The HWEA/AWWA Young Professionals committee invited members to participate in a huki day or community service event on August 13, 2022, organized by Malama Maunalua which is a non-profit organization committed to conserving and restoring a healthy and productive Maunalua Bay. Twenty-one participants arrived early in the morning at Kuliou’ou Beach Park. The day began with brief history of Maunalua area presented by Malama Maunalua staff.

It took 10-15 minutes to walk to the Paiko Restoration Area where the cleanup occurred. Malama Maunalua staff informed the group of the types of invasive species present and showed how to distinguish them from native species.
The group spent about two hours removing invasive algae. In total, the whole group removed approximately 1,040 lbs of invasive algae from 200 square meters within the Paiko Restoration Area. All of the invasive algae were donated to the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center to be recycled and used as natural organic compost. Through the efforts of Malama Maunalua and the community, natural species have the chance to grow back in their natural habitat. This was a meaningful opportunity for HWEA members to take action and preserve our beautiful island. For more information, please visit: https://malamamaunalua.org.