Beginning summer of 2012, this project worked to remove invasive species from Hakipu'u head-water spring areas and reforest with native plant species. Native plant species help to reduce the amount of sediment entering Hakipu'u Stream and ultimately Kaneohe Bay. Enclosure fencing was also installed on the project, protecting native vegetation from domestic cattle and wild pigs. This project was largely volunteer based. Volunteers were provided with a cultural and ecological history of the site, became more knowledgable on identification of native species, and learned proper planting techniques.
From July 2012 through December 2016, over 4000 volunteers dedicated nearly 8500 hours to the Hakipu'u Stream Restoration Project.
"It was nice to come back and volunteer once again for Hui o Ko’olaupoko on their community work day and see how far the work site has come."
-Heather Z. HOK Volunteer & 2013 HYCC Gateway Program Member
Watch a video of the first Hakipu'u Workday with crew members of the Hokule'a 2012 Statewide Sail.
Funders and partners for this project include NOAA, Hawai'i Community Foundation, Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, Kualoa Ranch, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Fish Habitat Partnership.