Planting seeds of change at the Wai‘anae Kai Forest Reserve
by Haley Kunimura | March 10, 2025
This past December, I started working at Hawaiian Electric as a digital communications and social media specialist. One of the reasons I was interested in joining the ohana was our commitment to Hawai‘i’s community — not just in the everyday services we provide but in the impact we have in the everyday lives of Hawai‘i’s people. From STEM competitions to IHS dinner services, we regularly sponsor and volunteer at various events throughout the state, which highly resonates with me because I am passionate about serving in the community. So when I heard there would be a volunteer opportunity with Wai‘anae Mountains Watershed Partnership (WMWP), I was excited to be a part of our company’s efforts to support the local community.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, Hawaiian Electric collaborated with WMWP to create a green break at the Wai‘anae Kai Forest Reserve. WMWP was founded by various local organizations, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, and US Army Garrison Hawai‘i, to responsibly manage watershed areas in Wa‘ianae while restoring the ahupua‘a and its native species.
I attended the event with Alyssa, who is also a digital communications and social media specialist! Everyone met at Wa‘ianae High School and we shuttled over to the secluded Wa‘ianae mountain range. Stepping out of the shuttle, I was taken aback by the scenic view of the Wa‘ianae coast. I don’t go to the west side very often, so it was my first time seeing the island from that point of view; I am grateful the event gave me a reason to visit the reserve! We later learned from one of the WMWP staff that we were near the highest point of the island, Mount Kaʻala.
Before we began replanting, the WMWP team introduced each Native Hawaiian plant. It was interesting to learn how every plant was chosen for its specific features to help mitigate wildfires. For example, Naupaka kuahiwi are planted in the front rows closer to the road since the water in its leaves helps to slow the spread of wildfires. The shade from Milo trees blocks out sunlight, so they are planted in the back to hinder the growth of invasive weeds. Prior to this event, I wasn’t aware of how fortunate Hawai‘i is that organizations like WMWP are putting so much thought and intentionality into our ʻāina.
After the WMWP team demonstrated how to plant the seedlings, we split into groups of five to work on different sections of the green break. Working together was a nice opportunity to meet new people from our company in person, including some of the people our social media team regularly emails. Because Hawaiian Electric is so large, we don’t always get to interact with employees in different departments, but the volunteer day brought us all together. In total, over 50 volunteers from our company attended the event!
As we transplanted each seedling, we dug holes in pre-marked spots, then carefully removed each seedling from their temporary pots by gently massaging out the compacted roots. When placing the seedling into its new home, it was essential to densely pack the dirt to prevent air bubbles from causing root rot. In about three short hours, we planted over 700 Native Hawaiian plants!
We then switched gears to clear invasive Guinea grass and haole koa from another area along the reserve’s pathway. It’s especially important to keep the roadside clear because first responders must be able to access the area in emergencies, such as wildfires. Once the area is fully cleared, WMWP will transplant seedlings there, too.
I must admit, clearing the weeds was not as easy as transplanting the seedlings. Alyssa and I had to work together to pull the stubborn roots of the Guinea grass. By the end of the work session, we only cleared about four large weeds. I want to give WMWP huge props for doing this full-time — it’s hard work! However, this unique experience was invaluable, and I am grateful that I was able to go.
Alyssa also found the workday to be rewarding, as she shared, “Spending the morning with the Wai‘anae Watershed Mountain Partnership not only allowed us to care for and deepen our appreciation for the beautiful Wai‘anae Kai, but also was an opportunity to strengthen community. I enjoyed learning more about native plants while meeting new people and building connections.”
At the end of the work session, each person shared one word to describe their experience. Some said “grateful”, while others said “educational.” What came to mind for me was “blessed.” It’s not every day that you get to help create a green break; I am blessed to have played a small part in contributing to the future of our ʻāina. As the green break develops, Wai‘anae Kai Forest Reserve will begin to flourish, like how it once did before invasive species were introduced. It was also a blessing to get to know some of the great people at our company who genuinely care for the wellbeing of our community. I’m fortunate to be a part of Hawaiian Electric’s greater efforts and am excited for the all the volunteer opportunities ahead!
Haley Kunimura is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric.
