Edmund Oliviera and Corbin Banua surveys plants and installs erosion plots.
An organization to protect Oʻahu's vital water resources, the Koʻolau Mountains Watershed Partnership (KMWP), celebrated 25 years in August. Funded through grants and donations, KMWP operates as a project of the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit within the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's College of Natural Sciences.
Founded in 1999 by eight organizations, KMWP has grown into a coalition of 17 landowning partners and 10 associate partners dedicated to preserving the Koʻolau mountains' watershed. This milestone coincides with the time it takes for a raindrop falling on the mountains to reach the underground aquifers that supply 90% of Oʻahu's potable water.
Brenner Wakayama and Jeffrey Hembree perform fence line scoping above Waiau.
The partnership now stewards more than 100,000 acres of public and private lands across the Koʻolau range. Its efforts focus on protecting native forests, which are crucial for soil retention, water absorption and aquifer recharge.
"What makes this partnership special is the immense support that these partner organizations have for one another," KMWP Program Associate Brad Suenishi said. "It's amazing to have so many partnering organizations collaborate with one common goal to preserve the Koʻolau Mountains."
KMWP's work extends beyond the mountaintops, impacting agriculture, residential areas, businesses and ocean ecosystems.
"As we celebrate this milestone, we're not just looking back with pride, but forward with renewed commitment," said KMWP Planner Jesse Adams. "The challenges of climate change and population growth make our mission more critical than ever. We're deeply grateful for the support of our partners and the community, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the Koʻolau watersheds for generations to come."
Jeffrey Hembree performs fence maintenance and weed spray in Opaeula.
Over the years, KMWP has implemented various conservation strategies, including invasive species control, fencing and feral ungulate monitoring, and native plant restoration.
"Landscape level conservation often occurs on long timescales, but I have seen a significant positive impact from KMWP's work during my 10 year tenure," KMWP Wildlife Management Specialist Jordan Lewis said.
Funding for projects comes from a variety of sources, including the Hawaiʻi State Department of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and non-government groups. A recent project, funded by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health's Clean Water Branch, resulted in the planting of 574 native plants in the Waiheʻe and Mānoa Cliffs restoration sites.
The organization's impact is far-reaching. Approximately 30% of rainfall in the Koʻolau Mountains flows into streams, throughout the entire island from mountains to sea. KMWP's efforts help minimize erosion, reduce fire and flooding risks and maintain the health of Oʻahu's water systems.
Community support crucial
The partnership's success relies heavily on the support of its member organizations and landowners, which provide access to priority watershed forests and, in some cases, funding opportunities.
"The success of KMWP over the past 25 years is a direct result of our dedicated landowner partners who have opened their lands for conservation efforts," Adams said. "These access rights are vital because plants and animals, whether native or invasive, do not respect property boundaries. Partnership access means that the KMWP project field staff can protect more of our remnant native forests and control invasive species."
The organization welcomes new partners to join its mission. For more information, visit the KMWP website.
