Work experience & community INVOLVEment
My involvement in the Hawai'i island community extends to the 1970s when I first moved to North Kohala from O'ahu. The documentary, "O Kakou Ka Po'e" meaning, "We the People" illustrates my longstanding commitment to people in the community and my resolve to stand with Hawai'i residents for what is right.
issue & actionIn the late 1970s, Kohala was faced with the closure of access to the ocean and mountains - which had been traditional hunting, gathering and recreational areas for residents. We took action, formed Hui Mamalahoa and brought Standard Oil and Hawaii's Big Fives' Castle & Cooke to court. Despite all perceived odds, we came together, took action and won this landmark case.
1980s Access Group: Hui Mamalahoa. Center: J. Coakley
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outcomeToady, Kohala residents can fish, swim, hike and enjoy all nature has to offer without feeling intimidated as the law protects their access rights. It takes strong leadership to unite people and make changes that have real, positive benefits for generations to come.
Present-day recreational body surfer, South Kohala
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My current work in the community ranges from educating the youth - from conservation to athletics - to organizing and engaging the public to address important issues.
issue
"Back during the plantation days, had plenty fish. You could throw net for big kine moi. Had plenty fish like manini, maiko and any kine 'opala fish. The opihi was all over the rocks and stones. We would catch a'ama crab with the bamboo pole and the limu kohu was long like a woman's hair. We had a saying in Kohala, 'No matter what, we can always live off the land and ocean.' But not so today. Before when you look at the wave as it begins to curl, you would see all kine fish. Today the wave is empty; the rocks and stones are empty and hardly get limu kohu. Before there was so many good fish to eat that nobody wanted to eat 'opala fish like pai'kui'kui. Today no such thing as 'opala fish. Fish is fish if you can get it. Even the pai'kui'kui which would be in big schools along the shoreline, but not anymore. What happened?" -Longtime Kohala Resident
action
The most critical component to effecting lasting change is through direct education and hands-on work with the community. Kohala Lawai'a is a conservation program led by Jeffrey Coakley educating youth and adults on fish identification and ecology, marine conservation and the kapu system.
Kohala Lawai'a Brochure: Culturally Competent Conservation
Kohala Lawai'a - Dive Class
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outcome200+ community members have been educated in how to dive, fish and take only what is needed. This hands-on, direct approach ensures that marine conservation will be perpetuated by the upcoming generation.
Kohala Lawai'a Youth; Mahukona Wharf, S. Kohala
Kohala Lawai'a - Fish Identification
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ISSUE |
Action |
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A few days before Christmas 2014, heavy rains in the Kohala mountains caused severe flash flooding, threatening homes downstream. A bridge along Hwy 270 (Hawi-Niuli'i Rd.) became obstructed with large, uprooted trees, causing water to flood a family's home high on the riverbank. While they escaped unharmed, the damage would total tens of thousands of dollars for this family. The district's senator, representative and councilwoman were directly contacted for help, but there limited action taken. As such, there was much concern and dismay by the community about how to assist this Kohala 'ohana and clear the roads.
Flood Damage, N. Kohala (Mar. 2015)
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Rather than rely on political leaders who were not available to help, Jeffrey Coakley led Na Unupa'a O Kohala, a group that sprung into action, arranging meetings with county officials, calling the State Highways Division and organizing a large concert fundraiser. All this was done on a grassroots level, through networking and leadership from within the community.
Jeffrey Coakley, Speaker & Community Leader
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outcome
Nearly $15K was raised by Na Unupa'a O Kohala; the monies given to the Kohala family affected by flood. The Highways Division cleared the massive debris from the bridge and fixed the damaged highway.
issue
Public safety and employment are both significant issues in a small coastal town, surrounded by water and relatively isolated from large industries. These may seem to be disparate problems, but with resourcefulness and a forward-thinking mindset, it is possible to apply a synergistic approach to tackle and solve any issue.
actionIn regard to public safety, Jeffrey Coakley and the Liquid Aloha swim team placed rescue tubes at Pololu Valley; a very popular tourist destination that lacks lifeguards.
Safety Tube Placement: Liquid Aloha Aquatics, Pololu Valley
Furthermore, as a lifeguard and swim coach, Jeffrey has taught many people how to swim in both the pool and ocean; even starting a lifesaving class for Middle School students. He has also taught lifesaving skills to adults; providing employment opportunities for jobs requiring First Aid/CPR and lifeguarding certification.
Lifesaving Class: Middle School students, Kohala Pool
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outcomeA few weeks after the rescue tubes were placed at Pololu, they were used to save a family of four from a potential drowning event.
Swimmers that have been coached by Jeffrey benefit from mastering a useful skill, team camaraderie and self-esteem (article: A Lesson in Winning). 
A Lesson In Winning (click for story)
Those who have taken Jeffrey's classes have found work on the Big Island and neighboring islands, including O'ahu.
Lifesaving Certification Class, Kohala Pool
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