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].

2 'Alae 'Ula successfully fledged at Kaha Garden,2 amazing Australian interns,200 native plants propagated and outplanted,245 volunteers assisted at 22 events,totalling over 600 hours of service!Before another month of the new year passes us quickly by, we wanted to extend a huge mahalo to all who participated in our 2023 events and supported our efforts from near or far.
In 2023, we put all of our love and attention on first project site, Kaha Garden. For over 15 years we have been caring for the native vegetation here with the help of more than 3,500 amazing community members. Through all this attention, we have seen wonderful growth and transformation of the garden area and invite you all to come and wander the pathways, read the educational signage, and see if you can spot our resident 'alae 'ula pair.

In 2024, we will be hosting a minimum of three public events per month, and offering additional days for private events. This Spring we are launching a newly revised garden curriculum for elementary age students and garden games for homeschool and pre-school keiki! We have also been working with various water quality partners to support Windward area homeowners in assessing their properties to better capture and infiltrate rainwater before it has a chance to pick up pollution and enter our streams and oceans. Read more about the Follow The Drop program in the article below. HOK is working to build our capacity to support invasive species eradication efforts and the organizations who dedicate their time to help our communities combat invasive pests such as Little Fire Ant, Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles, and dangerous non-native plants.

Mahalo for your continued support of Hui o Ko'olaupoko
-Kristen Kane & HOK Board of Directors

A Tale of Two Seas​

Growing up, I often wondered where the name Kailua came from, and as a young adult I walked Kailua beach trying to spot a geographic feature that would create this effect. So, I dove deeper into the translations, “two seas” or “two currents”.

Many would be surprised to learn that the translation “two seas” is derived from the surrounding wetland areas of Kawainui and Kaelepulu. Over 6,000 years ago these riparian zones were bays that opened to the ocean. As time moved forward, these bays became lagoons. A sand bar eventually formed and created a new coastline, what we know today as ‘Coconut Grove’, the heavily populated area of Kailua. Further mauka, organic material and clay washed down from the Koolau mountains slowly creating the wetlands of today. Kawainui and Kaelepulu are ingrained in the identity of Kailua and are home to some of our most unique native species and are designated as critical habitat for endangered and rare water birds.

The second translation “two currents” refers to the ocean currents that flow into the present-day bay. One current from the North along the cliffs of Mokapu, and the other from the East. These currents converge in the center of Kailua Bay near Kalama Beach Park. The currents then circulate out to the open ocean through a deep, sandy, meandering channel (photo below right). This convergence of currents can often be seen from the beach as small rip currents from the beach. This channel is likely a remnant feature from when Kawainui and Kailua Bay were one feature.
These wetlands of Kawainui and Kaelepulu encompass over 850 acres and were historically used to farm fish, kalo and rice. This rich agricultural land provided resources for some of the earliest settlements on Oahu. Kawainui translates to the “great water”, wai also has references to fresh waters. Kaelepulu means the moist darkness which may refer to moss or algae that grew in the area. 

Both ecosystems have been heavily impacted by non-native species introductions, urban development, and water diversions. Both wetlands suffer from an encroachment of invasive species like mangrove, erosion, and polluted runoff from the surrounding streets and residents.
Retrofitting storm drains and canals to reduce sediment and debris from entering waterways is a technique that can be used to increase overall wetland health. Allowing a more frequent exchange of water or restoring natural flow between the ocean and wetlands is another strategy that will improve wetland quality. Assisting in removing non-native plants like mangrove, or participating in local community efforts to restore historical places and native species’ habitats is a fun and great way you can help to protect our wetlands!

For more information, species descriptions and pictures of Kawanui and Kaelepulu check out some of these links: DLNR-DOFAW, Hui o Ko'olaupoko, Natural History, Hydrology and Water Quality of Enchanted Lake – Kaelepulu Pond, Kaelepulu wetland general information.