Upper He'eia Stream Restoration

The Upper Heʻeia Stream Restoration Project was a four year grant partnership between Hui o Ko'olaupoko, Papahana Kuaola, Hui Ku Maoli Ola, and Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau with project funding from the Environmental Protection Agency and Hawai'i Department of Health.

The project's main goal was to restore native vegetation along ~4,000 feet of riparian habitat on the upper He'eia Stream using community and volunteer support to complete the majority of invasive species removal, native outplantings, and project maintenance. In addition to planting native trees and vegetation, the project included installing erosion control techniques to address eroding stream banks. Also, a partnership with Hawai'i Pacific University professors and students implemented monitoring for water quality and project effectiveness. Additionally, HOK worked with residents in the He'eia watershed regarding techniques to reduce fertilizers applied to individual lawns and other methods to improve watershed health. 

Although the grant period has now ended, Papahana Kuaola, Hui Ku Maoli Ola will continue to maintain the project site.  If you would like to visit the site or lend a hand, please contact their Site Coordinator.

In 2016 Hui o Ko'olaupoko began the implementation of a restoration project on the mouth of He'eia Estuary at He'eia State Park!  Stay tuned for project's updates and workday announcements!



Work for this project has now shifted to focus on the He'eia Stream Estuary.  The efforts began in the Summer of 2015, so join us in the new phase of our project, makai workdays!  We are targeting invasive species like mangrove in order to clear the mouth of He'eia Stream!  

From  2010 through 2014, over 4700 volunteers dedicated more than 12,500 hours to the Upper He'eia Stream Restoration Project.  
"I really do like volunteering for Hui o Ko’olaupoko. I love working and being in the He'eia Stream, I think it’s a really meaningful and great way to start the weekend off."

    -Selena P.
       Volunteer for HOK
"Kamanu and I have done a few projects with Hui o Ko'olaupoko such as the Popoi’a Stream, Hakipu’u Stream and here at He'eia. HOK is a great organization to work with, always keeping us informed, making sure that we are taken care of and that we learn a lot."

                                                               -Haunani K.
                                                                               Volunteer for HOK
Upper He'eia Description
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