With the assistance of Lisa Ferentinos, Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV) Nature Park and Dr. Bruce Koebele, Ka'ala Farms, a list of native Hawaiian plants suitable for Mokauea Island was developed. Farrington High School students planted naupaka and pohinahina seedlings at KKV-Nature Park in May 2007. These seedlings were replanted on Mokauea Island on August 11, 2007 in an area that was cleared of invasive pickleweed by a group that included kids from Kuhio Park Terrace’s PACT program.
On July 11, 2007, Jenny Hoof, Farrington High School science teacher, brought akulikuli and 'aki 'aki to Mokauea Island and taught two groups of students how to plant these native Hawaiian plants in our stock area. On a regular basis, Kai Makana volunteers will bring various native Hawaiian plants to Mokauea Island’s stock area and the survival of the various plant species will be characterized.
On October 13, 2007, Dr. Bruce Koebele taught Kai Makana volunteers his "DoubleGulp" planting method. The challenges of this island include water, wind and the salty soil. Under the continued guidance of Dr. Koebele and the maintenance of the stock plants by Jenny Hoof's students, we will continue to seek the best method to re-establish the native coastal plant species. This is an ongoing project and Kai Makana's goal is to remove the invasive and long thorn kiawe and pickleweed along the coastline and replant these areas with native Hawaiian plants. These plants will provide ground cover to mitigate soil erosion.
Gail Peiterson, from Punahou School's native plant nursery at Rocky Hill, and Kokua Kalihi Valley have provided facilities and materials to grow seedlings from native plant cuttings.