Hui o Ko’olaupoko (HOK) in partnership with the Hawaii Fish Habitat Partnership is proud to announce our newest restoration project aimed at improving water quality and increasing habitat for native aquatic animal species by removing invasive plants and replanting native Hawaiian species along a portion of the He’eia Stream estuary.

The He’eia Estuary Restoration Project, located at He’eia State Park (currently managed by Kama ‘āina Kids), takes place at the mouth of He’eia Stream in an approximately four acre area dominated by non-native species including mangrove and hau bush where both species have encroached on the stream corridor and made it nearly impassable.
“We are excited to begin this new project as a compliment to our past four years of work in Ha’iku Valley with Papahana Kuaola to restore over 4,000 feet of stream corridor along the upper reaches of He’eia Stream” says HOK Executive Director Kristen Nalani Mailheau.

Invasive species removal work at the He’eia Estuary Restoration Project began in April 2015 with the removal of material which was later chipped and composted on site. This re-use of organic material aids in weed suppression, limits exposure and erosion of bare soils and adds nutrients to the soil to prepare for the out-planting of native species during monthly volunteer workdays. Native plant species aid in erosion control, filtration of storm water runoff and provide habitat for native species.

Funding for this project comes from a variety of sources including the Hawai’i Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Hawai’i Tourism Authority and the Hawai’i Community Foundation.

Check out the YouTube video HERE