Kula Community Watershed Alliance
History and Mission
The Kula Community Watershed Alliance (KCWA) was formed by residents of Kula, Maui—many of whom lost homes in the August 2023 wildfire—to lead community-driven land restoration efforts. Supported by advisors and experts, KCWA is committed to regenerating fire-damaged landscapes, restoring native biodiversity, and improving long-term watershed health and fire resilience. Working across roughly 120 acres of burned lands, KCWA brings neighbors together to heal the land and reduce future wildfire risk, while protecting the entire Kula moku (district), from mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean).
Core Program and Services
KCWA’s Kula Fire Restoration Project focuses on stabilizing soil, managing and removing invasive species, propagating and restoring with native plants, and managing erosion. Using mulch and assisted natural regeneration, the alliance protects vulnerable areas while coordinating efforts across all fire-affected properties. The Kula Fuels Reduction Project helps residents convert stands of fire-prone, invasive trees into shaded green breaks of native species—slowing fire spread and improving watershed function.
At the center of KCWA’s efforts is its Community Restoration Nursery and Tool Library, where native plants are grown for replanting and community members come together to learn and take part in wildfire mitigation. Built with support from the Maui Strong Fund of Hawai’i Community Foundation, the nursery includes two hoop houses, a workshop space, and a storage-office hub—with further expansion planned for 2025.
Impact and Results
In response to the 2023 wildfire that burned across more than 300 acres and destroyed 23 homes, KCWA quickly mobilized to stabilize burned slopes, engage and protect 71 landowners, and organize community recovery efforts. Eight acres of erosion-prone land were mulched in the first few months, and coordinated fencing, weed control, and seed propagation began within months.
KCWA has held over 150 public meetings, contributed to local and national wildfire recovery planning, and secured major grants. Accomplishments include a 2,800-square-foot nursery, removal of 56.5 acres of invasive wattle saplings and trees, and construction of a 1.5-mile fuel break protecting nearby neighborhoods. Support from local, state, and federal partners continues to strengthen these efforts.
Mahalo to Our Supporters
KCWA’s progress is made possible through partnerships and funding from:
-
Maui Strong Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation
-
U.S. Forest Service
-
State of Hawai‘i Department of Health – Surface Water Protection Branch
-
County of Maui
-
Hydro Flask Parks for All
KCWA also collaborates with Waiohuli Mana Foundation, Kamehameha Schools Maui, Pacific Biodiesel, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Skyline Hawai‘i, Haleakalā Biochar, and the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization to restore Kula’s lands and build a more resilient future.
Bryan Berkowitz Photo