Volunteer and Restoration Work with the KIRC, Kaho‘olawe (Pt 2 of 4)

with contributions by Katie Ersbak

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4][Photo Gallery]

Getting another early start, I was particularly stoked because I was asked to drive one of the trucks… not a passenger one, but one of the dually trucks that was meant for transporting equipment, etc.

After fueling up, we stopped by a couple places to pick up supplies. The guys had a couple of pretty sweet XUVs, I believe they were John Deere “Gators.”

We then headed to a gravel pit where we would be making “sand bags.”

The volunteers took turns shoveling gravel, filling bags and placing them in my truck. The bags were used for road maintenance, where erosion was creating large rills.

Normally any runoff is restricted to trenches dug on the sides of the road, but during heavy storms the overspilling water and muddy slurry can make these areas impassable. An estimated 1.9 million tons of soil from erosion is deposited into the ocean surrounding Kaho‘olawe each year, making gravel bags and native vegetation to slow the run-off a high priority.

The bags were strategically placed to keep the water in the trenches, as well as to help fill the gaps the water had created.

After completing the first task, the crew headed north, back up to the restoration site…

where we would finish installing the piping for the irrigation system.

We also moved a couple hundred feet of piping to more efficiently direct the flow of water downhill. This piping is used to transport water from the island’s water storage tanks, which collect about 500,000 gallons of water each year. The water is then used to nourish newly planted vegetation.

On the lower side of the mountain,

we uncoiled and connected several hundred feet of piping.

Since the truck was now empty of pipes and sandbags, we made another stop to fill it back up again.

This time with hay stacks.

I’m not exactly sure what they we were using them for, but I believe they were placed around young plants to shelter them from wind, helping them to grow.

Supposedly, it can get pretty windy on the north side of Kaho‘olawe. We were just moving them from point A to point B today.

The last activity for the day was a spiritually rewarding one.

A short hike up to Pu‘u ‘O Moa‘ula Iki, which was the second highest peak on Kaho‘olawe, but most prominent… Pu‘u ‘O Moa‘ula Nui, the highest point, has a more gradual elevation gain in comparison.

Mike explained how culturally important this area is, as this was where Polynesian navigators would come to study the currents between the islands by day and the stars in the sky at night, as they were celestial ocean navigators.

As a means of respect, we were asked not to speak while hiking to the summit as well as after arriving there.

Once at the top, the most spectacular view of Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and Maui can be appreciated.

Everyone remained quiet, meditated and / or reflected on their experience on Kahoʻolawe so far.

The ahu, a bell stone shrine at the summit of Moa‘ula iki, is called Pohaku ahu ‘aikupele kapili o Keaweiki or “Stone of deep magic of Keaweiki.” The hollow-like stone supposedly can make a particular sound when struck; the tripod-like platform adjacent the stone is a place for offerings.

Returning to camp a little earlier than the day prior, we were able to explore a little bit further. I was stoked to have encountered several species of fishes (e.g. Kāhala, Mū and giant ʻAlaʻihi) I don’t usually encounter near shore back on Oahu, likely because most of the inshore fisheries are overfished.

After another fulfilling dinner, many of us again went to star gaze. This time I was able to do a long-exposure to highlight the rotation of the stars around Polaris (North Star). Another amazing day in an amazing place.

Mahalo nui loa and aloha no to Michael Nāho‘opi‘i and the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission staff for sharing their mana‘o and for granting us the opportunity of a lifetime. As it stands, the Kaho‘olawe Rehabilitation Trust Fund will be depleted by 2016 – halting the restoration of Kaho‘olawe. KIRC is currently seeking to secure state and federal funding, but appreciates any and all donations, no matter how small. Please feel free to contact KIRC at the links below…

The Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC):
– KIRC on Facebook
– KIRC Website
– Volunteer Information

So stoked to meet so many people and make many new friends! More questions about Kaho‘olawe or about my experience volunteering there?!? Just ask!!! Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!