Ka Malu o Niupe’a

Our family in the Niupe’a forest.

The year 2012 began a new and challenging project – to reclaim a native forest for conservation.

On the NE slope of Mauna Kea, in the ahupua’a of Niupe’a, (between 2275 and 2400 feet above sea level), is 41 acres of old growth native Ohia. At first glance the challenge seemed immense. Junk vehicles, vandalized buildings and encroaching, invasive strawberry guava – all seemed intent on consuming this once lush native forest. And so the work began.

The long-term vision for the property is to reclaim, restore and steward a native forest for conservation. Actions: perimeter fencing to exclude all ungulates, continued eradication of invasive vegetation and planting of native trees, shrubs and vines that will protect and improve the habitat and food source of native wildlife.

Protecting and planting a forest is essential in the water cycle. Healthy diverse forests protect the watershed, prevent erosion and increase the water-retention capacity of the soil. “Strawberry guava negatively affects our native biodiversity, agricultural productivity, water resources, and the traditional and contemporary uses and values these represent to the people of Hawai‘i (Hawaii Conservation Alliance).”

Volunteer Opportunity
Laulima – “many hands” are welcome to join us. For more information please download: KMON Applicant.guideline.application.single (1) or call Kaye – 808-987-8904.

Mahalo to our partners!

Ka Malu o Niupe’a works in partnership with the USDA – Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and is a Forest Stewardship Project of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) of the State of Hawaii. A Conservation Easement has been granted to the Hawaii Island Land Trust (HILT) to ensure that this land will protected in perpetuity.