OMKM To Host Fireweed Pull on Mauna Kea

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Office of Maunakea Management and community volunteers will conduct efforts to eradicate invasive fireweed along the Mauna Kea Access Road and around Halepohaku at an elevation of about 9,200 feet.

The volunteer work is part of the ongoing Mālama Maunakea campaign put on by OMKM, the University of Hawai’i at Hilo office responsible for the day-to-day management of the Maunakea Science Reserve.

Fireweed is an invasive species and pulling efforts prevent the nuisance from traveling to higher elevation areas of the mountain.

“Our overarching goal at the Office of Maunakea Management is to mālama Maunakea,” said Stephanie Nagata, director of OMKM. “Taking care of 12,000 acres is a daunting task, but with collaborative community partnerships, we can accomplish much.”

OMKM is seeking interested volunteers for the Dec. 5 task. Lunch is provided for volunteers, as is transportation from Hilo or organized ride-sharing from Kona. Volunteers will end the day with a brief tour of Mauna Kea.

Over 800 people have volunteered their time since the onset of the project, donating over 5,000 hours. According to Nagata, schools groups, service organizations, chambers of commerce, individuals, and families have all participated in the past, assisting with more than 1,000 trash bags of invasive species and weeds.

Those interested in volunteers or who would like more information should either call 933-3884 or e-mail OMKMvolunteers@hawaii.edu.