About

By caring for the land, it will care for you.

Kanealole Trail, 2135 Makiki

Mālama ‘Āina

Our mission is to restore a segment of the Makiki sub-watershed or ahupua`a to a "more" native Hawaiian forest. We protect and preserve through restoration, community-based activities, and education.

Mālama

We are committed to diligently caring for the Makiki Valley Loop trail by embracing the essence of mālama (to take care of), which encompasses a holistic approach to its maintenance and continuous enhancement.

‘Āina

At the heart of our efforts lies our profound love for the 'āina (land).

Kuleana and Kiāulu

We have the responsibility (kuleana) to work towards a better future. It is only through our collaborative efforts as a community (Kaiāulu) can this be accomplished.

Our History

We are on a mission to restore a segment of the Makiki sub-watershed or ahupua`a to a "more" native Hawaiian forest, preserving its ecological and cultural significance. Through community-based activities and education, we aim to protect and revive this invaluable ecosystem.

The Makiki sub-watershed, located on Oahu, Hawaii, has suffered from human impact and invasive species, leading to the decline of native flora and fauna. To reverse this trend, since early 2022, we engage in activities such as tree planting, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. Additionally, we emphasize education, raising awareness about the importance of native Hawaiian forests and their role in supporting biodiversity and water conservation.

Meet Our Team

They work both behind the scenes and take the lead in organizing our activities.

Aaron Lowe, Oahu Trails and Access Specialist

Proper Pronunciation: "A-Aron"

With over 30 years of hiking and outdoor recreation experience, Aaron Lowe has been managing all 100 miles of forestry trails on Oahu since 1995. This includes administration and maintenance, from chain sawing large fallen trees with prison inmates, to authorizing a trailside permit for major film productions like "The Hunger Games." Aaron believes that human respect for nature can start with a simple hiking trail, and wants to implement creative ways for people to enjoy, learn and respect nature.

Jenny Brown, Volunteer Coordinator

Major: Electrical Engineering, UH Mānoa

Her involvement in Kapi'olani's CC Ecology Club fostered joy in immersing herself and others in nature. Her passion for community building, volunteering, and the application of the engineering design process in restoration, the balance between form and function, aesthetics and efficiency, motivates her to get people to touch grass.

Emma Ho, Trail Crew Lead

Major: Natural Science, KapCC

As a member of the Department of Natural Land and Resources trail crew, Emma works to maintain our beautiful trails. Her journey extends beyond trails – with her academic focus and research in ornithology (study of birds).

Volunteer Leads

You'll frequently find them on-site during our workdays. These seasoned volunteers are well-versed in the intricacies of our operations.

Juria Yamamoto

Major: Pre-Forensic Science & Physics, KapCC/Chaminade

Charlaine Baianga

Dexter Doan

Major: Accounting, KapCC

Guest Educators

Enhancing the educational aspect of our events, these volunteer speakers bring in valuable insights and educational perspectives.

Wendy Kuntz, Zoologist Professor

Dr. Kuntz teaches at Kapi'olani CC as a full-time professor and is dedicated to ecology, behavior, and evolutionary biology, emphasizing conservation and Hawaiian natural history. Formerly researching native Hawaiian bird behavior, she stays engaged in avian research and conservation with UH-Manoa colleagues.

🤝 She engages students in research and conservation efforts to eliminate invasive algae from Maunalua Bay! 🌊

Scott Rowland, Geology Professor

Dr. Rowland currently teaching various classes, workshops, and leading field trips at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa within the Department of Earth Sciences. His continuing research include: Volcanology, Geochemistry, and Petrology Division.

🌋 Dr. Rowland was a co-investigator on the Mars Curiosity rover project! 🚀

Brian Deis, Biology Lecturer

A Biology lecturer at Kapiʻolani Community College and Stream Ecologist associated with Hakuhia, a non-profit organization spearheading restoration initiatives for a significant land area on East Oahu, Brian is deeply passionate about Hawaiʻi's natural ecosystems. His keen interest lies in documenting and comprehending the biodiversity of diverse organism groups. His primary goal is to encourage individuals to explore and appreciate biodiversity autonomously.

🍄 Brian is the co-founder of the Hawaiʻi Mycology Club.

Marek Kirs, Biological Researcher

A researcher at the Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, specializes in water microbiology, microbial ecology, public health, and taxonomy. His current focus is on microbial water quality in Hawai'i, particularly in microbial source tracking studies and health risk assessment. His goals include contributing to water quality management and developing meaningful and protective recreational water standards for the state. Lab website: https://www2.hawaii.edu/~kirs/index.htm

🦠 Marek's lab provides research opportunities for students at the University of Hawaiʻi. Learn more.

Mahi La Pierre, Hawaiian Culture Education Specialist

An educator and artisan from Kapālama and Maunalua, Oʻahu, Mahi has worked in the fields of education, conservation, and cultural resource management with non-profit, private, and State entities for almost 30 years. He is passionate about learning and perpetuating the art and science inherent in Hawaiian cultural traditions and practices. Mahi is a Hawaiian Culture Education Specialist with Kūkalahale, a collaborative Title III grant program between Honolulu and Kapiʻolani Community Colleges.

🤙Mahi studies Hawaiian Music, Ukulele, and Indigenous education.

Special Thanks to Our Community for Their Support