VOLUNTEER IN THE FOREST

WHAT IS KOKUA KOKEʻE?

Take Care of Kōkeʻe! Kōkua Kōkeʻe! All types of groups are invited – ʻohana (family), hālau (hula schools), youth groups, and clubs – to come up mauka (to the mountains) to kōkua (help) in Hui o Laka’s growing park stewardship program.

Kōkua Kōkeʻe is remarkable among forest conservation programs in two ways: first, it focuses on intensively removing invasive weeds, and second, it is designed expressly to engage all generations, from 3-year-olds to grandparents and everyone in between in the Hawaiian concept of mālama ‘āina. The approach used is “forest gardening,” using low-impact gardening methods mostly with hand tools. It has been developed with the support and guidance of Hawaiʻi State Parks Division, operating in support of the Division’s underfunded mission of park stewardship. Another significant partner is Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority’s Natural Resources Program which has provided support since 2003.

Guided by Hui o Laka staff, you’ll cut back invasive blackberry, ginger, honeysuckle and other forest pests while learning about these precious upland, native forests. Tools and training are provided. You can come up for just a day or plan a more extensive project.

Individual and Patron members can stay at the historic CCC Camp , which Hui o Laka has been renovating since 1990. Or, if you like, we can design a special educational/cultural experience for you while you’re at the CCC Camp. To see your options and schedule your own Kōkua Kōkeʻe workday, email info@kokee.org. Individuals and couples are also welcome to volunteer. In addition to forest weeding and trail work, there are opportunities to assist with the renovation and preservation of the CCC Camp . Our Volunteer Signup can be found here.

THE BENEFITS OF SERVING IN THE MOUNTAIN

Many on Kauaʻi are concerned about the future of Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Parks. Hui o Laka is confident that the best way to “save Kōkeʻe” is to kōkua now. In this stressful world, parks are incredibly important places where we refresh and renew ourselves. Families get too busy to do things together. Unplug and spend a day in our mountain parks either relaxing or helping preserve the native forest. You’re sure to learn a lot and make fond memories!




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