Invasive species removal event set for Kealakekua Bay
KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK — An invasive species removal event is scheduled for Kealakekua Bay on Sunday, May 18, as part of an ongoing community effort to restore and preserve the bay’s ecological and cultural integrity.
Local nonprofit organization ‘Ike Lawai‘a, in partnership with KapuKapu ‘Ohana and the Alex &Duke De Rego Foundation, are the event hosts.
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To ensure the safety of all participants and visitors, Kealakekua Bay waters will be closed to all other uses from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the day of the event.
Invasive species to be removed include roi (Cephalopholis argus), ta‘ape (Lutjanus kasmira) and to‘au (Lutjanus fulvus). No other species will be removed.
This invasive species removal effort aligns with the goals of the Kealakekua Bay Community Action Plan, adopted by the community in 2022 to create and serve as a community-led framework for stewardship of this area.
The implementation of the plan is led by community stakeholders and state partners, including the Kealakekua Bay Cultural Advisory ‘Ohana, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, Hoala Kealakekua Nui, Ala Kahakai and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The action plan was incorporated by the Board of Land and Natural Resources into the Hawaii State Parks Master Plan for Kealakekua Bay in 2023.
“We are proud to bring our community together to care for our bay through the knowledge of our ancestors,” said Chuck Leslie from ‘Ike Lawai‘a. “Removing invasive species supports our coral restoration, fish population and makes sure all things are healthy in Kealakekua Bay. We make sure that there is a future for both our keiki and this wahi pana (sacred place).”
‘Ike Lawai‘a is a Native Hawaiian organization rooted in Kealakekua Bay, dedicated to perpetuating traditional lawai‘a (fishing) practices, safeguarding the bay’s environmental and cultural well-being, and passing down ancestral knowledge to future generations.