×

Applicants sought for land stewardship program

The Maui News A youth-focused conservation and sustainability nonprofit is partnering with the state to launch a program that will employ 24 people to help steward sensitive natural and cultural areas across the Hawaiian Islands. Na Manu 'Elele Steward Program will expand on the success of the Pololu Trail Stewards program, which launched in 2021 as a pilot project with stewards educating visitors, enforcing safety measures and maintaining the increasingly popular Hawaii island trail. The program has helped increase visitors' awareness of the trail's hiking conditions and the valley's history and cultural significance, and has also helped decrease hiking accidents, illegal camping and parking infractions, according to the nonprofit Kupu, which is working with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to launch the statewide program. Part-time and full-time positions are open on Maui, Molokai, Hawaii island, Oahu and Kauai. Sites will include trails, hunting areas, forest reserves, community-based subsistence fishing areas and other recreational lands overseen by DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife and Division of Aquatic Resources. Stewards will receive hourly pay and health coverage for those working more than 20 hours per week. The deadline to apply is Oct. 27. The start date is Dec. 4. In traditional Hawaiian context, birds, or "na manu," represent messengers, guardians and beings of a particular place, while " 'elele" refers to individuals who act as ambassadors. For more information, or to apply, visit www.kupuhawaii.org/na-manu-elele/.

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today