Hakiowa Watershed on Kahoolawe recently underwent restoration after over 100 years of animal overgrazing as well as over 50 years of live firearm training.

The project started in August 2017 and was completed in February 2019. During that timeframe, 3000 hours were put in by over 150 volunteers. The goal was to restore the native ecosystem and reduce erosion and runoff into the ocean. Ways to accomplish this included removing invasive plants and planting native plants in their place along with installing erosion control devices.

Funding was provided by Hawaii Department of Health, Clean Water Branch and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The project site will be monitored for plant survival and levels of erosion.