Volunteers sought for weed pull on Mauna Kea

KAILUA-KONA — The Office of Maunakea Management is putting a callout for volunteers to assist in eradicating invasive species from the upper elevation areas of Mauna Kea.

The Malama Mauna Kea weed pulls are scheduled for July 22 and Aug. 12. The work will concentrate on removing fireweed and other invasive species, according to a press release from the Office of Maunakea Management.

The release states volunteers will also help to prepare the area around Halepohaku for future native plant restoration.

The first Malama Mauna Kea community weed pull was in 2012. Since then, the release indicates more than 1,100 volunteers donated more than 8,000 hours of their time working around Halepohaku and the visitor information station, located at 9,000 feet elevation.

As of last year, about 1,800 bags of fireweed have been removed from the mountain, said Fritz Klasner, natural resource program manager for Office of Maunakea Management.

Each weed pull begins with a project orientation and acclimation to high elevation. The weeding will go from 10 a.m. to noon. Afterward there is a walking tour of the area, lunch will be provided and a lecture will be given on the Mauna Kea resources.

Those interested in volunteering should bring the following: water, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection, light rain gear, warm clothing and hiking boots or good walking shoes.

It is suggested volunteers dress in layers to protect from wind or wet and cool weather.

Along with lunch and transportation, water, gloves for pulling weeds and tools will be provided.

Transportation to and from Hilo will be provided. Those living in West Hawaii interested in volunteering should contact the Office of Maunakea Management about carpool options to Halepohaku.

“This is a good chance to learn a little bit more about what facilities are there and why it’s there,” Klasner said.

Those interested in signing up, email omkmvolunteers-grp@hawaii.edu. Visit malamamaunakea.org for more information.