Ecologically & socially important wetland sites have fallen into disrepair on Molokaʻi. Sedimentation, invasive species & diverted waterflow have resulted in buried taro fields, fishponds, and marshes. Through restoration, these sites have the potential to provide important ecosystem services such as buffering the community and nearshore ocean from the adverse effects of climate change and protecting key infrastructure including the single road that connects the island to medical facilities and other key services.
Molokaʻi Land Trust has been awarded a grant by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, National Coastal Resilience Fund to carry out restoration planning for three wetland sites on Molokaʻi’s south shore that have been identified as priority sites based on their potential for climate resilience, native species habitat, and Indigenous agroecology.
This NFWF National Coastal Resilience Grant is funding community engagement and technical assessments at priority wetland sites. The community vision will inform project design for future wetland restoration.
Molokai Land Trust Community
Sustʻāinable Molokai
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Ka Ipu Makani
Ka Ipu Makani with USFWS
The project is currently in the planning phase. No work is starting on the ground - this is a planning and scoping effort in conjunction with the community. Sustʻainable Molokaʻi, Ka Ipu Makani and Department of Hawaiian Homelands will be conducting engagement work with local people to understand their vision.Action with year will focus on: (1) conducting hydrological assessments at Kakahaiʻa and Punalau Pond and evaluating existing hydrological data for ʻOhiʻapilo Pond; (2) planning strategically for invasive mangrove removal at Punalau Pond and ʻOhiʻapilo Pond; (3) strengthening effective landowner partnerships across sites; and (4) ensuring the community restoration vision remains central while increasing community capacity to restore and maintain priority wetlands.
