Puapuaʻa Iki Habitat Restoration Project

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Project Overview

Building Climate Resilience Based in Traditional Ecological Knowledge through Invasive Species Management and Shoreline Stabilization

Project Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2029

Project Purpose: The project aims to restore Puapuaʻa Iki, an 11.5 acre Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation (PONC) site on the shore of Kailua. The project aims to restore native vegetation, preserve historic sites, and build resilience to flooding, erosion, and development.

County Departments Involved: Coordinated by the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) in collaboration with the Department of Finance PONC Program.

Project Location

Project Cost & Funding

Project Phases

Project Initiation: Acceptance of funds.
Community Engagement: Establish a Core Hui, host community work and engagement days, and develop public access protocalls
Landscape Planning & Environmental Assessment: The County will hire a contractor to create a Landscape Plan and an Environmental Assessment to ensure local environmental compliance.
Site Restoration: The County will hire a contractor to conduct simultaneous vegetation and historic site restoration.
Shoreline Stabilization: The County will hire a contractor to implement erosion control and green infrastructure measures informed by planning and EA findings.
Post-Project Monitoring: Monitor water quality, endangered species presence, and restoration success; develop long-term vegetation management strategy.

FAQs

Who should I contact with questions or concerns?

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the County of Hawaiʻi project team through the Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER) at OSCER@hawaiicounty.gov
How long will the project last?

The project period runs from October 2025 through September 2029 and includes multiple phases, from planning and community engagement to restoration, stabilization, and post-project monitoring.
What does “shoreline stabilization” mean?

Shoreline stabilization includes reducing erosion and flooding on shorelines. Shoreline stabilization focuses on nature-based and green infrastructure approaches rather than relying on hard structures. Think – let’s plant more naupaka and hala rather than build more seawalls.
How can community member participate?

Community member can participate through attending public work days, meetings, and other opportunities to share feedback as the project progresses. Community members interested in participating in future engagement opportunities or sharing their manaʻo about Puapuaʻa Iki may complete the project interest form at https://bit.ly/puapuaaiki.
How will traditional ecological knowledge be used in this project?

Tradition ecological knowledge will help inform restoration approaches, plant selection, stewardship practices, and long-term care of the site. Community knowledge and cultural perspectives are an important part of shaping how restoration is planned and carried out
What does “habitat restoration” mean for this site?

Habitat restoration includes removing invasive species, restoring native vegetation, and supporting ecological conditions that protect shoreline health, water quality, and wildlife while respecting the site’s cultural and historical significance.
Why was Puapuaʻa Iki selected for restoration?

Puapuaʻa Iki is one of the last undeveloped shoreline parcels along Aliʻi Drive and holds important natural and historical resources. As a County-owned PONC site, it was identified as a priority for protection, restoration, and long-term stewardship in the face of erosion, flooding, and climate impacts.
What is the Core Hui?

The Core Hui is a community-based group that will help guide the project by providing guidance and input throughout planning and implementation. The Core Hui will also support communication and public work days between the County, consultants, and broader community.

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