Project abstract: klaiwi connection projectthe klaiwi connection project aims to restore and preserve native hawaiian plants at mhaihai, promoterespectful and educated tourism in west kauai, and…

The Klaiwi Connection Project is a federal Project Grant award from the Department of the Interior's Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, under the Native Hawaiian Community Guest Stewardship program (CFDA 15.068). The $197,273 grant, awarded on October 1, 2024, aims to restore and preserve 8 acres of native Hawaiian habitat at Mhaihai, Kauai, promote respectful and educated tourism in the area, and create quality jobs for the local Native Hawaiian community. Key activities include clearing invasive trees, restoring native plants, developing educational tour materials, and hiring and training two part-time tour guides from the Native Hawaiian community. The project is expected to deliver environmental outcomes of increased biodiversity and ecological health, educational outcomes of informed and respectful visitors, and economic and social outcomes of empowering the Native Hawaiian community through job creation and cultural preservation.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the klaiwi connection project is to contribute to the conservation efforts on kauai byrestoring native habitats, educate visitors on respectful tourism practices, and empower the local nativehawaiian community through job creation and cultural preservation.

Activities

Land preparation and plant restoration: clear and remove invasive trees on 8 acres at the mhaihai site. Restorenative plants through site planning, plant selection, outplanting, and maintenance.educational tour development: develop and disseminate educational tour materials, including brochures and digitalcontent centered around the native hawaiian flora and fauna restorative work.community engagement and job creation: hire and train two part-time tour guides from the local native hawaiiancommunity, focusing on individuals interested in supporting native restoration and responsible tourism.expected deliverables or outcomes:environmental outcomes: the restoration of 8 acres of native habitat at mhaihai, leading to increasedbiodiversity and improved ecological health of the area. Sustained growth and long-term survival of the restorednative plants through continuous observation, monitoring, and maintenance.educational outcomes: informed and respectful visitors who understand and appreciate foundational hawaiianconcepts such as aloha INA (love for the land), kleana (inherent responsibility), hihi (RESPECT), andhooponopono (restoration and balance).economic and social outcomes: creation of quality INA-based employment opportunities for the native hawaiian community, promoting economic empowerment and cultural preservation. Enhanced visitor experiences through authentic cultural exchanges with knowledgeable tour guides, fostering deeper connections to the land and hawaiian heritageintended beneficiaries: the primary beneficiaries of the klaiwi connection project include the local nativehawaiian community, who will gain employment opportunities and cultural empowerment, and the visitors, who will receive enriched and respectful tourism experiences. Additionally, the broader kauai community and its natural environment will benefit from the conservation efforts and increased biodiversity at mhaihai.