La‘ie Native Hawaiian Forest Restoration Service Project | Environment

Volunteers spent Saturday, May 14, restoring the Ko‘olau mountains above La‘ie to native forest. The project started at La‘ie Park at 8 a.m., followed by a hike up the La‘ie mountains. The day included removing invasive species, helping restore endangered plants unique to Hawaii, and planting Hawaiian koa and sandalwood.

The day of service, co-sponsored by Envision La‘ie, land manager Hawaii Reserves, Inc. (HRI), the Ko‘olau Mountain Watershed Partnership (KMWP), Sustain BYU–Hawaii, and other groups in the area supports ongoing efforts by Brigham Young University–Hawaii biology students who trek to a spot known as "the battlefront" in the hills above the campus once a semester. Heading the effort was David Bybee, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at BYU–Hawaii.

“A war is raging between the native Hawaiian rainforest and invasive plants that have gained a foothold,” said Bybee. “Although we’ve made good progress, it’s going to take many hands and lots of sweat to counter the damage to this area. This is an opportunity to do something substantial to continue Earth Day celebrations in April.”

Envision La‘ie represents a diverse group of residents and stakeholders of La‘ie and Ko‘olauloa who are working together to study La‘ie and plan for its future possibilities, a future that protects quality of life and emphasizes the values of the people who live in the Ko’olauloa region. For more information, visit: www.envisionlaie.com.