Down The Hatch has partnered with Coral Reef Alliance on Maui to help educate people about native Hawaiian plants, as well as distribute these plants to residents of the community so they can also help restore the earth to help Maui’s Reefs! Down The Hatch will have some of these plants growing at the restaurant and on Saturday, September 5th you can come to DTH to speak with Coral Reef Alliance and get seeds to grow your own native Hawaiian plants. When you participate in the program by picking up your plants, you will get 20% Off your Purchase at DTH and Breakwall. Mahalo for your participation and keep reading to find out more about Coral Reef Alliance.
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is a non-profit, environmental NGO that is on a mission to save the world’s coral reefs within Hawaii and Mesoamerican region. They work collaboratively with communities to reduce direct threats to reefs in ways that provide long-term benefits to people and wildlife. On Maui, sediment and nutrient pollution originating from the land makes its way to the ocean, where it causes damage to coral reefs, poses risks to human health, impedes traditional cultural practices, and threatens the tourism industry.
In the midslope region of the Wahikuli and Honokōwai watersheds, CORAL and partners are working with farmers, Hawaiian communities, local nonprofits, private businesses, and the government to pilot stream restoration techniques that combine modern technology, native vegetation, and traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices (e.g. loʻi kalo). We are actively planting native plants, especially in highly erosive roads and kickouts directly adjacent to streams, to help stabilize soil, absorb sediments and nutrients, and increase ground water infiltration. These techniques not only restore streams and prevent pollutants from entering the ocean, but they also lead to a whole host of benefits like restoring ecosystem services, improving habitat for species, and creating recreational opportunities for communities. Volunteers are an essential part of our work and we cannot thank them enough for all the progress we've made so far!
