Cleaning up an urban oasis in Hawaii

August 24th, 2009

For those interested in eco-tourism, but who have no interest in staying in a yurt, riding a bike for miles or living on wheat gluten and lentils, there are ways to have a positive environmental impact during a Hawaii vacation without having to abide a monastic asceticism suited only to the most devoted earth warriors. There are many community groups that conduct cleanups in different parts of the islands. KAUPA is just such a non-profit group. The Kalihi Ahupua’a Ulo Pono Ahahui is dedicated to restoring the Kalihi Stream to its rightful and vital condition.

Kalihi Stream is a true urban oasis, a verdant swath that runs from the depths of Kalihi Valley through downtown Honolulu to the ocean. Due to residential and commercial development over a period of over 100 years, the area has been degraded by pollution and invasive species. The problems Kalihi Stream faces range from simple litter to industrial waste. On the second Saturday of each month, KAUPA conducts a stream cleanup that seeks to remove litter, eradicate invasive species, make walking path improvements and reintroduce native plant species that once characterized the natural environment around Kalihi Stream.

In its two years of service to the community, KAUPA has removed many tons of solid waste, things like plastic bags, cigarette butts and engine blocks. Tons of green-waste, items ranging from carelessly chucked yard clippings to great bundles of invasive California grass. Native species have regained a foothold along KAUPA’s area of stewardship, with several varieties of staple food plants now being lovingly tended.

All of this work has been done by an army of volunteers who have thus far donated thousands of hours to efforts to clean up Kalihi Stream. KAUPA Executive Director Barbara Natale reports that many of those hours have been donated by visitors to the islands with an interest in helping mitigate environmental problems in the places they visit. These aren’t people who drive hybrid cars and live “off-grid,” they’re simply people who care enough about the condition of the planet to get dirty trying clean it up. Groups from Oahu schools, the University of Hawaii, and dozens of other institutions and organizations have participated.

There’s nothing quite like working up a sweat for a truly good cause. The cleanup of Kalihi Stream has important cultural impact by educating people about the original condition of the stream, and how it was a crucial resource for native Hawaiians who lived in the area.

Recently awarded a new grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, KAUPA is poised to step up its efforts and increase to positive impact it has clearly already had along Kalihi Stream.

For more information go to kaupa4kalihi.org.
 

Posted by:  Jamie Winpenny
On Twitter:  @doolinjamie

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Entry Filed under: In General, Uncategorized