Volunteers to lend green thumbs for Waimea Valley Community Day

Jade Eckardt

NORTH SHORE—On June 30, 2006, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs became the legal owner of Waimea Valley on Oahu’s North Shore. The new ownership was a result of months of negotiation after the Honolulu City Council considered a settlement the previous year, amidst community protest, that would have subdivided the valley. 

Title transferred to Hiipaka LLC in 2007 as part of an organizational design to facilitate and care for the valley—providing opportunities for the community to care for Waimea Valley.

Hiipaka LLC also teaches how the 1,800 acre valley offers an “authentic cultural window into lifestyle and culture of the Hawaiian people” through programs and activities.

The organization’s upcoming Waimea Valley Community Day, which takes place on April 16, offers a joint opportunity for volunteers take part in the preservation process.

Community members eight-years-old and up are invited to participate, but children under 18 are asked to be accompanied by an adult.

Volunteers that day will conduct a variety of activities, ranging from planting trees in the North Valley, working in the valley on current collections, and helping to maintain the sacred valley’s cultural sites. The valley’s cultural and botanical staff will work with the volunteers throughout the morning to help care for the ahupuaa’s resources.

The number of participants is limited to 60 volunteers, so those who would like to help are urged to sign up soon to reserve a space.

After meeting at the Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m., the program will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Valley representatives ask volunteers to wear closed toe shoes and bring sun screen, water, and a hat.

Volunteers should contact Cybil Rawlins at (808) 638-5855 or e-mail at [email protected] to reserve a space.