Hoʻomalu Ke Kai's Talk Story Times Volume IV | Issue I January 1, 2024 |
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The last Loko Iʻa Community Workday of 2023 at Nōmilu with an awesome group of volunteers. December 14, 2023. |
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Our 3rd Official Year of Ocean Conservation Work Around Kaua'i was Amazing!!! Mahalo Nui Loa for the incredible support, especially to the community members who came together to Ho'omalu Ke Kai with us in 2023. Aloha, dear friends and supporters of Hoʻomalu Ke Kai, As we bid farewell to 2023, we reflect on a year filled with purpose, passion, and progress. Your unwavering support has allowed Hoʻomalu Ke Kai to thrive and continue our mission of preserving and protecting our precious ocean ecosystems around Kauaʻi. This year has been marked by significant strides, as we've witnessed the power of community collaboration. Your generous contributions have fueled our initiatives to truly realize the all-encompassing ocean conservation organization we originally set out to create. The positive ripple effect from it all extends beyond the shoreline, and we want to express our sincerest mahalo to all those who have helped and continue to help make Hoʻomalu possible. As we step into the new year, we look forward to embracing change and expanding our efforts to further empower our coastal communities and ecosystems around the island. Together, we can create a sustainable future for our ocean and the generations to come. Mahalo piha for your commitment to our cause, and we invite you to join us in celebrating the achievements and milestones of Hoʻomalu Ke Kai in 2023. ~ Hau'oli Makahiki Hou ~ (Happy New Year!) - Tim Leichliter (President, Director of Operations) - Mike Raithaus (VP, Director of Creative Initiatives) - Kenui Topp (2nd VP, Director of Media & Outreach) - Clifton Oliver (Treasurer, Director of Sustainability) - Capt. Tara Leota (Secretary, Director of Ocean Education) - Mikey Salamone (Ambassador, Director of Community Relations) - Makana Keaweamahi-Maniborg (Ambassador, Director of Awareness & Engagement) - Kalalena Lum Won (Ambassador, Director of Mālama Nōmilu) - Pohaku Kekaualua (Ambassador, Director of Hawaiian Culture) - Nicolai Moulton-Nakaʻahiki (Ambassador, Director of Coastal Restoration) - Mattea Topp (Ambassador, Jr. Board of Director) - Sofia Saunders (Ambassador, Jr. Board of Director) - Olivia Blackmer (Ambassador, Jr. Board of Director) |
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Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources Coral Restoration Nursery Curator, Christina Jayne, explaining their coral intake and quarantine process to some of the Hoʻomalu Ke Kai Board. The sourced corals for restoration undergo a 30-day quarantine period before getting micro-fragmented and glued to cement pyramids to grow out (for coral frags to fuse back to one another) in the nursery. The process from sourcing coral to out planting coral takes their team about 1 year per 42cm² colony. This methodology speeds up some coral species growth to 25-40 times faster than the wild. We have been actively engaging and learning from coral practitioners around then State for the last few years and are hopeful to start something similar for Kauaʻi in 2024. |
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Donate to Ho'omlau Ke Kai's Kaua'i Ocean Conservation Efforts |
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Featured Article Loko i'a Community Restoration Days: Building Community Connections |
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Every second Sunday in 2023, our community came together to make a tangible difference at our collaborative Loko iʻa restoration events. With over 200 community members actively participating, these days were not just about restoring the fishpond; they were about strengthening the bonds that tie us to the ocean and each other. Volunteers worked side by side, digging out channels, rebuilding walls, removing invasive species and reviving the ancient Hawaiian practice of fishpond aquaculture. Through the restoration of this cultural treasure, we not only honored our past but also created a sustainable legacy for future generations that we look forward to continuing into 2024. Check out our Volunteer & Events page for upcoming opportunities to get involved. Your commitment to these restoration days has not only revitalized the fishpond, but also helped to support the nearby marine ecosystems surrounding the loko iʻa. It is indeed, all connected. Mahalo nui loa to everyone who has been a part of this ongoing journey! Below are a few photos from these awesome community workdays during the last year. |
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Volunteers work together to remove introduced Pickleweed to make room for native and endemic Hawaiian coastal plants like ʻākulikuli, milo, ohelo kai, pāʻūohiʻiaka, kou, noni, and more. Nōmilu, November 12, 2023. |
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Kalalena Lum Won and Uncle Steven Palama leading the crew on the restoration of the main 'auwai kuapā connecting Nōmilu and Ke Kai. The wall was reconstructed throughout 2023with the help of many hands from the community. Nōmilu, June 11, 2023. |
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Kalalena Lum Won and core volunteers, Kelly & Sean, plant a native Nāwiliwili tree around the perimeter of Nōmilu. Nōmilu, December 10, 2023. |
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Morning piko and pule to set intentions for a positive, safe, and productive workday with the community. Nōmilu, January 8, 2023. |
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Restorative Aquaculture:
Nurturing Kaua'i's Marine Ecosystems |
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Our commitment to the health of Kauaʻi's marine ecosystems extends to restorative aquaculture projects in collaboration with Kauaʻi Sea Farm. Together, we are actively engaged in restoring key native invertebrates, contributing to the balance and resilience of our ocean environments. By fostering the growth of native species, we aim to create a harmonious ecosystem where marine life thrives. This collaborative effort is a testament to the power of partnerships in achieving lasting positive change. As we move forward, we invite you to join us in supporting and learning more about these restorative aquaculture initiatives. As a community, we are sowing the seeds for a healthier, more vibrant marine ecosystems. Mahalo Nui Loa to the County of Kauaʻi Office of Economic Development Board's Innovation Grants Program for the invaluable funding support over the past few years, enabling the realization of these impactful restorative aquaculture projects for Kauaʻi. |
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Experiments with rearing Tripneustes graatilla or collector urchin larvae (from spawn to juveniles) as well as conditioning with invasive algae and cyanobacteria feeds proved successful at Kauaʻi Sea Farm's Restorative Aquaculture Hatchery. As this species is used on other MHI for natural bioremediation for invasive algae outbreaks, the research conducted on Kauaʻi shows the potential for such here if necessary in the near future. Kauaʻi Sea Farm, 2023. |
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Waimea High School Seniors (left to right) Jaden, Blaze, and Nicolai sorting clams and native oysters as part of their senior project internship. Congratulations on these three graduates from 2023 on an awesome job investigating and showing their peers all of the different opportunities to work in ocean conservation around Kauaʻi. And big CHEEHOO to Nicolai Moulton Nakaʻahiki for earning a full-time paid position working at Nōmilu under Hawaiʻi Sea Grant under the Kupu ʻĀina Corps program, as well as a directorship role with Hoʻomalu Ke Kai focusing on coastal restoration. Kauaʻi Sea Farm, May 2023. |
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Making Waves: Transformative Results from Ocean Cleanups |
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In 2023, we embarked on a mission to keep our oceans and shores clean through a series of 18 impactful ocean cleanup events. With the dedicated efforts of over 300 volunteers from the community, partnered with the support of 28 different local organizations, we successfully removed over 10,000 pounds of marine debris from Kauaʻi's marine ecosystems. These cleanup events were not limited to the shoreline; our volunteers explored underwater realms and combed through streams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to marine conservation. The collective impact of these efforts is a testament to what a community can achieve when united by a common purpose. As we reflect on the results, we celebrate not only cleaner environments but also a community that understands the importance of preserving our natural treasures. Mahalo Nui Loa to all of the incredible organizations and individuals from our amazing community for being the driving force behind these transformative cleanup initiatives. Join us every last Saturday of the month for a coastal or underwater community cleanup! (Further details and cleanup locations will continue to be shared on the "Events & Volunteering" page our website and social media pages.) |
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The crew and the haul of marine debris they removed from a community coastline cleanup. Nukoliʻi, January 2023. |
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Core volunteers David, Eric, Cathy, and Gayle came to the most events out of all our volunteers in 2023. They are amazing community members and good troopers even when Tim decides to make the cleanups at some pretty tricky spots :).
Pāʻulaʻula, June 24, 2023. |
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Director of Operations, Tim Leichliter, tackling an impromptu ghost net with whatever tools at hand and whoever wanted to lend a hand. Polihale, December 24, 2023. |
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Next generation ocean protector from a recent cleanup with our friends at Restore Hanamāʻulu. Hanamāʻulu Bay, November 25, 2023. |
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From Waste to Wonder: Our Plastic Upcycling Program |
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At Hoʻomalu Ke Kai, we believe in turning challenges into opportunities. Our plastic upcycling program, powered by precious plastic machinery, has been a beacon of innovation and sustainability. In 2023 alone, we upcycled over 1,000 pounds of ocean plastic, transforming it into functional and beautiful creations. But the magic doesn't stop there. You, our community, have the chance to be a part of this transformative process every day. Visit hoomalukekai.com/volunteer to discover how you can contribute to turning plastic waste into wonder. We offer volunteer opportunities at our plastic upcyling facility located in Kauamakani almost every day. Your participation is not just a volunteer opportunity; it's a statement of commitment to a cleaner, greener future. Anticipate exciting developments in the coming year, as we expand the program with new, advanced machinery to produce a broader range of construction materials, along with smaller items such as surfboard fins and skateboard decks.We eagerly anticipate the launch of the island's first self-beach cleanup stations strategically placed at some of the most critical locations for marine debris. This initiative empowers everyone to play an active role in protecting the ocean at their convenience, contributing to a cleaner and healthier marine environment. A heartfelt mahalo to the County of Kauaʻi Solid Waste Recycling Division and Office of Economic Development Board for their instrumental role in providing funding opportunities that have brought this program to life. |
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As part of the County of Kauaʻi Solid Waste & Recycling Division's grant program, Hoʻomalu Ke Kai acquired a facility to epicycle ocean plastic and investigate the feasibility of working with the unmarketable plastic from the County which would otherwise be landfilled. Hoʻomalu Ke Kai HQ, March 2023. |
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Awesome volunteers, Jules and Sierra, shred ocean plastic in preps for extruding it into long-term building materials - keeping the otherwise "waste" out of our landfill. Hoʻomalu Ke Kai HQ, October 2023. |
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INTERN SPOTLIGHT: SOFIA SAUNDERS |
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Our current Waimea High School Senior Intern, Sofia Saunders, has been hard at work creating engaging and inspiring content for Hoʻomalu Ke Kai as a part of her Senior Project. Sofia has been actively participating in Hoʻomalu Ke Kai's programs for 3 years now and even organized her own cleanup this past year for her classmates at Salt Pond Beach Park. |
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Among all of the awesome work she's helped us with and content she's created, she also made us a few snazzy new logos and an awesome online merchandise store dropping soon. You can check out her final project campaign on coral bleaching at the Waimea High School Senior Hōʻike Day on January 14, 2024. Mahalo Nui, Sofia! Your future is bright whatever you decide to do next :) |
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Looking into 2024: Exciting Projects on the Horizon |
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As the pages of 2023 turn, we find ourselves humbled and inspired by the incredible support and engagement from our Hoʻomalu Ke Kai community. Mahalo nui loa to each and every one of you who has been a part of our journey this year. Your dedication to ocean conservation, community involvement, and sustainable practices has fueled the success of our initiatives. Whether you joined us for Loko iʻa fishpond restoration days, participated in the various cleanup events, contributed to our plastic upcycling program, or supported our restorative aquaculture projects, your impact is immeasurable. Looking ahead, we're excited about the possibilities that the coming year holds. The addition of self-beach cleanup stations marks a significant step towards making marine conservation an accessible and everyday endeavor for all. We invite you to continue this journey with us, exploring new avenues to connect, engage, and make a positive impact on our shared ocean ecosystems. Our commitment to the environment and community remains steadfast, and we look forward to embarking on new ventures and collaborations. Together, we can create a sustainable future where the beauty of our oceans is preserved for generations to come. As we bid farewell to 2023, let's carry the spirit of aloha and environmental stewardship into the new year. Mahalo for being a vital part of Hoʻomalu Ke Kai, and here's to a year ahead filled with shared moments, shared efforts, and shared successes. Mahalo for your continued support, and here's to a year filled with measurable progress, unwavering passion, and genuine purpose! Mahalo, Mahalo, Mahalo!!! - Your Friends from Hoʻomalu Ke Kai |
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Hoʻomalu Ke Kai carried out a inaugural coral survey project on Kauaʻi this year thanks to the support of the Annie Sinclair Knudsen Community Grants Program through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. The team was able to start a baseline for documenting corals growing on temporary mooring systems around the island. Underwater, 2023. |
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Board members of Hoʻomalu were invited to the 3rd Coral Restoration Symposium that took place on Oʻahu this past November. Coral restoration practitioners from across the State gathered for the first time since 2019 to discuss and collaborate on coral restoration efforts in Hawaiʻi. The team was fortunate enough to also meet with and tour the DAR Coral Restoration Nursery, Kuleana Coral, and HIMB's Coral Resilience Lab. There is a newfound support for a coral restoration program of Kauaʻi's own in 2024 and beyond. DAR Coral Restoration Nursery, November 2023. |
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Mālama i ke kai, a mālama ke kai ia 'oe!Care for the ocean, and the ocean will care for you! |
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Da South Side Sweep Ocean Cleanup. Earth Day, April 22, 2023. Stay tuned for some epic Earth Day & World Ocean Day events in 2024 with Hoʻomalu Ke Kai & friends. |
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