Restoration of Ka‘elepulu estuary and wetland habitats with community partners

Restore the Ka‘elepulu estuary and wetland habitats in Kailua, Oʻahu — the historical remnant of an ancient Hawaiian fishpond (loko pu‘uone) — with multiple community partners for ecosystem improvement, through invasive species control, sediment removal and wetland edge habitat creation.

Sedimentation from urban development, modified water flows, and invasive species have degraded the estuary. Ka‘elepulu is on the EPA and DOH list of “water quality limited segments,” and this project will assist with the State’s mandate to improve water quality in the estuary.

The community-driven project will engage local community groups, fishing and canoe clubs, and schools to both educate and restore this once-vibrant ecosystem to its historical significance.

The focus of the project is invasive species removal and the creation of edge habitat within the Ka‘elepulu estuary and Ka‘elepulu wetland. Large quantities of sediment deposited in these waters over the past decade from upslope development will be redistributed to create deeper channels and islets that will benefit both fish nurseries and endangered Hawaiian waterbird habitats.