A recent workshop brought together experts and community leaders to highlight the connection between land management and coral reef health in Hawaiʻi. The event included site visits and briefings on topics such as reforestation, watershed restoration, coastal land acquisition, and marine management planning.
Participants visited a watershed viewpoint above Māʻalaea, where they learned about ongoing efforts by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) to restore forests and control populations of ungulates like deer, pigs, and goats. The group also toured a bay where speakers discussed the positive impact of day-use moorings funded through the state’s Aloha I Ke Kai Ocean Stewardship User Fee Program. Community-led marine management under the Division of Aquatic Resources’ (DAR) Holomua Initiative was also highlighted.
The workshop aimed to demonstrate how actions taken on land—such as reducing sediment runoff, restoring degraded landscapes, and managing invasive species—have direct effects on coral reefs. Organizers emphasized that healthy reefs play a key role in protecting coastal infrastructure from storms and wave impacts.
“This workshop gave our leaders the chance to see the connections between mauka (mountain) actions and makai (ocean) outcomes,” said Tova Callender, DAR’s Ridge to Reef coordinator. “Protecting our coral reefs depends on all of us — landowners, community members, elected leaders and nonprofits — combining our efforts to safeguard this vital resource. Without action, many reefs in Kīhei will die on our watch, and that’s a heavy weight. Today’s presenters have shown that by working together, we can do better.”
Organizers noted that partnerships formed at events like this are essential for supporting coral reef protection. With increased support for land-based actions, healthy reefs can continue to protect shorelines, sustain fisheries, and remain an important part of island life.
Several organizations contributed expertise to the workshop: Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, The Nature Conservancy, Coral Reef Alliance, Hui O Ka Wai Ola, UH Sea Grant, County of Maui, Mālama Haleakalā Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, DLNR-DOFAW (Division of Forestry & Wildlife), Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Malama Kai Foundation.
