The Consortium for Hawaii Ecological Engineering Education (CHEEE) was founded in 1998 to bring together organizations focused on protecting Hawaii’s natural environment. A major goal was to create programs that taught ecological sciences to Native Hawaiian and other students, from elementary school through college, helping them become strong stewards of the land.

Members included the University of Hawaii, Partners in Development Foundation, Ocean Arks International, the Bishop Museum, the Massachusetts Foundation, and others. CHEEE operated as a nonprofit with administrative support from its member organizations.

From 1998 to 2003, CHEEE managed two federal grants promoting environmental education for Native Hawaiian students: Mālama I Ka ‘Āina and Pikoi Ke Kaula Kualena. Both projects successfully encouraged students to explore the scientific principles behind traditional Hawaiian environmental practices.

In 2003, several Consortium members collaborated on a new project using the Kaneohe Bay marine system as a real-world teaching example of how traditional Hawaiian knowledge can support modern environmental sustainability. The proposal was approved in 2004. To manage this new grant, CHEEE transitioned from a "pass-through" group into an active foundation with new bylaws, the ability to hire staff, and handle its own fiscal matters. The organization adopted a new name — Mālama ‘Āina Foundation — and will use both names during the transition.