HOKWO sampling is expanding to Moloka‘i!

HOKWO has monitored coastal water quality in leeward Maui since 2016. From 2023-2024, we also monitored sites on the island of Lāna‘i at the request of Councilmember Gabe Johnson. Now in 2026, through a request made by Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, we are humbled to expand our monitoring to the island of Moloka‘i!
 
We will be monitoring five sites along the South Shore of Moloka'i from Coconut Grove to Kakahai‘a Park. These sites were selected based on interest from residents and decision-makers, knowledge of watershed flow to these sites, freshwater springs, and interest in restoration projects. Our group will regularly measure coastal waters for pollutants that can harm our coral reefs and human health. Through this effort and over time, we hope the data benefit the people of Moloka‘i and are used to reveal meaningful trends in turbidity, nutrients, bacteria, and other parameters – because the quality of our water equals the quality of life.
 
This monitoring effort is made possible through the generous support of the Maui County Council, County of Maui's Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division, and the State Division of Aquatic Resources, who is hiring on-island staff to conduct monitoring and initial lab procedures. If you’d like to learn more about this effort, please email us at [email protected]! If you are a Moloka‘i resident interested in volunteering once the program is more established, please visit our website at Join Us! Mahalo.