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Commenced:
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01/01/2009 |
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Submitted:
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25/01/2011 |
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Last updated:
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07/10/2015 |
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Location:
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PO Box 267, Pepeekeo, Hawaii, US |
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Phone:
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(808) 333-2120 |
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Climate zone:
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Sub-tropical |
Permaculture in paradise! This project is in the early stages of development of a 15 acre farm. Our specialty is aquaponics and applied bioengineering, with a heavy dose of permaculture design philosophy. Our intention is to create a vibrant community dedicated to living and teaching natural farming principles.
Permaculture in paradise! Aloha Mahi'ai translates casually as "Love Farmers," or more formally as "those belonging to the way of food who know that everything begins with the breath of life." Our main project is the development of the 15 acre farm in Pepe'ekeo. The setting is truly a paradise, as we are only a short walk from the Pacific ocean, which we overlook out on Pepeekeo point. The farm is on the slopes of Mauna Kea, the tallest mointain on Earth (measured from base to summit), and is located in an incredible microclimate. We average 120" of rain per year, and get Hawaiian sunshine almost every day (the most solar exposure of anywhere on the East side of the Big Island). Also we have deep soil, which is truly a rarity on an island affectionately called "The Rock."
Our intention is to develop commercial scale aquaponics greenhouses, integrated with a diversified food forest, kitchen garden, and animal systems. The plan also includes earthworks, such as swales, ponds, and such. The structures will include greenhouses, living structures, animal housing, and the farm hub will contain the community space, teaching facilities, workshop, commercial kitchen, office space, etc. Another aspect of the design includes diversified power generation, including photovoltaic, microhydroelectric, and wood gassification (to generate wood gas, heat, electricity, and biochar!)
In addition to the stated goal of creating a beautiful and fulfilling lifestyle for the community members, we intend to create an educational institution to teach permaculture, aquaponics, natural farming, biodynamics, composting, biochar, bamboo construction, jiu jitsu, surfing, vipassana, herbal medicine, and anything that integrates with our holistic goal of sustainable living.
-Aloha Mai
Mowing the Grass
Mauka to Makai: from the mountain to the ocean
Rainbow Falls is just down the road from the farm
Hilo beauty
King Kamehameha the Great statue
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MemberA member is a permaculturist who has never taken a PDC course. These cannot become PDC teachers. Members may be novice or highly experienced permaculturists or anywhere in between. Watch their updates for evaluation. |
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Permaculture MatchmakerOne of these badges will show if you select your gender and the "I'm single, looking for a permaculture partner" option in your profile. |
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PDC TeacherPeople who claim to teach some version of PDC somewhere in the world. |
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Community ProjectCommunity projects are projects that help develop sustainable community interaction and increase localised resiliency. |
The Aloha Mahi'ai Team
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Perma-prepping The Property
Taking care of the area around the system is just as important as taking care of the system.
Plant life of our system
Our first planting in our system.
Introducing our Nanawale Aquaponics System
Pictures of our system.