Environmental crews and volunteers physically clear thickets of invasive red mangrove trees and tangled stilt roots from a coastal waterway in Kailua, Oahu
Because the project covers both public and private land along the waterways, organisers say long-term community support will be essential.
“We’re honored to partner with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to bring the wetland and bird habitat restoration techniques we’ve developed at Heʻeia State Park back to our hometown,” said Kristen Nalani Kane, Executive Director of Hui o Koolaupoko, in an official statement released by the DLNR. Scientists involved in the project said restoring the natural flow of water will benefit the wider ecosystem, not just native birds. This project reflects what’s possible when agencies and community work together to create better habitat for Hawaiʻi’s native waterbirds and a more resilient ecosystem for future generations,” said Lailan Uy, a wetland biologist working with the University of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit in cooperation with state wildlife authorities.
Field teams will remove small trees and seed pods before planting native Hawaiian wetland species along cleared stream banks. Native plants can help hold the soil in place and reduce the chances of mangrove seedlings becoming established again. “This is the first of many phases needed to achieve functional eradication of mangrove from Kailua’s waterways, and community participation will be essential to its long-term success. “Removing invasive mangrove is essential to restoring the health and function of these wetlands.
Monthly community workdays are planned from late 2026 through 2027, with participation focused on people aged 18 and older. Because mature trees can produce hundreds of pencil-shaped seed pods called propagules, long-term monitoring will be needed. Removing mangroves is only the first step. These can float for long distances on ocean currents and tides before taking root in muddy areas. Without regular checks and removal of new seedlings, cleared areas can quickly become covered by mangroves again. Hui o Koolaupoko coordinators are also working with private landowners along the streams to provide access to removal crews and help ensure the full two-mile area is covered. By restoring natural water flow and bringing back open mudflat habitats, conservationists hope to make Oahu’s windward coast more resilient to climate change while creating safer habitats for some of Hawaii’s unique native species.
The Kailua project builds on earlier restoration efforts at nearby Heeia State Park and the Kawainui Marsh State Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest remaining wetland on Oahu.