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Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program

11/30/2025

November 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Windward O‘ahu Residents Eligible for $150 Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program To Improve Water Quality And Conserve Fresh Water

KO‘OLAUPOKO – Hui o Ko‘olaupoko (HOK), funded by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), is launching a new Rain Barrel Reimbursement Program to help Windward O‘ahu residents capture and reuse rainwater at home.

Through this program, HOK will reimburse 100 eligible households up to $150 toward the purchase of a qualifying rain barrel system. Additionally, the program offers free installation assistance. To secure your spot and receive a rain barrel purchasing guide, email [email protected].

“We are excited to offer this $150 reimbursement to homeowners who want to take an active role in protecting water quality and reducing their ecological footprint. This program allows each homeowner to choose a barrel that fits their aesthetic, while HOK provides local purchasing guides, and free installation” says Hui o Ko’olaupoko Executive Director Kristen Nalani Kane.

HOK staff are also available to conduct a free rainwater assessment for Windward Oahu properties.The assessment utilizes the locally developed Follow The Drop app to calculate their property’s potential runoff from impervious surfaces and makes recommendations on ideal green stormwater solutions and appropriate sizes. Hui o Koolaupoko has developed a detailed slideshow of recommended barrel systems, step-by-step installation examples, and local purchasing tips to simplify the process for participants. Once they have purchased the products and submitted their receipts, their free installation will be scheduled.

This program was made possible through a grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Fresh Water Initiative, which supports projects that expand water capture, reuse, and recharge across the state. Over the past two years, HOK has conducted more than 150 residential assessments throughout Ko‘olaupoko, identifying over 400 potential green stormwater infrastructure projects that could collectively capture more than 2.5 million gallons of rainwater each year if implemented.

To secure your spot for a rain barrel, reach out to [email protected] or book your property's free rainwater assessment at https://www.huihawaii.org.

View installation resources and preferred barrel systems:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1RpkKR9ixfspcqUJyZiIAHlq_3Cdt4kQp/edit?usp=sharing

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HOK Contact:
Kristen Nālani Kāne
Project Director
Hui o Ko‘olaupoko
[email protected]
Phone: 808-381-7202
www.huihawaii.org

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Little Fire Ants Are Spreading: Time for Action, Advocacy and Accountability

8/1/2025

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The invasive Little Fire Ant (LFA), Wasmannia auropunctata, continues to pose a serious threat to Oʻahu’s ecosystems, agriculture, and communities. Often spreading unnoticed through potted plants, green waste, and landscaping materials, LFA infestations can persist for years before becoming widespread. Unlike many other invasive ants in Hawaiʻi, Little Fire Ants are not just a nuisance. Their painful stings can cause lasting harm to people, pets, and livestock, while also disrupting native ecosystems by outcompeting and injuring native species.

In response to the growing urgency of this issue, Hui o Koʻolaupoko stepped into an expanded role in 2025 to serve as a trusted, on-the-ground liaison between residents, partner organizations, and government agencies working to address LFA infestations. Hui o Koʻolaupoko integrated into the broader LFA response network to focus on increasing public awareness, providing hands-on resources, and empowering community members to test, report, and participate in treatment efforts.

HOK reached more than 1,500 community members through school presentations, neighborhood meetings, volunteer workdays, and public events across Oʻahu. Over 1,000 Little Fire Ant test kits were distributed, and two rounds of direct mailers were sent to more than 2,000 households in Waimānalo to encourage early detection and participation.

In addition to education and outreach, HOK supported survey and treatment coordination on nearly all active LFA sites within Koʻolaupoko, working closely with partner agencies to assist with resident communication, field surveys, sample processing, and treatment logistics. As a result, community-led testing increased over the past year, while confirmed LFA hotspots within the region declined.

While community vigilance and collaboration are essential, the fight against invasive species remains a complex, long-term challenge that requires sustained investment and strong government leadership. Eradication efforts span multiple years and depend on consistent funding, inter-agency coordination, and widespread resident participation.

Here’s how you can take action:

Test your property regularly for Little Fire Ants, especially when bringing in new plants or soil. Visit https://www.huihawaii.org/lfa.html for testing guides and video demonstrations.
Stay informed and engaged by tracking invasive species legislation at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov and https://legiscan.com/HI.
Contact your local legislators and advocate for greater investment, oversight, and transparency in invasive species management.
Participate in community workshops, volunteer events, and neighborhood testing efforts.

For more information on how to get involved, request assistance testing your property, to submit ant samples for identification, or request a presentation for your school or community group, please visit the Hui o Koʻolaupoko website or contact us at [email protected].

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2024 Year In Review

12/30/2024

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