East Maui water issues focus of Oct. 24 event at Wailele Farm in Haʻikū

Friends of Twin Falls at Wailele Farm is inviting the community to participate in two upcoming programs focused on water, watershed health, and community stewardship: Kupu o Wai Hōʻolawa and Wai & We.

A “talk story” morning presentation is set for 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 at Wailele Farm. It features presentations from local water practitioners, scientists, cultural leaders and community members working to understand and care for Maui’s water resources. Lunch is provided. Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m. To submit a required RSVP, use the QR code on the flier below.

From 12:30 to 3 p.m., the Friends group will host a Community Wai Festival with live music by Anthony Fluke, hands-on activities and stream exploration. The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.

The event is funded in part by KS Kaiaulu and in collaboration with University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Water Resource Research Center. 

Kupu o Wai Hōʻolawa is a yearlong hands-on watershed education and monitoring program for teens 14–18 years old and adult community members. Participants will learn about water quality, stream health, watershed conditions, native and invasive plants, and place-based observation while taking part in ongoing monitoring within the Hōʻolawa watershed.

Kupu o Wai is funded in part by the Maui County Department of East Maui Water Authority Office.

Programs are designed to help connect people with the wai and watersheds around them while creating opportunities for hands-on learning and stewardship from mauka to makai.

To sign up or learn more about either program go to Instagram: @friendsoftwinfalls