Restoration Work Set At The Mokes

Volunteers are needed to help with habitat restoration this month on the Mokulua Islands. The remaining dates (Jan. 15, 16, 17 and 25) are timed to come after the wedge-tailed shearwater nesting season ends, and before they return in March.

Sponsored by Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks (KSK), the cleanup days offer a unique opportunity to see the islands’ interior while making a difference for seabirds and native plants.

According to KSK’s Devon Moody, there were 15 service trips last year in partnership with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, with crews clocking more than 1,000 man-hours of physical work to remove invasive species such as koa haole.

“The DLNR only has one wildlife biologist to cover the entire Windward coast,” Moody explained, “so before KSK’s involvement, they had insufficient time and resources to even approach restoration projects of this magnitude.”

Volunteers should be physically fit and able to swim, he added, as they will kayak to the islands and work for several hours.

Lunch, kayaks and all equipment will be provided by KSK and DLNR. To offer help, call 262-2555 or email anissa@kailuasailboards.com.