Biosecurity Is For All Of Us
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Biosecurity refers to measures that are taken to stop the spread or introduction of harmful organisms to human, animal and plant life.
Biosecurity
is always an issue to consider when we are working or playing in the field. Now, it is more clear than ever with the spread of
Rapid Ohia Death (ROD)
, an infectious fungus that can be transported by humans, that we can all do a little more.
So, in the spirit of Halloween and in order to keep our projects less spooky, we will now be providing spray bottles of isopropyl alcohol to decontaminate boots, and we plan to install boot brushes in the near future.
HOK currently monitors our sites to ensure that there are no
Naio Thrips,
Little Fire Ant
and other potential pests, but you can also help reduce the spread of ROD by decontaminating your own boots before and after you hike or participate in field volunteering.
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If you must work around or cut ʻōhiʻa, here are some good housekeeping rules to reduce transmission of disease an invasives include:
- Clean your gear/tools. clean tools and gear before and after use. Brush all soil off of tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Shoes and clothes should also be cleaned before and after entering forests. Wash clothes with hot water and soap.
- Wash the tires and undercarriage of your vehicle with a high pressure water source and remove all soil or mud, especially after traveling from an area with ROD and/or if you have traveled off-road.
- Inspect plants and soils before bringing on site and keep good records of plant sources.
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Help Us Welcome Our Newest Team Member!
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Sanna Bergstroem Matheny, originally from Sweden, moved to Hawaii 7 years ago to study marine biology at Hawaii Pacific University and graduated with a B.S in Marine Biology in spring 2016. Sanna has worked on different tours boats around the island and interned at the Waikiki Aquarium before accepting the position as the new Kupu Americorps member for Hui o Ko’olaupoko. She is excited to see what this term has to offer and to gain new experiences working with land-based restoration projects. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband, hiking, kayaking, or free diving.
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The
Kawainui-Hamakua Marsh Final EIS
is now available to the public. The plan was up for public testimony with BLNR at the end of October. HOK was not able to submit testimony but we have heard from several community members but would appreciate hearing more.
HOK is happy to serve as a voice of advocacy in these types of projects. If you have questions or concerns about projects or management in your ahupua'a, please reach out to us at
info@huihawaii.org
.
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Upcoming Service Days
Check our
calendar
for additional week-day volunteer opportunities and other community events.
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Kaha Garden
Saturday November 9th
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sign in at 8:45 a.m.
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Join us to help maintain the native plants and remove invasive species from within this public garden in urban Kailua. This event is ideal for volunteers of all ages or those with limited time to participate. Volunteers can come & go as their schedule allows. Volunteers are asked to wear shoes and work clothes that they don't mind getting dirty, to bring a water bottle, and sun/rain protection. Gloves, tools and ice water to refill your bottle will be provided.
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He'eia Estuary Restoration
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Saturday, November 16th
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sign in at 8:45 a.m.
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He'eia Estuary Restoration
is HOK's largest ecosystem restoration project, aimed at improving water quality and increasing habitat for native species by removing invasive mangrove and replanting native Hawaiian plants along five acres of the He'eia Stream Estuary. Volunteers will be working along the edge of beautiful Kaneohe Bay with views of a traditional Hawaiian fishpond while helping with a variety of tasks from mulching and weeding established planter beds, tromping through the mud to remove invasive mangrove seeds, and out-planting native plants.
Please wear clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting
very wet & muddy
. Rain boots, long sleeve shirts, and long pants are preferred! Bring sun/rain protection and a water bottle. Tools, work gloves, and ice water to refill your bottle will be provided.
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Popoi'a Street Retrofit
Friday, November 30th
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sign in at 8:45 a.m.
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V
olunteer to help maintain this project in urban Kailua while learning about native Hawaiian plants and local watershed issues. We will spend some time pruning the existing vegetation and out-planting more plants. This site is easily accessible and suitable for volunteers of elementary school age and older. Volunteers are asked to wear shoes and work clothes that they don't mind getting dirty, bring a water bottle, and sun protection. Work gloves, tools, and ice water to refill your bottle will be provided.
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HOK's mission is to protect ocean health by restoring the 'āina:
mauka to makai.
Hui o Ko`olaupoko (HOK) is a 501(c)3 non-profit watershed management group established in 2007 to work with communities to improve water quality through ecosystem restoration and storm water management, focusing specifically in the Ko`olaupoko region - from Makapu`u to Kualoa. HOK implements innovative, on-the-ground projects that effectively manage and protect water quality and natural resources in Hawai`i.
We are always happy to have you join us in the field but if you can't make it out, please consider donating! Your contributions directly fund our efforts on the ground restoring the aina and coordinating stewardship across the moku. Mahalo from all of us at Hui o Ko'olaupoko!
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Giving Tuesday is coming up December 3rd!! Don't forget to give back this season to HOK and all your favorite charities!
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