Kaliko Kalani Teruya, a student from Kula Kaiapuni ‘o Lahainaluna, participated in a watershed restoration field trip focusing on the West Maui watershed. For nearly two decades, the forests from Honokōwai to Honokōhau have been managed to protect these vital ecosystems. John Meier, president of nonprofit Aloha Puʻu Kukui, emphasizes that a healthy ocean relies on a healthy mountain. Aloha Puʻu Kukui and The Nature Conservancy manage over 9,000 acres formerly used for pineapple farming, targeting invasive species to help restore the watershed’s water capture capabilities.
This year, designated “The Community of Forests” by Gov. Josh Green, students engage in activities like weeding and planting native species, understanding their significance in watershed protection. Participants reflect on their ancestral connections to the land and the importance of environmental stewardship. Aina Kapu stresses the cultural heritage tied to the land, while Pomaikaʻi Kaniaupio-Crozier highlights the collaborative conservation efforts and the restoring of native ecosystems. Progress is visible in transforming previously invasive-dominated areas into thriving koa and a‘ali‘i forests, demonstrating a commitment to ecological balance from mountain to ocean.
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