NAWILIWILI — Earth Day is a good reason to join the Malama Hule‘ia project spearheaded by Mason Chock of Leadership Kaua‘i. Volunteers will be out on Saturday and Sunday working on the project, which is aimed at revitalizing the Ainakumuwai
NAWILIWILI — Earth Day is a good reason to join the Malama Hule‘ia project spearheaded by Mason Chock of Leadership Kaua‘i.
Volunteers will be out on Saturday and Sunday working on the project, which is aimed at revitalizing the Ainakumuwai watershed. The watershed flows through the five surrounding ahupua‘a of Nawiliwili, Niumalu, Kipu, Ha‘iku and Kalapaki.
The thrust of Malama Hule‘ia is the eradication of mangrove, which has taken over the shoreline areas of portions of Nawiliwili Harbor near the mouth of the Puali stream, which flows directly behind the Niumalu Pavilion.
“The effect of mangrove in Hawai‘i has been detrimental on our streams, creating new land-mass, clogging our streams, causing siltation and destroying native habitat,” Chock says in a news release.
But Malama Hule‘ia intends to do something about the situation.
Goals of the project include the preservation and improvement of streams, fishponds and the native habitat by removing the invasive mangrove, developing a community alliance to see the revitalization and conservation of the Hule‘ia River and its estuary, and to develop community awareness and education centered around the cultural and historical significance of Hule‘ia as a source of life and livelihood.
The current project is focused on clearing approximately 2.4 acres of mangrove, which has progressively choked the opening of Pu‘ali stream, adversely affecting the flow of the stream and the viability of its ecosystem.
Chock said Malama Hule‘ia welcomes volunteers to stop by and help on any of the work days scheduled.
“Our hui of partners have formed workdays between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.,” Chock said. “Volunteers will stage at the Kaiola Canoe Club hale area.”
In addition to this weekend’s work days, Malama Hule‘ia has scheduled work days for July 27 and 28, Aug. 24 and 25, Sept. 21 and 22, and Oct. 19 and 20.
To volunteer or to schedule a group volunteer effort, contact Mason at mason@kupuae.com or call 651-7013.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
