Happy World Oceans Day!

Today was packed with exciting hands-on activities starting with meeting founder of Kai Makana, Donna Kahakui who introduced us to her volunteer sponsored project restoring Mokuea Island.

After our introduction to the area and a quick lesson in paddling, we loaded into outrigger canoes for the short paddle out to Mokauea Island. We had a glorious day out on the island where we started a series of water quality tests. Three groups tested the water in different locations to e able to do comparisons. One area is in direct line with the waste water treatment plant at Sand Island, one off the edge of the fish pond and the final on a path out to the ocean.

Our group learned about the history of Mokuea from resident and activist. Our last activity of the morning was to help remove invasive plants from the fish pond.

After lunch as we traveled up to the top of Kalihi Valley to Ho'oulu 'Aina where we braved down pouring rain to weed and to tour their amazing 'aina. The organization works to promote:

Hoa 'Aina, Community Access 
Mahi 'Aina, Community Food Production 
Koa 'Aina, Native Reforestation 
Lohe 'Aina, Wahi Pana and Mo'olelo

Mahalo to everyone, educators, presenters and staff who made this summer's Hawai'i Green Collar Institute a huge success