Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project
Background Information
The Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project (MKFRP) is a collaboration between the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit at the University of Hawaiʻi. Their primary goal is to restore the high elevation dry forest around Mauna Kea. They work to rebuild the māmane forest on Mauna Kea to promote the recovery of the critically endangered Palila bird (a finch-billed honeycreeper) and other endangered species. Palila are found only on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and are the last finch-billed honeycreeper in the main Hawaiian islands. The pods of the māmane plant are their primary source of food and Palila are the only species that can ingest the māmane pods.
In addition, the MKFRP does many things to try to preserve and restore the forests around Mauna Kea. They plant native plants (such as māmane, ʻilima, ʻiliahi) and remove invasive ones. MKFRP also controls invasive predators, like feral cats and mongoose, that have found their way to the upper elevation areas of Mauna Kea and have become direct threats to these native birds. In addition, MKFRP works to control indirect threats such as sheep and goats through fence maintenance. Finally, one of the biggest direct threats to upper elevation dry forests are forest fires and so, MKFRP also manages fire risks.
Mauna Kea is a sacred place and home to many unique native species that rely on the work that the MKFRP does. This project also has an important role in educating the community and the world about the importance of this area and its ecosystem. They hope to prepare future generations to show the same care and commitment to conservation.
The goal for the project is to rebuild the māmane forest on Mauna Kea by promoting the recovery of the critically endangered Palila bird (a finch-billed honeycreeper) and other endangered species.
The overall project/research method and procedures of MKFRP is to restore the Palila core & critical habitat by collecting seeds, propagating native seedlings, and controlling invasive plants.
STEM Careers/job that are involved in the program.
Weed scientist
Agricultural legislative assistant
Agricultural/food scientist
Environmental engineer
Agricultural engineer
The knowledge and skills that were necessary to carry out the tasks at this unique environment, is the knowledge of plants that around the area and skills of maintenance tools, such as weed whackers, so that you can carry out the responsibilities that you are given.
Team
Kalā Asing
Internship Mentor
Pohu Puniwai-Ganoot
Academic Mentor
Kahaukepa ʻAipia-Peters
Student Intern
Ioane Miller
Student Intern
Charles Kālia Goodhue
Student Intern
Ulumoku Valente
Student Intern
Student Intern Reflections
Kahaukepa ʻAipia-Peters
What I contributed to this project was my will to work whether it may be hard or difficult, so that the job can be executed with great quality.
As I think about this experience at Puʻu Mali and the people I worked with, I realized that if you want a certain knowledge to continue, you must teach it to the next generation. I am so glad I was given the opportunity of working with ʻAnakala Kalā, and ʻAnakala Jeremy because they have taught me many important life lessons such as self sustainability and a great work ethic that I can use in the future.
Ua hana mākou i nā mea like ʻole e like me ka ʻoki mauʻu, ka pena ʻana i nā hale liʻiliʻi, hōʻoia ʻana i nā ʻumiki like ʻole a pēlā wale aku.
I koʻu manaʻo ua maikaʻi kēia hānana no mākou no ka mea ua hiki ke ʻalu pū a hana me ka lōkahi i nā mea like ʻole e like me ka hōʻoia ʻana i nā ʻumiki like ʻole a mahalo nui wau i nā ʻanakala no ka hana nui ʻana no ka hoʻomoana ʻana me ke kōkua ʻana iā mākou.
Ioane Miller
Kālia Goodhue
I contributed by putting in work when needed and wherever needed. I was hard working and wasn't distracted.
I thought the trip was pretty fun. There was a great view and I enjoyed working with Uncle Kalā and Uncle Jeremy. I put effort in my work and helped others out when they needed.
Ua aʻo au i ke koʻikoʻi o ka malama ʻāina ma o ka hele ʻana i Puʻu Mali, hoʻolohe pono iā ʻAnakala Kalā a me ʻAnakala Jeremy, a me ka hoʻohuli i ka lima i lalo.
ʻO kekahi mau hana aʻu i hana ai ma kēia polokalamu ma Puʻu Mali, ʻo ia hoʻi ka ʻoki mauʻu ʻana, ka pena ʻana i nā hale hoʻomoana, ka ʻoki ulu lāʻau ma nā ala hele, ke aʻo pehea e hoʻohana i nā ʻūmiʻi, a me ke aʻo i ke koʻikoʻi o nā mea ʻōiwi i ke kaiaola. I ka hoʻi ana i kuʻu ʻāina ʻo Panaʻewa, ua loli koʻu kuanaʻike no koʻu hana a kōkua i koʻu ʻohana i waho o ka hale ma ka ʻāina. Ke huakaʻi i Kona nānā au i ka ʻāina nui loa ma Maunakea a hoʻomanaʻo i ka hana nui e mālama i kēia ʻāpana liʻiliʻi ʻo Puʻu Mali. E alu like kākou!
Ulumoku Valente
