Community Effort in Waialua to Clear Mangroves on Ki’iki’i Stream

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) – A group of over 40 volunteers came together in Waialua recently to address flooding issues by clearing mangroves along the Ki‘iki‘i Stream, a waterway known for overflowing during heavy rainfall. Residents, farmers, and members from Team Rubicon worked collaboratively to remove the vegetation and debris disrupting the water flow.

Waialua resident Kalei Gamiao expressed that the community had sought permission to conduct this vital work for more than three decades. He emphasized the necessity of community action, stating, “Somebody got to do it. We got to do it. But together, that’s how we’re going to do it in the whole community.” This initiative, which seeks to improve water flow and minimize flooding, targeted over a mile of mangroves leading to the ocean. The project faced delays due to the need for consent from the landowners, Gilman Estate, before commencing. Following the recent Kona low storms, the push to clear the stream intensified as it plays a crucial role in managing runoff from the surrounding areas.