A new ring of Koa trees is beginning its legacy on the Kuli‘ou‘ou Ridge Trail, with one planted by none other than U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono. This fall, ATA had the privilege of showcasing its restoration work to some of Hawaii’s more influential leaders. From local to national changemakers, visitors like Senator Hirono, Hawai‘i State Representatives Linda Ichiyama and Mark Jun Hashem were introduced to the thriving restoration sites on the KRT, viewing firsthand how collaborative mauka-to-makai watershed management is rejuvenating this cherished landscape.
Senator Hirono and her staff were joined by representatives of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Mālama Maunalua (MM), and ATA. Together, the groups planted Koa in an affirmation of the coastal partnership that unites them.
The trail visit with ATA and Protect and Preserve Hawai‘i was followed by an engaging limu huki (seaweed pull) with MM and a tour of Kānewai Spring with the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center. Through these visits, ATA grows meaningful relationships with many individuals and groups who share the goal of building a better Hawai‘i.
Mahalo to Representatives Ichiyama and Hashem for spearheading the ridge-to-reef tour and to MM for elevating ATA’s work and for being a powerhouse organization in the Maunalua area!
U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono stands with her newly planted Koa tree.
A spirited group of legislators and conservationists from nonprofits in the Maunalua area brandishes the invasive limu they removed together from Maunalua Bay.
