Back in 1965, heavy rain flooded the 800-year-old Heeia Fishpond and created a 200-foot hole in its ancient wall, allowing fish such as mullet and milkfish to swim out of the pond and predatory fish such as barracuda and papio to enter it. It has been unusable as a site for aquaculture since the flooding.

Last year Paepae o He‘eia, a nonprofit dedicated to caring for the fishpond, launched Pani ka Puka, a campaign to raise funds and gather volunteers to repair the hole. A goal of generating $100,000 has been exceeded, but the hole is not yet completely filled.

The organization plans to finish the project from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 12 with an epic community event modeled after the traditional way fishponds were built in ancient times: They’re seeking 1,000 volunteers, who will stand in a single-file line that will span more than 2,000 feet. Participants will pass the final rocks and coral from the land to the ocean, where they will be placed in the fishpond wall.

Folks interested in attending can sign up at paepaeoheeia.org. Participants will be provided with a short oli (chant) that the organization wants them to learn before the event.

On workday, expect to get dirty, and dress accordingly; also, wear covered shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. Other suggested items: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and gloves.

Parking will be provided at a designated lot at Windward Mall, at the intersection of Alaloa Street and Haiku Road in Kaneohe.

Shuttle service to the fishpond will run 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., and shuttles back to the lot run 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.