Restoring the Hulē’ia Watershed: Strategic Action Plan

The Hulē’ia River is one of Kaua’i’s most treasured natural and cultural resources — home to endangered waterbirds, historic fishponds, and the living traditions of the Hawaiian people. Today, it faces a serious threat.

Invasive red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) has spread across more than 62 acres of the Hulē’ia watershed, displacing native plants and wildlife, degrading water quality, and encroaching on culturally significant sites like Alakoko Fishpond. Unlike in its native range, red mangrove in Hawai’i fills ecological roles that belong to native species — crowding them out and transforming the landscape in ways that are difficult and costly to reverse.

Mālama Hulē’ia’s Strategic Action Plan sets out a phased approach to eradication and restoration. Removal will begin at Alakoko Fishpond using careful hand-cutting techniques to protect its historic stone walls. Work will expand across the watershed using a combination of manual and equipment-assisted methods, with strict erosion controls throughout.

Removal alone is not enough. As mangrove is cleared, native riparian plants and wetland species will be replanted to stabilize soils, prevent reinvasion, and restore habitat for endangered waterbirds and native fish.

This effort depends on broad partnership — landowners, government agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations, and the broader Kaua’i community. Together, we can return the Hulē’ia to health.

Download the full Strategic Action Plan (PDF)