For Immediate Release: February 10, 2005

"We're looking for volunteers who enjoy being outdoors and making a difference to enhance our native forest project in Makiki," said Aaron Lowe, trails and access specialist for DLNR-Forestry.

"We can use your help, every fourth Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with watering and planting native Hawaiian plants, weeding or clearing, painting bridges, and laying gravel,” Lowe said.

Na Ala Hele has been working with the Hawaii Nature Center on the project called the Makiki Watershed Awareness Initiative, also known as Makiki WAI ("wai" means water in Hawaiian). The objective is to restore a "more" native Hawaiian forest in Makiki valley and to use this restored segment as an educational tool to teach about the watershed and ‘ahupua‘a.

Interactive watershed educational displays and signs to help the public learn about the history of Makiki Valley and the watershed are also in place on the trail.

"We appreciate the hard work and support from the volunteers that help in our trails program," said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

"Volunteers will help us continue to make trail improvements, remove weeds and put in native plants along the Makiki trail," said Young.

DLNR-Forestry division will provide water, gloves, and tools. Come with long pants and long sleeve shirt, good traction shoes or boots, insect repellent and motivation. You will need to bring your own bag lunch.

Restrooms are nearby. Interested volunteers should meet at the Makiki Forestry Baseyard at 9 a.m. Go up Makiki St. and take a left at the fork on to Makiki Heights Drive. Before the first hairpin turn, go straight into the Makiki Forest Recreation area. For baseyard directions or more information call 973-9782, or check the online site: http://www.hawaiitrails.org

The next work dates are March 26 and April 23.

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