THE KOHALA CENTER: Info/Opportunities/Events

Working Together to Manage Little Fire Ants at Niuliʻi
In November 2025, routine sampling at Niuliʻi confirmed the presence of Little Fire Ants (LFA), an invasive species that threatens people, animals, agriculture, and native ecosystems throughout Hawaiʻi. In response, The Kohala Center partnered with Hawaiʻi Ant Lab to assess the infestation and develop a long-term management plan for the hala grove.

Hawaiʻi Ant Lab staff evaluated the area and helped coordinate a large-scale survey to identify infestation zones and establish a baseline for future monitoring. Staff and volunteers conducted transect sampling throughout the grove using QR-coded vials baited with peanut butter and the Natural Resource Data Solutions (NRDS) app. These tracking sweeps provided a clearer picture of ant distribution and will help guide future treatment efforts.

Managing little fire ants requires ongoing commitment. An upcoming community workday will focus on applying gel bait treatments throughout the grove while providing an opportunity for participants to learn more about little fire ant prevention and management.

Because little fire ants can easily spread between neighboring properties, we are working with nearby landowners and partners, including Hawaiʻi County Parks, to raise awareness and encourage coordinated action throughout Kohala. If you are interested in supporting our upcoming community Lā Hana (work days) at Niuliʻi, please contact Mia Akau-LaClair at makaulaclair@kohalacenter.org.

This project is funded by a grant from the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Kūpuna ʻAwa Planting with HuiMAU
In May, The Kohala Center mahiʻāina team joined Hui Mālama i ke Ala ʻŪlili (HuiMAU), Kanaka Kava, and Mālama i ke Kumu in returning kūpuna ʻawa to Paʻauilo. Over 100 Hawaiian ʻawa plants were planted beneath growing canopies of ʻulu, maiʻa, and kukui trees, building upon years of HuiMAU’s work to re-establish a thriving agroforestry system. For Kaʻiana Runnels, TKC mahiʻāina supervisor, one of the most impactful aspects of the day was seeing kūpuna ʻawa returned to the soil as a source of healing for both ʻāina and kānaka. “Ultimately, although we’re planting with the intention to heal ourselves, it is also healing the ʻāina in the process,” he shared.

Beyond the work of planting, the gathering brought together kūpuna, mahiʻai, and poʻe aloha ʻāina from different organizations and communities to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and strengthen pilina. Reflecting on the day, Runnels compared the gathering to sharing ʻawa with others: the experience becomes much more satisfying, or ʻono, when done collectively. “It’s way more powerful, more potent, and more effective when caring for ʻāina with other like-minded people. Regardless of organization, we’re all one lāhui,” he said. “That’s the beauty of gathering together to plant awa.”

Mahalo to HuiMAU, Kanaka Kava, and Mālama i ke Kumu for the opportunity to learn, work, and grow together.

Kahaluʻu Bay Reopens After a Record Coral Spawning Season
After nearly a decade of supporting an annual rest period, trained observers at Kahaluʻu Bay documented one of the most significant cauliflower coral spawning events in recent years.

Mahalo nui to the Hawaiʻi County Parks and Recreation, our team of dedicated ReefTeach volunteers, local businesses and the many community members and visitors who support and respect the Kahaluʻu Bay rest period. We also extend our gratitude to the team at Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources for joining us for the first with in-water observations during the spawning event.

»Learn more and watch our highlight video