About Us
Kona Coast Waterkeeper is a member of Waterkeeper Alliance. Under the direction of Board President, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Waterkeeper Alliance is a global movement to protect water resources, currently uniting more than 350 Waterkeeper Organizations and Affiliates in over 40 countries. Our collective mission is fishable, swimmable, drinkable waters. The organization is committed to finding solutions to reduce land-based pollutants and improve water quality.
Water Quality Matters
In partnership with Kona Coast Waterkeeper, Applied Life Sciences, LLC has conducted water quality monitoring activities in the ocean since early 2018, using several markers to detect wastewater. This research will continue in 2020, and results will be shared with the community.
Pilot Project to Improve Water Quality at Honokohau Harbor
We are in the early planning stages with community, business and government in an effort to bring the first native oyster restoration to Honokohau Harbor to help improve water quality. We can't wait!
Building Climate Resiliency: Restoring Trees to Bring the Rain
Kona Coast Waterkeeper is working with local watershed coordinators and private landowners to plant the native trees that will be critical to future rainfall in West Hawai'i. Planting projects are planned for this winter. Dates will be announced. Please stay tuned!
You Can Help Stop the Spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death!
Hawai‘i’s rainforests have been heavily affected by Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). ROD is a fungal disease that is decimating populations of ʻŌhi‘a (Metrosideros polymorpha). ʻŌhi‘a is the foundational tree of the Hawaiian forest. It is so well adapted for Hawai‘i’s volcanic landscape that it can pull moisture from the air and transfer that water to the ground below to recharge the aquifer. On Hawaiʻi Island, hundreds of thousands of ʻŌhiʻa trees have already died across thousands of acres.
The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture has imposed a quarantine that prohibits movement of all ‘ōhi’a plants or plant parts, including flowers, leaves, seeds, stems, twigs, logs, and soil between islands except by permit.
Please keep these guidelines in mind:
Avoid areas confirmed to have Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. Look for signage at trailheads. Always follow decontamination protocol: remove all soil from gear and shoes, then sanitize by spraying (saturate) using 70% rubbing alcohol. Follow this process before entering and after leaving any new area. Always clean hands and tools between taking plant material from different trees. Wash vehicles before and after traveling off road, especially tires and undercarriage. It is critical to remove all soil. When possible, substitute other flowers for lehua in lei making. If you continue to gather, please pick only the first four inches of ‘ōhi‘a stem tips (includes flowers and liko). ROD is expected to result in declines in aquifer recharge related to decreases in rainfall.