Mokauea Island is overgrown with the following invasive species:

• Long thorn kiawe
• Mangrove
• Pickleweed
• Limu

On June 16, 2007, Kai Makana and its volunteers began to remove the long thorn kiawe and mangrove along the coast as well as the invasive limu and mangrove in the fishpond. Pickleweed removal is also being done, particularly in the areas identified as the stock planting area for native Hawaiian plants. Significant long thorn kiawe, mangrove, and pickleweed exist on the western side of Mokauea Island and removal of these invasive plants remains as one of the major project challenges. Kai Makana will continue to remove the long thorn kiawe and pickleweed along the coast and replant with native Hawaiian plants. We will continue to monitor and mitigate the re-growth of the invasive plants.