Join Rooted kmka in Making a Difference

Kanu i ka makalae

Our first annual Ka Piko o Wākea (Spring) Fundraiser Campaign to kanu i ka makalae (plant on the coast) at Waipuilani.

Rooted has been actively working on revitalizing the coastal wetlands of Waipuilani for the past 3 years, and we would love your help in beautifying this historic wetland for the community.

Our fundraising is ONGOING and will consist throughout the year.

About this Fundraiser Campaign

Kanu I Ka Makalae

Kanu i ka makalae means to plant on the coast, which is exactly what this project is all about. The coast we are focused on is within a section of the Waipuilani Beach Reserve in Kihei, Maui. This initiative is to re-introduce a collection of native Hawaiian coastal plants that contribute to natural ecosystem services to that area.

Ka Piko o Wākea (Spring) is the annual campaign period that we will focus on this initiative. This will be our first year! The fundraiser is currently OPEN and will be ongoing and consist throughout the year.

ROOTED Kekahi Me Ka ʻĀina has been actively working on revitalizing the coastal wetlands of Waipuilani for the past 3 years. The area we are focused on was once inundated with guinea grass and compromised kiawe trees that posed a risk for beach goers due to erosion that affected the roots and stability of the trees. Since the inception of our work, we have been able to maintain the area and are now ready to replace those invasive plants with mea kanu kupa (native plants) that work to benefit and support the coastal wetlands environment.

Our vision is to revitalize this area to its best serving condition to prevent erosion, support the natural sand dunes, encourage the return of dependent native fauna, and creating a welcoming space for educational cultural activities and practices.

Our goal for those who support this initiative is to build a sense of ʻohana and to grow a group of stakeholders committed to the same vision.

A part of this project is helping to connect with and teach nearby residents how to get rooted and develop a sense of place and responsibility within their wahi pana (a special place that one connects with and cares for). We will be having a planting day each month that will be informed on our social media platforms.

To get involved:

1. Monetary support - Select from our sponsorship levels below. Every sponsorship means a native coastal plant will be planted on our kanu (planting) day.

2. Mālama ʻāina (care for the land) with us - Whether you donated monetarily or not, we welcome you to our kanu (planting) day. RSVP to rootedkmka@gmail.com or text (808) 357-9170 with 1) your name, 2) your RSVP, and 3) if you sponsored a plant, include what level you sponsored at.

pōhinahina

Pōhinahina is a tough coastal plant that is rather easy to grow inland, and can provide excellent erosion control in any landscape. It is drought, wind, salt and heat tolerant. It plays a vital role in stabilizing coastal ecosystems and has the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil, enriching the nutrient content. Pōhinahina has leaves that are aromatic with a sage-like spicy odor when crushed. Its flowers are blue violet and bell-shaped.

ʻihi

ʻIhi is a Hawaiian coastal plant that contributes to the stabilization of dunes and coastal ecosystems. Its extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion, anchoring the plant in sandy substrates and providing stability to the shoreline. It has has bright lemony yellow flowers. Each flower opens for one day. If there are several flowers on each stalk, flowering can last for several days.

Hinahina

Hinahina thrives in the harsh environment along the coast nearest the ocean where there is usually intense sunlight, strong winds, and very little water in both rocky and sandy terrains. It is the official flower for the island of Kahoʻolawe and has one of the nicest smelling flowers.

Maiapilo

Maiapilo is an endemic species and is considered "vulnerable" - likely to become endangered in the near future. It is found in scattered locations on coral, basalt, or rocky soil along the coast or slightly inland. It occurs at elevations from sea level to 325 feet on all of the main Hawaiian islands. It produces fragrant white flowers that open after sunset and by morning age to pale pink.