Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Annual Day of Service
Hosted by HPMG
Locations & Activities
Please be aware that activities are subject to change pending the number of registrants and weather.
O‘ahu
WINDWARD — PAPAHANA KUAOLA
Mountains: restore lo‘i, Native Hawaiian plants, and mountain trails; remove invasive plant species; light duty service.
Incorporated in 2006, this nonprofit Hawaiian education organization is located in the Heʻeia uplands, at the mouth of Haʻikū Valley, centered at a place called Waipao. Mission: cultivate ʻāina (ancestral land) and kanaka (people) to nurture learning, relationships, and lifestyles that enable all Hawaiʻi to thrive. Certain activities can accommodate families with young children.
Schedule: 7 a.m. (check-in); 8 a.m. (activities begin); 12 p.m. (lunch/end – eat on-site – please bring a towel or blanket to sit on – or grab and go)
Activities
- Wetland and loʻi (taro patch) restoration – Help support the health and momona (abundance) of our lo‘i kalo! Relocate soil accumulated in settlement pond and loʻi, prepare loʻi for planting, and/or remove invasive weeds. As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 80 volunteers.)
- Hawaiian plant restoration – Help mālama rare Native Hawaiian plant and tree species at Waipao. Remove invasive weeds and lay mulch and plants in an area that will become a new Native Hawaiian restoration site. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 80 volunteers.)
- Keiki mālama kahawai – Help care for health of the Haʻikū Stream. Remove invasive plant species and catch invasive armored catfish with scoop nets. (Keiki volunteers up to 8 years old, parent/guardian supervision required; limit: 80 volunteers.)
- Mauka trail restoration and maintenance – Help mālama our mauka access trails! Repair trail steps using a shovel and pickaxe, and remove invasive weeds using small handsaws, garden sickle, and machete. Must be physically able to hike 1-2 miles on steep mountain trails. (Volunteers must be at least 12 years old with accompanying adult; limit: 30 volunteers.)
- Light duty service – Activities to be determined given size of the group and program needs at the time. (No age minimum or volunteer limit.)
Attire & Supplies
- A towel and change of clothes are advised for all activities.
- Wetland and loʻi (taro patch) restoration – Beach attire, T-shirt, and shorts. When in the lo’i, bare feet are recommended. Prepare to get dirty!
- Hawaiian plant restoration – T-shirt, shorts/pants, sneakers or hiking shoes that you won’t mind getting muddy.
- Keiki mālama kahawai – T-shirt, shorts/pants, tabis, sneakers or hiking shoes that you won’t mind getting wet and muddy, and a hat. Reef walkers may be worn in the stream.
- Mauka trail restoration and maintenance – T-shirt, shorts/pants, sneakers or hiking shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty, and a hat. Optional: small backpack to carry a water bottle and other personal supplies.
- Light duty service – T-shirt, shorts/pants, sneakers or hiking shoes that you won’t mind getting muddy, and a hat.
- Reusable water bottle. We will provide water filling stations.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at King Intermediate School (46-155 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744). Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. in the school’s cafeteria. After checking in, buses will shuttle volunteers to Papahana Kuaola. Buses will also shuttle volunteers throughout the day back to King Intermediate.
Volunteers who register for this location will receive a link to Papahana Kuaola’s online waiver form in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please complete this form as soon as possible and before January 20. Volunteers who are minors must have their form filled out and submitted by a parent/guardian.
Directions to King Intermediate School
Address: 46-155 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
WINDWARD – KĀKO‘O ‘ŌIWI
Wetlands: weeding, mulching, lo‘i, removing invasive plants.
This nonprofit organization is based on a 405-acre site in the He‘eia wetlands. Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi promotes educational programs, ecological restoration, and sustainable agriculture across this important division of the ahupua’a. Certain activities can accommodate families with young children.
Schedule: 7 a.m. (check-in); 8 a.m. (activities begin); 12 p.m. (lunch/end – eat on-site or grab and go)
Activities
- Lo’i (taro patch) – Volunteers will be weeding and/or building and maintaining loʻi patches. Water levels will be low to accommodate small children. As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 100 volunteers.)
- Lei garden project – Activities include weeding around lei plants, such as puakenikeni, pikake, gardenia and plumeria. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 40 volunteers.)
- Agroforestry project – Pu‘ulani is the name of Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi’s agroforestry project that includes native plants and trees significant to Native Hawaiian culture. Work will be focused on weeding and mulching. Volunteers will also be able to learn about native plants. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 40 volunteers.)
- Wetland restoration – Activities include removing invasive plants, clearing streams, outplanting native wetland plants, and nursery work. As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (Volunteers must be age 14-65. Limit: 50 volunteers.)
Attire & Supplies
- Lo’i (taro patch) – T-shirt, shorts, gloves. Prepare to get dirty!
- Lei garden – Long-sleeved shirt, shorts or long pants, covered shoes you won’t mind getting dirty, gloves if you have them.
- Agroforestry project – Covered shoes and sun protection.
- Wetland restoration – Long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect your legs from the brush; tabi, rubber boots, or covered shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty.
- An outdoor shower is available for rinsing off. Please bring your own towel, a change of clothes, and an extra plastic bag for wet/dirty clothes.
- Reusable water bottle. We will provide water filling stations.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at King Intermediate School (46-155 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, 96744). Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. After checking in, buses will shuttle volunteers to Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi. Buses will also shuttle volunteers throughout the day back to King Intermediate.
Volunteers who register for this location will see a link to Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi’s waiver form in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please print and complete this form ahead of time and bring it with you on January 20 to submit at check-in. Please note that this form requires a parent/legal guardian’s signature for any volunteers who are minors.
Directions to King Intermediate School
Address: 46-155 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
WINDWARD — PAEPAE O HE‘EIA
Ocean: rock transport, mangrove removal, weeding, planting, jellyfish removal.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving the ancient He‘eia Fishpond to provide physical, intellectual, and spiritual sustenance to the community. It also hosts educational programs about cultural sustainability. Volunteers must be at least 10 years old.
Schedule: 7 a.m. (check-in); 8 a.m. (activities begin); 11-11:30 a.m. (clean up); 12 p.m. (grab-and-go lunch at King Intermediate School/end)
Activities
Volunteers must be at least 10 years old. After volunteers are dropped off at Paepae o He‘eia, they’ll descend a steep driveway that they’ll also need to ascend at the end of the day. There’ll also be a 10- to 15-minute walk to the worksite. The walk will be quite muddy, depending on the day’s conditions. The maximum number of volunteers for Paepae o He‘eia is 150.
- Rock/coral transport, mangrove removal, weeding, planting: All volunteers will be divided into groups and may rotate through the activities below. As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (Volunteers for this activity must be at least 10 years old. Limit: 150 volunteers.)
- Rock and coral transport – Volunteers will fill and pass coral in 5-gallon buckets as well as pass rocks ranging in weight from 10 to 20 pounds. Volunteers may possibly walk and carry rocks for a distance of up to 500 feet (based on volunteer’s ability).
- Mangrove removal – Volunteers will use plant loppers/clippers to cut and clear invasive mangrove and pass the cut mangrove, possibly in an assembly line, to staff who will be operating a chipper nearby. The chipper will be loud, so earplugs will be provided to volunteers who are closest to the machine. Please be aware that sea life, such as crabs, will be present.
- Weeding – Volunteers will help to remove weedy grass, mangrove seedlings, and marine debris in restoration areas.
- Planting – Volunteers will participate in planting native shrubs, grasses, and plants along the fishpond shoreline to help in restoration.
- Jellyfish removal – Volunteers will help to remove invasive jellyfish from within the fishpond using gloves and waterproof waders, which will be provided. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and volunteers must be at least 5 feet tall and have a shoe size of at least 5 to fit in the waders. If you’re interested in participating in this activity, please bring a pair of socks to wear with the waders.
Attire & Supplies
- A lightweight or dri-fit-material long-sleeved shirt, board shorts.
- Due to the rocky and rough terrain of both the ocean floor and dry land, as well as potentially muddy conditions, covered shoes such as old tennis shoes or sneakers, are mandatory. Tabi with a felt or thick bottom are also acceptable. We do not recommend wearing aqua socks or reef walkers. Please be prepared for your shoes to get muddy and dirty.
- Sun protection for skin and eyes. Hats are advised.
- We encourage you to bring your own gloves, as Paepae o He‘eia has a limited supply.
- A pair of socks if you’re interested in participating in the jellyfish removal activity.
- A towel and change of clothes.
- Reusable water bottle. We will provide water filling stations.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at King Intermediate School (46-155 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744). Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. After checking in, buses will shuttle volunteers to Paepae o He‘eia. Buses will also shuttle volunteers throughout the day back to King Intermediate School.
Volunteers who register for this location will see a link to Paepae o He‘eia’s liability waiver form in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please print and complete this form ahead of time and bring it with you on January 20 to submit at check-in. Please note that this form requires a parent/legal guardian’s signature for any volunteers who are minors.
Directions to King Intermediate School
Address: 46-155 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
LEEWARD — KA‘ALA CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER
Taro planting and harvesting, irrigation and lo‘i clearing, garden cleaning.
Ka‘ala Cultural Learning Center is part of Ka‘ala Farm, a restored ancient agricultural complex. Through hands-on activities, the center educates guests about Hawaiian culture and traditions. Additionally, it creates and promotes partnerships to pursue watershed restoration and other environmental initiatives. These efforts extend across the Wai‘anae ahupua‘a – from mountains to ocean – with the goal of helping to nurture healthier families and a brighter future for this community. Certain activities can accommodate families with young children.
Schedule: 7-7:40 a.m. (check-in); 7:15 a.m. (shuttle service begins – rides are 25 min. one-way); 8:15 a.m. (welcome and oli); 8:30 a.m. (activities begin); 12 p.m. (grab-and-go lunch at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School / end)
Activities
- ‘Ohana gardens – Learn how to plant and harvest dryland taro, weave fibers, and listen to mo‘olelo (stories). Volunteers will also make ulu flatbread and play traditional Hawaiian board games, such as Kōnane. As much as possible, please allow ‘ohana with keiki preference while selecting this activity. (Keiki-friendly activity. Limit: 50 volunteers, including adults.)
- ‘Auwai and lo‘i cleaning – Prepare to be waist deep in the mud to help open the ‘auwai (irrigation channels)! Remove overgrown grass, weeds, and bushes from in and around the ‘auwai to allow water to divert to the lo‘i. Picks and shovels will be used. As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Limit: 50 volunteers.)
- Hana group – Take a beautiful hike to Hale Mua and learn about the historic and cultural sites of Ka‘ala Farm. Participants will kōkua by helping to clear and weed vegetation around the heiau. The hike is approximately 0.8 miles, and the terrain will involve a moderate incline with some steeper sections. (Keiki-friendly activity with adult supervision. Limit: 25 volunteers, including adults.)
Attire & Supplies
- ‘Ohana gardens – Protective clothing such as long pants, sneakers or tennis shoes, and a hat. Please bring a pair of gardening gloves.
- ‘Auwai and lo‘i cleaning – T-shirt and shorts that you won’t mind getting wet and muddy. A towel and extra change of clothes are advised. Do not wear slippers or sneakers, which can get sucked off by the mud.
- Hana group – Protective clothing such as long pants, shoes for hiking, and a hat.
- Reusable water bottle that will last you the entire day. We will provide unchilled bottled water in the event that volunteers need to refill their bottle.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will once again be based at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School (89-980 Nānākuli Avenue, Wai‘anae, HI 96792). Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. After checking in, buses will shuttle volunteers to Ka‘ala Cultural Learning Center. Buses will also shuttle volunteers throughout the day back to Nānākuli High & Intermediate School. Check-in staff will not be able to hold your belongings, so please plan accordingly.
Volunteers who register for this location will see a link to Ka‘ala Cultural Learning Center’s liability waiver form in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please complete this form as soon as possible and before January 20. Volunteers who are minors must have their form filled out and submitted by a parent/guardian.
Directions to Nānākuli & Intermediate School
Address: 89-980 Nanakuli Avenue, Waianae, HI 96792
From I-H-1 W towards Wai‘anae: Follow Farrington Hwy. (HI-93 W) for 4.7 miles. Turn right onto Nānākuli Ave. Nānākuli High & Intermediate School will be on your left.
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
LEEWARD — KALAELOA HERITAGE PARK
Planting, mounting placards, watering plants, trail restoration, cutting trees, weed whacking.
Kalaeloa Heritage Park is a 77-acre parcel with over 177 recorded cultural sites. The Kalaeloa Heritage and Legacy Foundation is a nonprofit Native Hawaiian organization that cares for 11 of the 77 acres. The Park hosts programs and workshops that educate participants on its history and structures as well as resource conservation and offers individuals the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities that mālama the Park through preservation and reforestation efforts. Most activities can accommodate young children.
Schedule: 7:30 a.m. (check-in); 8 a.m. (tour); 8:45 a.m. (activities begin) 11 a.m. (grab-and-go lunch/end)
Activities
- Planting, watering, and mulching – Volunteers will learn about native plants in the park and ewa. They’ll work together to plant seeds, water them, and then cover the soil with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and for protection. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 25 volunteers.)
- Mounting placards – Volunteers will mount QR code placards to cultural sites around the park. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 8 volunteers.)
- Trail restoration – Volunteers will fill paths with mulch and replace deteriorating logs along the edges of the trail. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 12 volunteers.)
- Cutting haole koa trees – Volunteers will use tools to cut down standing haole koa trees into smaller, manageable pieces. These pieces will be carried and moved to a designated pile near the wood chipper. All necessary equipment will be provided and safety instructions will be given at the start of the activity. (Adults only; limit: 5 volunteers.)
- Weed whacking – Volunteers will use weed whackers to clear overgrown grass. Note: Kalaeloa has 5 weed whackers available. Volunteers who register for this activity are welcome to bring their own weed whacker. (Adults with prior weed whacking experience only; limit: 5 volunteers.)
Attire & Supplies
- Sun protection (e.g., sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) is strongly advised. The site is very hot and sunny.
- Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, thick-soled sneakers/tennis shoes/boots, hat. Gardening gloves are recommended.
- Reusable water bottle. We will provide water filling stations.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at Kalaeloa Heritage Park (91-1940 Coral Sea Road, Kapolei, 96707). Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. Volunteers who register for this location will see a link to Kalaeloa Heritage Park’s waiver form in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please print and complete this form ahead of time and bring it with you on January 20 to submit at check-in. Please note that this form requires a parent/legal guardian’s signature for any volunteers who are minors.
Directions to Kalaeloa Heritage Park
Address: 91-1940 Coral Sea Road, Kapolei, 96707
IMPORTANT: Your mapping software may not recognize the address above or may correct to the wrong address. It’s recommended that you try mapping to “Kalaeloa Heritage Park,” which should take you to the correct destination very close to the Kalaeloa Airport.
From H1 West, take exit 2 towards Kapolei, Kalaeloa. Turn left onto Makakilo Drive. Turn left onto Franklin D Roosevelt Avenue. Turn right onto Coral Sea Road and continue driving south. Turn right onto Long Island Street. Turn at the sign that says “Kalaeloa Heritage Park Entrance.” Park on the right side, remove any valuables from your vehicle, and lock the doors as a precaution.
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
Maui
PAELOKO
Harvesting, planting, refinishing, cultural activities, clearing lo‘i.
Paeloko is a Hawaiian Cultural Learning Center located in Waihe‘e, Maui. Paeloko is culturally significant as being the place where the legendary demi-god Maui collected coconut husks, which he used to fashion the cordage needed to lasso the sun. Paeloko preserves Native Hawaiian culture and traditions by providing hands-on learning opportunities through indigenous ancestral arts, culture, and language to the children and community of Maui Nui. Certain activities can accommodate families with young children.
Schedule: 6:45 a.m. (check-in); 7:30 a.m. (shuttle service begins – rides are 10-15 min. one-way); 8 a.m. (oli, welcome, activities begin); 11:30 a.m. (lunch: eat on-site or grab and go); 11:45 a.m. (return shuttle service begins); 12 p.m. (end)
Activities
- Planting and harvesting wauke – Volunteers will plant and collect the native plant wauke in various areas around Paeloko by clearing areas, digging holes, and light weeding and watering. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 50 volunteers.)
- Refinishing picnic tables and gazebo floor – Volunteers will restore and paint wooden tables and the floor of the gazebo. (Adults preferred; keiki ages 5 and up can help with painting, with adult supervision; limit 10 volunteers.)
- Cultural activities and workshop – Volunteers will create cups out of coconuts and strip a wauke tree to make kapa (barkcloth) and Pu‘ohe (Hawaiian horn made from a segment of bamboo). These items will be donated to a Hawaiian organization. (10 years old and up; limit 20 volunteers.)
- Lo‘i – Volunteers will be weeding and clearing the lo’i and ‘auwai of debris and growth. As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (5 years old and up; limit: 40 volunteers.)
Attire & Supplies
- Planting and harvesting wauke; refinishing picnic tables and gazebo floor; cultural activities and workshop – Long-sleeved shirt, long pants or shorts, and sneakers or boots, hat, gloves, and sunglasses. A change of clothes is recommended.
- Lo‘i – Long-sleeved shirt, shorts, slippers, hat, gloves, and sunglasses. Please bring a towel and a change of clothes to wear on the bus ride back.
- Reusable water bottle. We will provide water filling stations.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at the Kaiser Permanente Wailuku Medical Office (80 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793). Please do not drive directly to Paeloko. Check-in will begin at 6:45 a.m. After checking in, buses will shuttle volunteers to Paeloko. Check-in staff will not be able to hold your belongings, so please plan accordingly.
Volunteers who register for this location will receive a link to Paeloko’s waiver form in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please complete this form as soon as possible and before January 20. Volunteers who are minors must have their form filled out and submitted by a parent/guardian.
Directions to Wailuku Medical Office
Address: 80 Mahalani Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
Hawai‘i Island
NORTH KONA — PU‘UWA‘AWA‘A FOREST RESERVE
Planting, weeding, interpretive trail restoration.
Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a or “the many-furrowed hill” is the name of the island’s largest cinder cone located on the northern flank of Hualalai. It’s also the name of the ahupua‘a that extends across 38,885 acres. These Crown Lands once encompassed a vast and highly biodiverse native dryland forest. For more than a century, the area was largely used as ranch land. Now the ahupua‘a is managed as a state forest reserve mauka and a state park reserve makai of the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. In recent years, caretakers from the State of Hawai‘i, Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Department of Land and Natural Resources have worked to preserve and restore the highly threatened dryland forest. This includes fencing conservation units and removing ungulates, removal of invasive species, native seed collection, propagation and outplanting of native plants, and ongoing maintenance. Additional information on this forest reserve can be found here. The area where activities will be held is home to dozens of nesting nēnē, the endangered Hawaiian goose and care must be taken not to disturb these birds. Certain activities can accommodate families with young children.
Schedule: 7:30 a.m. (check-in); 8 a.m. (activities begin); 12 p.m. (grab-and-go lunch)
Activities
The majority of the activities will focus on dryland forest restoration, including planting and weeding around native plant species. This conservation unit is used for sourcing native seeds, community functions (e.g., Biocultural Blitz for 4th graders), and research, educational and volunteer purposes. Note: Volunteers are welcome to participate in an optional self-guided hike up the Pu’uwa’awa’a trail after the event.
- Outplanting, seed collection, and hand weeding – Group 1. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 15 volunteers)
- Outplanting, seed collection, and hand weeding – Group 2. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 15 volunteers)
- Trail restoration – Group 3. Loppers will be used. (Volunteers must be at least 10 years old; limit: 10 volunteers.)
- Weeding and vine removal – Group 4. Loppers, hand clippers, and hand sickles will be used. (Adults only; limit: 10 volunteers.)
- Weeding and vine removal – Group 5. Loppers, hand clippers, and hand sickles will be used. (Adults only; limit: 10 volunteers.)
Attire & Supplies
- A lightweight long-sleeved shirt, long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots that you aren’t afraid to get dirty. We also recommend bringing a jacket in case it rains.
- For those assisting with vine removal, please bring safety glasses to protect your eyes. (Let us know if we need to provide a pair for you.)
- Because the site is at a high elevation (~2,500 feet), sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) is strongly advised. Per state and county requirements, please use only reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen to protect Hawai‘i’s coral reef ecosystems.
- Reusable water bottle that will last you the entire day. Water Igloo jugs will be available to refill your water bottle. We will provide bottled water for those who don’t have or forget to bring a reusable water bottle.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
- Rapid Ohia Death (ROD) – We request your cooperation in helping protect Pu’uwa’awa’a Forest Reserve from ROD. Please wash your clothes, shoes, gloves, and any other items you bring to the Forest Reserve to ensure they’re free of mud, soil, seeds, and plant matter, as this will help to prevent the introduction of harmful pests. All volunteers’ shoes will be sprayed down with rubbing alcohol upon arrival to kill any spores of ROD or other pests. To learn more about ROD and how you can prevent it from spreading, visit rapidohiadeath.org. Mahalo!
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve, which is located off Mamalahoa Highway (between the 21st- and 22nd-mile markers). Please look for a gate with a Kaiser Permanente banner on it. Ample parking will be available in a grassy field near the work site. This area is about a 10-minute drive on a bumpy, partially paved ranch road from the gate off the highway. We suggest volunteers bring an SUV, van, or truck, if possible, to comfortably make this ascent. Check-in will be held near the parking area.
Volunteers who register for this location will see a link to Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a’s waiver form and media release in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please print and complete these forms ahead of time and bring them with you on January 20 to submit at check-in. Please note that both forms require a parent/legal guardian’s signature for any volunteers who are minors.
Directions
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
HILO — HALEOLONO
Fishpond restoration, clearing brush.
Haleolono is the birthplace of one of Hawai‘i’s premier ali‘i, Kalaninuiʻīamamao, and where the aquaculture traditions of this wahi pana (sacred place) are practiced. Haleolono is located in Honohononui, a land division within the Waiakea ahupuaʻa along the beautiful coast of Keaukaha. This site is managed by the Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation (EKF), whose mission is to heighten indigenous Hawaiian cultural awareness, knowledge, and participation through its educational programs and scholarships. EKF promotes the Hawaiian value of noho papa, to know one’s place thoroughly through generational learning and active practice and study. At this site, volunteers can learn traditional mahi i‘a (fish farming), rock wall building and repair, fishpond maintenance, fish propagation, and innovative limu propagation techniques. Activities can accommodate families with young children.
Schedule: 7:30 a.m. (check-in); 8 a.m. (activities begin); 12 p.m. (grab-and-go lunch/end)
Activities
- Rock wall maintenance – Volunteers will repair the rock wall by collecting fell rocks from inside the fishpond and stacking them on to the wall to repair any breaks. As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (Keiki-friendly activity; limit: 35 volunteers.)
- Clearing brush – Volunteers will clear brush of invasive species (e.g., tall grass, weeds, weed trees, vines, etc.) and transport the trimmings to a nearby truck. (Keiki-friendly activity limit: 35 volunteers.)
Attire & Supplies
- Rock wall maintenance – Beach attire, such as a swimsuit, long-sleeved (dri-fit) shirt, and shorts that you won’t mind getting wet and dirty. Please wear tabis or other closed-toe shoes that you won’t mind getting wet. Please bring work/garden gloves.
- Clearing brush – Long-sleeved (dri-fit) shirt, long pants, sneakers or tennis shoes that you won’t mind getting muddy, and a hat. Please bring work/garden gloves and, if you have them, hand saws and/or sickles.
- A towel and change of clothes are advised.
- Reusable water bottle. We will provide water filling stations.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at the Haleolono Fishpond. Volunteers who register for this location will see a link to an Edith Kanaka’ole Foundation waiver form in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please print and complete this form ahead of time and bring it with you on January 20 to submit at check-in. Please note that this form requires a parent/legal guardian’s signature for any volunteers who are minors.
Directions
Head toward 4-Mile Beach on Kalaniana‘ole Avenue. Pass Onekahakaha Road and turn left at Kealoha Beach Park. Continue along the coastline. Parking will be located on the left just after the house with a red roof.
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.
Kaua‘i
WAIPĀ FOUNDATION
Mālama Lo‘i Kalo
Located on 1,600 acres on the north shore of Kaua‘i, the ahupua‘a of Waipā is a living learning center consisting of lo‘i, gardens and fishponds, learning spaces, stewardship projects, and food production facilities. The ahupua‘a is managed by the nonprofit Waipā Foundation, which raises awareness of the connections between healthy people, healthy communities, and healthy ʻāina. Waipā carries out its mission by taking care of the ʻāina and providing opportunities for experiential culturally based learning. Activities can accommodate families with young children.
Schedule: 7 a.m. (check-in); 7:30 a.m. (activities begin); 12 p.m. (lunch/end)
Activities
- Mālama Lo‘i Kalo – Volunteers and keiki will be removing weeds, roots, and snails in the shallow lo‘i. Volunteers will be working in up-to-knee-deep water in and along the banks of the lo‘i. Adults may use serrated hand sickles which require the use of garden gloves (provided). As a safety precaution to minimize possible exposure to the germ that causes leptospirosis, please protect your skin from cuts and scrapes and do not immerse any open wounds or rashes underwater. Please see the FAQ for more information about leptospirosis. (Limit: 25 volunteers.)
Attire & Supplies
- Volunteers will likely get wet and muddy. We recommend long-sleeved shirts — capilene/surf shirts work best — and workout pants or leggings. If you already have them, please bring gloves for adults and keiki, tabi or old sneakers/shoes that can be worn in the water, and a hat. Tabi and gloves will be provided for those who do not have them.
- A towel and change of clothes are advised.
- Reusable water bottle. We will provide water filling stations.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer will be provided.
Parking & Check-In
Parking and event check-in will be based at Waipā. Volunteers who register for this location will see a link to Waipā Foundation’s waiver forms in their confirmation email. (It’s also available on the FAQ and Forms page.) Please print and complete this form ahead of time and bring it with you on January 20 to submit at check-in. Please note that there’s a separate form for volunteers who are minors; this form requires the minor’s parent/legal guardian’s signature.
Directions
Waipā Foundation address: 5-5785A Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, 96714
Directions: Drive on Kūhiō Highway (56/560) north through Hanalei town. As you leave town, cross the one-lane concrete bridge over Wai‘oli Stream and enter the Waipā Ahupua‘a. Drive for half a mile, then turn left (mauka) into the main Waipā entrance. Parking will be on the left after entering.
Questions
Contact Kirk Fernandes at kirk.j.fernandes@kp.org or 808-265-3829.