Maui CARES: Kipahulu ‘Ohana

Maui Reefs
Maui Reefs
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Published 2022-01-06
With unemployment at record levels due to COVID-19, a new program put more than 70 Maui and Molokai residents to work in November of 2020, providing seven local conservation nonprofits with needed labor to benefit coral reefs, cultural resources and the environment.

This unique collaborative employment and workforce training program was made possible through the County of Maui Office of Economic Development’s Maui CARES program, which was funded by the Federal CARES Act. As the fiscal sponsor, Maui Nui Marine Resource Council oversaw the administration of the Maui CARES funding for the projects and managed the rapid employment of more than 70 new hires with the help of simplicityHR by ALTRES.

The workers participated in conservation and restoration projects in Olowalu, Waihe’e, Keanae, Kipahulu, Hana and Moloka’i. All of the projects were rooted in Hawaiian cultural practices and values which serve as the foundation of our community. Their work was filmed by Inflatable Film of Kula.

Kipahulu ‘Ohana in East Maui improved a lo’i, or wetland taro farm. The taro plants will slow the flow of stormwater, allowing time for sediment in the water to settle, rather than flow out to sea.
All Comments (2)
  • @MandaHawaii
    I love kipahulu, I'd love to take my keiki to learn about taro farming and the way of life there. I feel so drawn to kipahulu and I wanna be there all the time. God bless kipahulu ❤