KAUPA

 

Kalihi Ahupua‘a Ulu Pono Ahahui

(The Progressive Kalihi Watershed Association)

 

The mission of KAUPA is to restore the natural and cultural resources within our ahupua`a through education, outreach and action.

 
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KALIHI STREAM CLEANUP ON FEBRUARY 14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our February 14th Kalihi Stream Cleanup was another rousing success, and we would like to thank the 38 volunteers who helped us remove 300lbs of trash and 200lbs of green waste from our site, as well as remove unseemly graffiti. Some of the larger items we eliminated from the site included a scooter, two bicycles, car parts and chicken wire. That is a lot of harmful material in the stream, which would have eventually ended up in the ocean, so your efforts in removing it are truly important!  Volunteers also planted uala, transplanted pili grass, and propagated wauke.  

Many thanks to Hana Housing, Heald College, Kalihi Waena Elementary, Kamehameha Schools, Mililani High, Moanalua High School, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Tripler Army Medical Center, University of Hawaii, and individuals for their efforts!

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WHAT LIVES IN KALIHI WAENA STREAM?

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`Opae `Oeha`a (Macrobrachium grandimanus), Hawaiian Prawn

True or False: The Macrobrachium grandimanus likes to knit sweaters for her Macrobrachium grandkids. (See answer below).

This native species of fresh water prawn can be found in many streams on Oahu, including Kalihi Stream.  The native crustaceans are represented by two species. The `opae kuahiwi, or mountain `opae, prefer the higher sections of the streams where there is abundant cool, clear and fast-flowing water. The other is the prawn, `opae oeha`a, and is most common in estuaries and the lower stream reaches in slower-flowing water. This native species faces a serious competitive threat from other invasive species of freshwater crustaceans, such as the crayfish (see February newsletter). The `opae oeha`a is light to dark brown in color with striped pinchers. One pincher is noticeably larger than the other, which gives cause to its Hawaiian name, which translates as “walk crookedly". It has an average body length of 4 inches and limited use as bait for fishing.

Answer:  False!  It's grandimanus, not grandma. Grandimanus means large hand.  The endemic prawn uses its large claw to defend its territory where it feeds on small pieces of plant and animal matter.

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2009 KAUPA MALAMA AINA FARRINGTON SCIENCE FAIR PRIZE

The 2009 KAUPA Malama Aina Farrington Science Fair Prize was won by Ashley Cambe and Marjeson Gonzales. 
The project title was "Photosynthesis Comparison with Acacia koa and Ardisia elliptica."  In this project the two young scientists harvested koa and ardisia (also know as the shoebutton tree) seedlings from Kalihi valley and studied how efficiently they absorbed white, blue and red light by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide they absorbed, and oxygen they generated.  Koa absorbed more blue light while ardisia absorbed more white light, but ardisia was more efficient at absorbing light and generating oxygen, thereby suggesting one possible reason why ardisia is an aggressive, invasive tree species in Hawaii and Kalihi Valley in particular.  Ashley and Marjeson received KAUPA Science Fair Award Certificates, and shared a $50 cash prize.  They were also invited to work with KAUPA scientists and engineers on their research and were offered to continue their studies at the KAUPA restoration site along Kalihi Stream at Kailhi Waena School. Congratulations Ashley and Marjeson! Great work! Their work also won them 2nd place overall at the science fair.  

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HONUGUIDE FUNDRAISER
Help support KAUPA with the purchase of a HonuGuide!

The HonuGuide is a resource guide for sustainable living in Hawai`i. It helps to connect the local, healthy lifestyle and green living community, while providing information, resources, and discounts for creating a more sustainable Hawai`i. The HonuGuide has 50 pages of information and resources on sustainable living, over 100 coupon discounts from local green businesses, and $3,500 in savings. Coupons can be redeemed at such places as Chip and Cookie, Indigo, Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Lex Brodie's, Aloha Lomilomi, Hawaii Nature Center, and Hawaiian Island Creations. The coupon book sells for $20, and KAUPA will profit $10 (half of retail) per book sold! Call us at 381-3643 and we will bring them to you!  Or go to www.honuguide.com/Kaupa.html and have it mailed to you.  Mahalo for your support!
 

MORE KALIHI HAPPENINGS

 

Saturday, March 14 - Mokauea Island Cleanup, 8am-1pm with Kai Makana. For more info, email  kaimakana@gmail.com

 

Saturday, March 14 - Pu`ili (Split Bamboo Rattle) Workshop, 8:30am–1:00pm at Bishop Museum. Class size is limited to 8 students, so sign up early! To register call 323-3318 or email agg@bishopmuseum.org

 

Saturday, March 14 - Free Garden Tour, 10am–11:30am at Bishop Museum.For more info, call 323-3318 or email  agg@bishopmuseum.org

 

Saturday, March 21 - Kokua Kalihi Valley Nature Center, 8:30am-noon with Ho`oulu Aina. For more info, email puni@kkv.net

 

Saturday, March 28 - Kalihi Stream Cleanup, 8am-noon with Hawaii's 1000 Friends. For more info, contact Louise at  372-8365 or Louise_Cayetano@yahoo.com

 

Sat./Sun, March 28/29 - 1st Annual Hawaii Ocean Expo, Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 9am-6pm, Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.  For more info, call 527-5400