Volunteers sought for wetlands restoration
Trending
Ko'i'ula is inviting volunteers to help restore the Lāʻie Wetlands and surrounding coastal environment in South Maui during a community workday from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 22.
Participants will remove invasive plants, clear areas to help native vegetation recover and plant native trees and other plants. The work will take place at the wetlands at 1364-1382 S. Kihei Road.
The restoration is part of Ko'i'ula's stewardship of Lāʻie Makai, where groundwater, stormwater, wetlands, the muliwai, coastal dunes and ocean form an interconnected ecosystem. The area provides habitat for native birds, including the aeo, or Hawaiian stilt, and aukuu, or black-crowned night heron.
Organizers said the work can improve water flow, expand native vegetation, protect bird habitat and reduce dry invasive vegetation that may contribute to wildfire risk. Because the Lāʻie Muliwai can connect directly with the ocean during heavy rain and high-water conditions, the health of the wetlands can also affect the surrounding coastal environment.
"Places like Laie remind us that caring for the environment and caring for our culture are not separate responsibilities," Ko'i'ula board President Leiohu Ryder said. "When our community comes together to restore native habitat and care for the wai and aina, we are also helping to preserve the knowledge, relationships and sense of kuleana that have sustained Hawaii for generations."
No previous restoration experience is required, and tools and supplies will be provided. Volunteers should bring reusable water bottles and wear closed-toe shoes and hats. Children ages 12 and older may be dropped off to participate.
The event is being organized with Hoʻakā Mana Native Hawaiian Organization, Mālama Maui Nui, the Maui County Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division and Hawaii Organics Compost.
Registration is available at tinyurl.com/tz9f8s65. For more information, email admin@hoakamana.org or follow @hoakamana on Instagram and Facebook.