Ahupua`a Foundations for Watershed Stewardship

A Series of On-Site Tours and Lectures

In the coming months, AWWA revs up the bus engines to take you on excursions around the island to learn about the following topics from cultural, historical, environmental and infrastructural perspectives. Space is limited, so RSVP early either by phone at (808) 955-7882 or email to awwa@alawai.org. Please include the following information: your name, which tour you would like to attend, a phone number or email address we can reach you to confirm your seat. Only reservations made with valid contact info will be accepted.*

You can also call or email to be added to our mailing list for notifications of future events.

Saturday, October 14, 2006, 8:15 am - 3:00 pm

Central Oahu and the North Shore -- Agriculture

See how the phasing out of sugar cane and pineapple farming in the fertile Central Plain, Wahiawa, Kaiaka, Waialua, and Haleiwa has affected these prime watersheds on Oahu. Experience the elements of ahupuaa in the last traditional Hawaiian ahupuaa on Oahu at Waimea Valley Audubon Center and see how a Public Land Trust preserves open space at Pupukea. Cultural guides: Annette Kaohelaulii and Julie Puzon. Agricultural experts will include Stephanie Whalen, Executive Director of the Hawaii Agricultural Research Center, and Fred Gross, former engineer for Waialua Sugar. Kupuna at Waimea Valley Audubon Center will do a presentation of the ahupua`a.

Meet at Washington Middle School Parking lot, 1633 South King Street. Bus loads at 8:15 am and leaves promptly at 8:30 am.

FREE. Includes admission to Waimea Valley Audubon Center and a $5 lunch credit.

Saturday, November 25, 2006, 8:15 am - 2:30 pm

Foundations of the Ahupua`a

Experience the elements of the native ahupuaa concept, from mountain-to-sea. See how the botanical garden at Hoomaluhia provides retention for heavy rains, protecting those downstream from floods. The role of fishponds in watershed management will be seen at Apua Fishpond, and how the mountains and valleys come together in Kaaawa Valley and Kualoa Ranch, the site of Jurassic Park filming. Lunch and admissions are provided. Your cultural guide will be Annelle Amaral.

Meet at Kaimuki High School parking lot, Kapiolani Boulevard side, at 8:15 am. Bus will leave at 8:30 am. Be prepared for rain, mud, and mosquitoes. Bus will return at approximately 2:30 pm.

Ala Wai Watershed [Saturday, December 2, 2006 (tentative)]

See what can be done in a densely populated urban setting to improve water quality, quantity, and runoff at sites along Makiki, Manoa, and Palolo streams and Waikiki, enlightened with Tales of the Ala Wai Watershed. Your cultural guide will be Claire Hughes.

Waianae Coast -- Dry Ahupuaa [Saturday, December 9, 2006 (tentative)]

See the perspective of a dry watershed, visit Kaala Farms, see the need for a fire management plan before any restoration can take place, restoration and awareness practices, Waianae Watershed Study sites, and restoration of endangered species. Your cultural guide will be Cynthia Rezentes.

Primary Urban Center [Date and Time TBA]

Xeriscape Garden, Nuuanu Reservoir, West Honolulu Watershed Study sites, Fred Ohrt Museum, Salt Lake Akulikuli project, Keehi Lagoon, Kalihi Stream project, Damon Estate, Airport, feral pigs, Kapalama canal. Your cultural guides will be Carol Silva and Donna Kahakui.

Koolau Loa [January - February, 2007]

Kahana -- the only undeveloped ahupuaa on Oahu, flooding in Kahuku, feral pig impact and management, Hauula. Your cultural guide will be Nanette Napoleon.

Koolau Poko [February - March, 2007]

Waiahole-Waikane, Ka Wai Nui Marsh, Kapaa Valley, Kailua Bay Advisory Council projects, Heeia Fishpond, Kaelepule Watershed and Stream, Kawa Stream, Mokapu, Hoomaluhia. Your cultural guide will be Nalani Olds.

Ewa - Vision of Future of Water Use [Date and Time TBA]

Visit to the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant, Water Recycling Facility, Best Management Practices (parking lot swales, retention basins, detention basins) in newly developed areas. Your cultural guide will be Shad Kane.

*We are collecting your contact info (names and phone number) in order to let you know about upcoming AWWA events and/or any changes to the tour schedule. Your information will not be released to anyone outside of AWWA.