September 2019
Aloha,
Kilo: Ocean Health
Kilo - to watch closely, examine, observe
The DLNR captured this image of coral bleaching off Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park on Hawaii Island. (Image: DLNR)
You may have noticed the temperatures this summer seem a bit higher than usual. It isn't in your head. Hundreds of heat records have been tied or broken across the state since April this year. The unusual heat has been affected by several factors including reduced trade winds and increased ocean temperatures.

The weather has impacted the ocean and beachgoers this summer. Man-o-war are nearly constant and algal blooms looking like mile long oil slicks are visible offshore. Even the inland canals are experiencing the heat with fish die offs. The ocean is so hot in fact that NOAA has issued a warning and call for assistance over the next couple months in preparation for massive coral bleaching.

Bleaching occurs when water temperatures are too high, causing corals to expel the symbiotic algae in their bodies that provide 90% of their energy. Corals that have turned white, have been bleached but they can still be alive. Although corals can recover if temperatures return to normal, prolonged exposure to high temperatures will kill corals.

Here are some steps you can take to help:
  • wear reef safe sunscreen
  • do not touch or stand on the corals
  • do not anchor on corals or in the reef
  • report bleaching events and severity
  • conserve water
Quick Links
HOK's New Look
We are pleased to present a fresh look on HOK's website. Check it out a t https://www.huihawaii.org/

An exciting addition to our website is our new recurring donation feature. We serve the community and the 'āina with support of donors like you. Join us in the field or consider a small monthly gift to help us provide more learning, more malama, and more aina to our moku!
Upcoming Service Days
Check our calendar for additional week-day volunteer opportunities and other community events.
Kaha Garden
Saturday September 14th
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sign in at 8:45 a.m.

listed on our calendar
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
Popoi'a Street Retrofit
Friday, September 20th
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sign in at 8:45 a.m.

Volunteer 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. 
He'eia Estuary Restoration
Saturday, September 21st
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Sign in at 8:45 a.m.

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.
Other Community Events
Aloha Festivals
August 31 - September 7


International Coastal Cleanup Day
September 21
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 grateful to have monetary donations to help us continue our interaction with the community and protect the ocean we all enjoy. Because we are small, you can be assured that your donations are going to our environmental programs and not overhead and administration costs. Your donation is tax deductible and very easy through our secure PayPal. If you'd rather send a check, that can be done via mail at 1051 Keolu Dr. #208 Kailua, Hawaii 96734. Please help us shape a healthier future for Ko'olaupoko. 

 
  
Sincerely,

Jeanelle Miller
Executive Director

Kristen Nalani Kane
Project Director
 
Safia Lehua Slater 
Grants Manager
 
Jamie Miller
Volunteer Coordinator