Celebrate World Wetlands Day in Hawaii – 2/2/08

You are invited to help celebrate World Wetlands Day. Learn why Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex in Kailua, Oahu was designated a Ramsar Site in February 2005. On Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 we will celebrate World Wetlands Day at Le Jardin Academy from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be exhibits, speakers, events for the kids, free tours to Na Pohaku o Hauwahine, Kawainui Neighborhood Park garden, Hamakua wetland and Ulupo Heiau State Historic complex. See what may happen to restore Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex, learn about the wildlife, and native plant restoration projects and how you can get involved in helping to malama this cherished area. The event is free. Sacred to Hawaiians, Kawainui Marsh is the largest remaining emergent wetland in Hawai‘i and the state’s largest ancient freshwater fishpond. Located in the center of the caldera of the Ko‘olau shield volcan., the marsh today provides primary habitat for four of Hawaii’s endemic and endangered waterbirds. The marsh stores surface water and provides flood protection for Kailua town.Hamakua Marsh is a smaller wetland that is historically connected to the adjacent Kawainui Marsh. Is also provides significant habitat for Hawaii’s endangered waterbirds.Fostering worldwide wetland conservation is the primary goal of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. First signed in 1971, this international treaty promotes conservation activities that also incorporate human use. Participation in the Convention brings nations together to improve wetland management for the benefit of people and wildlife and promote biological diversity.  See:  www.ramsar.org  and,  www.ramsarcommittee.usThere are more than 1,600 Ramsar designated sites in over 150 countries, including 22 sites in the U.S. Many of these sites are National Wildlife Refuges (NWR). Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex is the only current Ramsar site in Hawaii. 

Malama (care for) Ulupo Heiau on Saturday, Jan. 19th

You’re invited to kokua (help) and malama (care for) Ulupo Heiau on Saturday, Jan. 19th starting at 8:30 a.m. and going to 12:30 p.m. Ulupo Heiau (Night of Inspiration) one of the first sacred temples to have built as a “mapele” (agriculture) heiau by the first people or menehune and dedicated to Kaneulupo. The Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and ‘Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi are the co-curators at this State Historic site complex and conduct service projects every second Saturday of the month to restore the Hawaiian ethno-botanical and culutral features.We meet at the parking area by the Heiau and behind the Windward YMCA.Bring: Lunch, water, rain gear, sunscreen, work gloves.If you can, also bring tools such as sickles, handsaws, machete, hand cultivators or chain saws.For more info and to signup: call Kaimi Scudder at 593-0112 or email at “email@ahahui.net”If you have not been to Ulupo Heiau in the last year or so, you are in for a big surprise. See what community volunteers can do to malama ‘aina!

Service Project at Na Pohaku o Hauwahine

Malama Na Pohaku o Hauwahine on Jan. 12th. We will meet Saturday, Jan. 12th from 8:30am-12:30pm at Na Pohaku o Hauwahine located along Kapa’a Quarry Rd. (about a mile in from Pali Hwy.) to work on several different projects, weeding in the native plant areas, clearing alien plants, hauling in mulch, planting native plants. Dress in work clothes with covered shoes, bring gloves, a cutting or digging tool, your canteen of water and snack. Contact Kaimi Scudder at 593-0112 or Malia Bird Helela to register for the service project. Email <email@ahahui.net>