Service Project at Na Pohaku o Hauwahine Sat. Oct. 17th

Please join with us on Saturday Oct. 17th from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm to malama Na Pohaku o Hauwahine located along Kapa’a Quarry Rd. in Kawainui Marsh, Kailua. Our restoration efforts at this site is to remove alien plant invasives and replant with endemic natives. We are also restoring a native wetland bird habitat in the marsh.  We will be primarily concerned with weeding in areas planted with natives and watering to keep the young plants alive and growing.  Wear work clothes, shoes, bring your gloves, weeding or cutting tool, water and snack. Contact Kaimi Scudder at 593-0112 if you’re coming and for more information. Also, see Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi’s website at: <www.ahahui.net>

Natural & Cultural History Tour of Kawainui Marsh Sept. 5th

Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi and the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club will begin
their Fall Kawainui Marsh Educational Series, Saturday Sept. 5, 2009 with an
introductory natural and cultural history tour of Kawainui Marsh.  It will
include possible interpretive sites around Kawainui Marsh that could be used
for kiosks and even a Kawainui Gate Park Visitor Center.  (Next month on Oct.
3rd, Dr. Floyd McCoy, geologist at UH/Windward Community College will lead
the geology tour.)  Handouts of our educational tours and service projects
schedule for the remaining of this year and 2009 will be distributed on
Saturday, and see post below for further information.

Travel back in time when Kawai Nui Marsh and Kaelepulu Pond (Enchanted Lake)
were ocean bays and the first Polynesians came to the shores of the ancient
Kawainui Lagoon, constructed their heiau, (sacred temples), fishpond and
taro terraces.  Chuck “Doc” Burrows, Hawaiian naturalist will lead
participants on a driving/walking tour from Ulupo Heiau to Na Pohaku o
Hauwahine and the Kawainui Estuary at Kawainui Park. He will explain how
these sites were used in ancient and historic periods and present plans by
community volunteers, State and Federal agencies to restore the health of
the natural and cultural ecosystems of the marsh and the Kailua Ahupua¹a.
New residents to Kailua are encouraged to come. The tour will start at 8:30
am and be completed by 12:00 pm.  A donation of $5 is requested.

Contact Kaimi Scudder at 593-0112 or reply <chuckb@hawaii.rr.com> for more
information and registration.

KAWAINUI MARSH TOURS – 2009

THE  NATURAL  and  CULTURAL  HISTORY  TOURS of  the

KAILUA  AHUPUA`A  and  KAWAINUI  MARSH

Sponsored by ‘Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi, Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation

These educational tours of the Kailua Ahupua‘a and Kawainui Marsh are offered to inform residents and visitors about the Hawaiian archaeological, historic and ecological resources of the marsh.

The tour groups meet at Ulupo Heiau next to the Windward Kailua YMCA at 8:30 am and walk, as well as car pool, to the various sites. Return trip is usually to the Windward YMCA by 1:00 pm. A donation of $5.00 will be accepted for the tour. Donations are used to support the cultural and ecological restoration work of Kawainui Marsh. Group size will be limited to 25 persons.

2009 KAWAINUI TOURS

1. Sat. – July 11 – Ulupo Heiau Hoike (10 am – 3 pm)

2. Sat. – Sept. 5 – Cultural and Natural History Tour of Kawainui Marsh

3. Sat. – Oct.  3  – Geology of the Kailua Ahupua‘a

4. Sat. – Nov. 7 – Archaeological  & Historic Sites of Kawainui/Hamakua

5. Sat. – Dec. 5 – Birds of the Marsh (Kawainui, Hamakua & Kaelepulu)

(Dates or tours may be subject to change depending on weather or other circumstances.  Check for updates at: http://www.ahahui.wordpress.com/)

WHAT TO BRING: Backpack or Fanny-pack, walking shoes, water bottle, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rainwear, hat or cap, sunglasses. Optional: camera and binoculars.

CONTACT INFO: Call 593-0112 for more information and to register for these educational tours, or email: email@ahahui.net or hemanumalia@hotmail.com

(There are also service-learning trips for elementary through college age students to our project sites around Kawainui Marsh. Contact us for more information.)

Ahahui supports biocontrol of strawberry quava in Hawaii

April 20, 2009

To: County of Hawaii – State of Hawaii

FROM: Chuck K. Burrows, Ed.D., President of Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi

RE: Resolution No. 80 09 – Requesting a ban on the release of biological control agents on the island of Hawaii

Aloha Council members, ‘Ahahui Mälama I Ka Lökahi, Hawaiians for the Conservation of Native Ecosystems, opposes Resolution No. 80 09 requesting a ban on the release of biocontrol agents on the island of Hawaii, including insects, fungi, bacteria, virus, or other pathogens, for any tree species related to the ‘Ohi’a (Metrosideros polymorpha), including all species of the family Myrtacaea, such as the strawberry guava(Spidum cattleianum).

These are our reasons:

1. The ban on biocontrol agents is too general in its scope and will be detrimental to the survival of all Hawaiian endemic plants such as ‘Ohia Lehua (Metrosiderous polymorpha) from the spreading alien invasive strawberry guava (Spidum cattleianum).

2. The resolution’s Whereas, these biological control agents “may adapt and evolve to begin attacking related species, including the ‘ohi’a lehua” is a false assumption not based on scientific research and data.

3. Infact, a valid statement can be made that if there is no biocontrol to slow the vigorous growth of the strawberry guava, the native endemic ‘Ohia Lehua and Koa forest ecosystem will be decimated in years to come.

4. Over 15 years of extensive and controlled scientific research in Hawaii and in Brazil have been carefully conducted to determine that the recommended biocontrol (Tetococcus ovatus) for strawberry guava CAN NOT SURVIVE and DOES NOT FEED ON ‘OHIA AT ALL!

5. Tetococcus oavatus which is a natural parasite that has evolved with strawberry guava in its native Brazil has not been found on other Brazilian myrtaceous plants to indicate a host shift from strawberry guava to another related host plant over its long evolutionary time scale.

6. The biocontrol T. ovatus has been tested in Hawaii on a broad range of related myrtaceous plants and other agricultural food crops, and all evidence has shown that this biocontrol insect is extremely host specific.

7. Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi firmly believe that if our native endemic forests and wildlife would no longer exist due to the ravages of alien invasives such as strawberry guava, so would the identity of the Hawaiian indigenous people and its culture which evolved from the natural landscape.

We kanaka moali strongly urge you to vote NO on this resolution.

Mahalo for your deliberation and consideration, 
 


Charles K. Burrows, Ed.D. President

Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi P.O. Box 751 Honolulu, Hawaii 96808

Ahahui Service Projects

‘AHAHUI MALAMÄ I KA LOKAHI, KAILUA HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB and KAWAI NUI HERITAGE FOUNDATION

In cooperation with the following allied environmental and Hawaiian cultural organizations:

DLNR Division of State Parks, Windward YMCA, Hui O Ko‘olaupoko

Invites you to kokua and malama the
Ramsar Kawainui/Hamakua Wetlands of International Importance

on our upcoming 2009 SERVICE PROJECTS

ULUPO HEIAU (Night of Inspiration) one of the first sacred temples to have been 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 Park heiau complex and conduct service projects every second Saturday of the month to restore the ethno-botanical and cultural features.

NA POHAKU O HAUWAHINE (The rock formation of the Hawaiian Mo`o goddess and guardian of Kawainui Marsh) is located on the makai side of Kapa`a Quarry road about one mile in from Pali Highway. It offers a panoramic view into the “piko” of Kawainui Marsh where one can observe in tranquility the wetland birds and marsh vegetation. Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi is the curator for this sacred site. We are planting the 12 acres with native plants to recreate a dryland forest ecosystem. Brush removal and trail construction has revealed ancient Hawaiian terraces that align the massive rock outcrops. We are also working in the marsh, to create a wetland bird habitat. Service projects are held the third Saturday of each month.

KAWAINUI ESTUARY WETLAND BIRD ISLET and KAHA NATIVE LANDSCAPE RESTORATION – As part of the Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi restoration program in Kawainui Marsh, an islet located at the Kaha Park side of the Kawai Nui estuary has been cleared of alien vegetation and landscaped as a wetland bird habitat. Ahahui assists Hui o Ko‘olaupoko in maintaining a Hawaiian plant landscape at Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park).

Meeting time for all service projects will be at 8:30 am and completed by 12:30 pm. Meeting places for Ulupo Heiau will be at the heiau parking area next to the Windward YMCA. For Na Pohaku o Hauwahine it will be on the right side of Kapa’a Quarry Rd. about one mile from the intersection of Kapa’a Quarry Rd. and Kalanianaole Hwy. For the Kaha Landscape maintainence we meet at the Kawainui Neighborhood Park.

(Dates of projects may be subject to change depending on weather or other circumstances. Check for updates at the AML blog: http://www.ahahui.wordpress.com)

UPCOMING SERVICE PROJECT DATES – 2009

Sat. Feb. 21 Na Pohaku o Hauwahine
Sat. Feb. 28 Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park)
Sat. Mar. 14 Ulupo Heiau – Lo’i Kalo
Sat. Mar. 21 Na Pohaku o Hauwahine
Sat. Mar. 28 Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park)
Sat. Apr. 11 Ulupo Heiau – Lo’I kalo
Sat. Apr. 18 Na Pohaku o Hauwahine
Sat. Apr. 25 Kawainui Estuary Islet (by Kaha Park)
Sat. May 9 Ulupo Heiau – Lo’i Kalo
Sat. May 16 Na Pohaku o Hauwahine
Sat. May 23 Kaha (Kawainui Neighborhood Park)

WHAT TO BRING: Backpack, lunch, water, rain gear, mosquito repellent, gloves.

TOOLS: Sickles, pruners, handsaws, hand cultivators.

CALL: Phone: 593-0112 or email email@ahahui.net or hemanumalia@hotmail.com for more information and to sign-up for these service projects.

(Rev. 2/28/09)

Service Project at Na Pohaku o Hauwahine Feb. 21st

We will meet Saturday, Feb. 21st 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, watering native plants and/or planting some native plants. Dress in work clothes with covered shoes, bring gloves, a cutting or digging tool, your water bottle and snack. Contact Kaimi Scudder at 593-0112, or email Ahahui at “email at ahahui.net” to register for the service project. This service project is supported by a grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Celebrate Ramsar World Wetlands Day Feb. 16th

Learn about why Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh are listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. There will be exhibits, talks and wetland places to go check out. Free – open to the public.

Kawainui Neighborhood Park, (at end of Kaha Street), Kailua, Hawaii

Program:

9:00am Welcome & Opening Protocol
• Sam Ohukaniohia Gon
• Herb Lee, Master of Ceremonies
“Ramsar Designation for Wetlands of Importance”
• Dr. Charles Burrows, ‘Ahahui Mālama I Ka Lōkahi
“DLNR’s Vision for Kawainui-Hāmākua”
• Laura H. Thielen, Chairperson of DLNR
”City Support for Kawainui Marsh”
• Cyndy Aylett, Project Manager, Mayor Hanneman’s Office
“Kawainui Marsh Environmental Restoration Project”
• Nani Shimabuku, Army Corps of Engineers
“Managing Kawainui-Hāmākua Wildlife Sanctuary”
• Paul Conry, Administrator, DOFAW
Remarks:
• Senator Jill Tokuda
• Representative Cynthia Thielen
• Representative Pono Chong
• Terry George, Castle Foundation
Recognition of the Stewards of Kawainui
9:00am Wetland Exhibits
10:00am Depart Kawainui Neighborhood Park for Tour Sites
10:30am Tours Begin at 4 Sites
• Ka‘elepulu Pond • Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine
• Hāmākua Marsh • Kaha Native Plant Garden
12:00pm Closing Remarks

Birds of the Marsh tour, Sat. Dec. 6th

Birds of the Marsh tour

Leader: Ron Walker, wildlife biologist

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008   (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Learn about Hawaii’s endangered waterbirds and the efforts to restore the Kawainui, Hamakua and Kaelepulu wetlands.

The tour will go to Hamakua wetlands at Creekside in Kailua, then to Kaelepulu. The third stop would be at Kawai Nui Neighborhood Park (Kaha) to look at the Kawainui Estuary and islets and, finally to Na Pohaku o Hauwahine to look at the volunteer created wetland bird restoration project.

This natural history tour is co-sponsored by Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi, Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club, Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation and the Hawaii Audobon Society.

A $5.00 donation is requested. We will car-pool between sites.

Please sign up for the tour with Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi by calling 593-0112 or emailing to hemanumalia@hotmail.com.

2008 THE NATURAL and CULTURAL HISTORY TOURS of the KAILUA AHUPUA`A and KAWAINUI MARSH

THE  NATURAL  and  CULTURAL  HISTORY  TOURS of  the KAILUA  AHUPUA`A  and  KAWAINUI  MARSH

Sponsored by ‘Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi,  Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation

The educational tours of the Kailua Ahupua‘a and Kawainui Marsh are offered to inform residents and visitors about the Hawaiian archaeological, historic and ecological resources of the marsh.

The tour groups meet at Ulupo Heiau next to the Windward Kailua YMCA at 8:30 am and walk, as well as car pool, to the various sites. Return trip is usually back to the Windward YMCA by 1:00 pm. A donation of $5.00 for non-members and $3.00 for members will be accepted for the tour. Donations are used to support the cultural and ecological restoration work of Kawainui Marsh. Group size will be limited to 25 persons.

2008 KAWAINUI TOURS

1. Sat. Feb. 2 -  Ramsar World Wetlands Day – Kawainui/Hamakua Marsh
2. Sat. Mar. 1 -  Native Plant Revegetation Projects in Kawainui Marsh
3. Sat. May  3 -  Archaeological sites and historic sites of Maunawili Valley
.   4. Sat. June 7 -  Kailua Bay – Geological and Marine Resources
5. Sat. June 21 – Ulupo Heiau Hoike
6. Sat. t.b.d.          Aquatic Animals & Insects of Kawainui streams & Marsh
7. Sat. Aug. 10 or 24 – KHCC Poi and Papale
8. Sat. Sept. 6 – Cultural and Natural History Tour of Kawainui Marsh
9. Sat. Oct.  4  – Geology of the Kailua Ahupua‘a
10. Sat. Nov. 1 -  Archaeological  & Historic Sites of Kawainui/Hamakua
11. Sat. Dec. 6 -  Birds of the Marsh (Kawainui, Hamakua & Kaelepulu)

(Dates or tours may be subject to change depending on weather or other circumstances.  Check for updates at: http://www.ahahui.wordpress.com/)

WHAT TO BRING:  Backpack or Fanny-pack, walking shoes, water bottle, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rainwear, hat or cap, sunglasses. Optional: camera and binoculars.

CONTACT INFO: Call 593-0112 for more information and to register for these educational tours, or email: email@ahahui.net or hemanumalia@hotmail.com

(There are also service-learning trips for elementary through college age students to our project sites around Kawainui Marsh. Contact us for more information.)
(Revised 3/25/08)

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.