Hawai‘i’s fresh water supply and ability to grow food depend on protecting and nurturing our native forests and watersheds. The health of our ocean, fish, and other marine life relies on caring for our coral reefs and minimizing pollution. The Kohala Center’s watershed and ocean conservation programs work to ensure Hawai‘i has an abundance of clean, healthy water from mauka to makai (mountain to sea).
Our Water Programs:
Watershed Conservation
An estimated 50% of Hawai‘i’s native forests have been lost to deforestation, with the remaining half threatened by non-native plants and animals. The Kohala Center’s Kohala Watershed Partnership is dedicated to restoring and protecting the native forested watersheds of Kohala Mountain in cooperation with a voluntary coalition of private landowners and public land managers in North Hawai‘i Island.
Ocean Conservation
Keeping Hawai‘i’s coral reefs healthy is vital not only to fish and other marine life, but to Hawai‘i’s economy as well. Rich in historical, cultural, and environmental treasures, Kahalu‘u Bay welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually, making it West Hawai‘i Island’s most popular tourist destination. The Kohala Center’s Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center works to revive and revitalize Kahalu‘u Bay and Beach Park by educating visitors and local communities on proper reef etiquette and ecosystem stewardship.