Historically, Heʻeia was one of the most productive places on the island of Oʻahu. The area—where eight streams converged into a once healthy estuary that provided habitat for seabirds, larval and juvenile reef fish, invertebrates, and stream species, such as oʻopu (goby) and hihiwai (snails) – was cultivated with hundreds of acres of loʻi kalo (taro fields) until the 1940s. But land use changes in the 1950s led to a proliferation of invasive species, including non-native mangrove trees, that displaced the native plants and animals and disrupted the natural flow of water.
REVIVING WETLANDS AND TRADITIONS
At Heʻeia, native Hawaiian management practices are shaping conservation efforts. With TNC’s support, our partners at Kākoʻo ‘Ōiwi are transforming 405 acres of overgrown wetlands by removing invasive vegetation, restoring stream flow and ‘auwai (stream channels), and replanting the wetlands and surrounding areas with kalo and other traditional crops, such as ulu (breadfruit) and mai‘a (banana). Together, we are working to restore a traditional wetland system to help minimize flood damage in the area, reduce sediments and nutrients flowing out onto the reefs of Kāneʻohe Bay, and provide healthy food and clean water for the local community.
Kākoʻo ‘Ōiwi employs more than a dozen farmers and supplies local residents and restaurants with poi and fresh produce. The farm also serves as a living classroom, providing hands-on learning programs for youth and families to participate in Hawaiian cultural practices and the farming traditions that sustained kanaka maoli (Hawaiian people) for generations. Lucky visitors often spot aeʻo (Hawaiian stilt) and ʻalae ʻula (Hawaiian moorhen)—endangered native birds that are once again nesting in the wetland habitat. Native fish and other freshwater species that once dominated the wetland streams are returning, and native plants are thriving along restored streambanks.