and cultural landscape for the benefit of the whole community, including guests and generations to come, through active restoration, outreach and education.

Vision Statement: Kealakekua Bay is a harmonious and spiritual place with a thriving ecosystem interwoven with traditional knowledge and practices and cared for by the collaborative efforts of the community and partners to ensure balance within this revered wahi pana (storied place).

The Hoa'a ina Coordinator duties include:

• Hana Lima Program: Develop and Implement Hana Lima Program Plan

  • Conduct an assessment on field preservation needs such as removal of invasive vegetation, out-planting of native plants, trail stabilization and repair, and other cultural/natural conservation projects.

  • Develop a schedule and daily plan for activities.

  • Facilitate and organize Hana Lima volunteer days, purchasing food, setting up and managing field equipment, engaging the community, providing safety briefings, and performing cultural protocols.

  • Deliver and appropriately transmit cultural information.

  • Track participant data and completion/monitoring reports tracking the progress of hana lima work.

  • Operating power tools such as brush cutters, chainsaws, and hand tools to remove invasive vegetation.

  • Serve as the "on the ground” liaison between HKN and partners, such as the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, and Hawaii State Park.

• Community Outreach and Education:

  • Develop a cultural educational outreach plan that outlines and describes community engagement strategies for the year.

  • Conduct public outreach via social media and community meetings to attract community participation in the program.

  • Work directly with local schools and create opportunities for students to conduct field-based projects, take part in Hana Lima days, and work directly with cultural practitioners, natural and cultural professionals, and kupuna of Ka awaloa and Na po opo o.

  • Coordinate with school staff and educators on field trips for an outdoor classroom experience.

  • Talk to visitors to describe the trail and its difficulties, explaining pono behaviors, and advising them of shore conditions and lack of restroom facilities.

  • Providing cultural and historical resources to educators and partners if necessary.

• Kilokilo (visual observation) Data Collection Program:

  • Develop and coordinate a kilokilo (visual observations/data collection) program for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the trails accessing the Captain Cook monument, and other project areas requiring presence, monitoring and documentation. As part of the program, establish a weekly routine to check up and monitor priority areas.

  • Implement Kilokilo Data Collection Program and conduct visual observations. Train volunteers or student participants on the protocols and practices of the Kilokilo Program.

  • Inform Hoala Kealakekua Board members, Hawaii State Parks of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ala Kahakai NHT staff on potential threats and hazards identified in the project area for visitor educational and safety needs.

  • Will be trained in Makai Watch responsibilities and as necessary, call DOBAR to enforce marine regulations.

  • Monitor trails in Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and the trails accessing the Captain Cook monument.

  • Check trail counters and cameras. Change batteries and ensure that equipment has not been vandalized. Work with the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail with monitoring and maintaining trail counters.

  • Remove opala and debris that may impede travel.

    
    

Minimum required qualifications include:

• Able to speak, or appropriately pronounce o lelo Hawai i (Hawaiian language).

• Have some cultural experience, willing to learn and perform place-based cultural protocols.

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.

• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Able to use mobile applications to submit text and photos.

• Self-directed, able to work independently.

• Access to wifi and a computer/laptop.

• Able to lift 50lbs. and work safely outdoors traversing uneven surfaces and carrying tools, equipment, backpacks, and other loads in a hot dry environment.

• Able to work on Hana Lima Saturdays, and other Saturdays if necessary.

• Strong communication skills, must be able to communicate pleasantly and effectively with visitors from all over the world, many with limited English abilities.

• Must provide own transportation.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Familiar with Kealakekua, Ka awaloa, and the Kapalilua region of Kona.

• Knowledge of South Kona flora and fauna and conservation efforts at Kealakekua Bay.

• Knowledge of mo olelo, place names, oli, and mele associate with the South Kona coast.

• Experience with education, interpretation, cultural natural resource management, Hawaiian studies, conservation science, forestry, applied science, public speaking, community coordination, regulatory compliance, remote operations, or a related field.

• Trained in Makai Watch responsibilities.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.