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Native Hawaiian Planting Project

Anna Palomino (rt.) of Ho'olawa Farms working with a Haleakala Waldorf School student at the third native planting site at Ho'okipa Beach Park
Native Planting Projects at Ho'okipa Beach Park are collaborative efforts of the Surfrider Foundation, Maui Chapter, Ho'olawa Farms, and Maui students. Phase I was planted in November 2003 with participation by Community College ethnobotany students. The Phase II planting was conducted with 71 students of the Seabury Hall freshman class in January 2004. Phase III planting was conducted with Haleakala Waldorf 7th graders in April 2004.
Beach Clean Up at Hookipa Beach Park May 8, 2004
Baldwin High School student Keao of Kihei helped gather garbage from the park. Her college plans include environmental studies. Mahalo Keao!

left to right:
Kekoa Coratibo, Keao Alapai, Shayna Medeiros, Calvin Canha, Kapena Kuailani
 At Surfrider's Beach Service Day in May 2004, BHS science students of teacher Cecelia Romero helped spread mulch donated by Asplundh tree trimmers. The mulching site was the latest phase of Surfrider's Ho'okipa Native Planting Project, planted in partnership with Haleakala Waldorf School 7th graders of teachers John Palmore and Nina Dodge. Mahalo all!
'Aki-'aki
is a native grass found on sand dunes and wetlands. Its attractive flowers and vigorous stolens help "shore up" the shoreline.

Milo
is a fast growing salt-tolerant tree with yellow flowers and shiny green leaves. Its root system protects the shoreline from erosion during big winter wave events.
Darrell and Kainalu worked up an appetite at Surfrider's Beach Service Day in May 2004. They spread mulch, picked up trash, and helped with set up and break down. They really earned their hot-off-the-grill lunch.
Naupaka
is a hardy shrub with light green foliage & white flowers. Naupaka's deep root system help stabilize the shoreline.
Pöhinahina
is a sprawling shrub that blooms with purple flowers in summer. Its vines prevent soil erosion.
Lauren Smith - an environmental studies student from the University of Victoria in British Colombia, Canada - volunteered to work with Surfrider on a variety of projects while vacationing here in May. Here she is repairing the temporary fencing at Phase I of Surfrider's Native Planting Project. The pohinahina are filling in and will help hold the soil during the winter storm events. We hope Lauren will fulfill the internship requirement of her studies working with the MAui Chapter early next year.
Pöhuehue
is a vigorous creeper with large pink morning glory flowers. It's roots & leaves protect the shoreline from sand loss during wave events.
Temporary Protective Fencing
Keeps dogs from breaking plants and keeps pedestrians from injuries sustained by falls.

Suggestions for better safety:
1) Cement parking blocks are needed to keep vehicles from obstructing pedestrian right of way along the walkway mauka of the railing.
2) Disabled parking stalls need re-striping.
Ho’okipa Beach Park – Shoreline erosion begins adjacent to rock walls and cement staircases. Native plants will serve as a buffer to protect shoreline from erosion without armoring.
Notice bare red soil in agricultural field above the park after recent sugarcane harvests. A big rain could cause mud to slide off the hill and choke the reef. It’s legal for agriculture to allow fugitive dust and runoff but not construction. Agricultural run-off is protected not prohibited by Hawaii State law. Construction companies must submit management plans to mitigate fugitive dust and runoff before permits are granted to prevent degradation of air and water. It’s time agriculture did too.
Surfrider Foundation, Maui Chapter is in the process of applying to the Dept of Land and Natural Resources for the Kaulunani grant to engage in a community native planting project at Ho'okipa Beach Park. Our first year goal is to beautify the park entrance. One of requirements of the grant application is to demonstrate community support for planting and plant maintenance during the establishment phase.
 
Surfrider is requesting email letters pledging support from individuals, families, teachers, students, businesses and non-profit organizations. Some may be able to pledge 10 or 20 people to perform four hours of service to the project monthly, quarterly or annually - such as science teachers.
 
Others may only be able to commit one person to four hours once in a while. All levels of support are needed and would be most appreciated.
 
Please list your name, organizational affiliation if any, or whether your support is for a family or yourself alone, and information about what skills and interests you bring to the project. Tasks that Surfrider will need help performing include installing irrigation lines, prepping soil, installing plants, weeding, mulching, pruning, and even report writing and cook out preparation.
 
Please feel free to forward this to others who may be interested in participating in this native planting project at Ho'okipa Beach Park. Please contact me if you need more information.

You can download and print out a copy of the Pledge for Support form in .doc or .pdf format and mail to: Surfrider Foundation - Maui Chapter, PO Box 790549, Paia, HI 96779

Mahalo
Jan Roberson, MPA
Maui Chapter Chair, Surfrider Foundation
(808) 575-2716
maui.surfrider@hawaiiantel.net

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