Your support for healthy reefs was stronger than ever in 2023 and because of you, MNMRC was ready to take action when our island needed us the most.
From responding to the Lāhainā wildfire to pioneering new land care standards, steady progress was made from mauka to makai:
- 800,000+ Reef Images Captured After the Fire
- 41 Water Quality Monitoring Sites
- 8 New Survey Sites for Fish and Coral Health
- 63 School Buses Worth of Removed Sediment
- 18 New Reef-Friendly Landscaping (RFL) Test Plots
Using Drone and A.I. Technology to Survey Impacts from the Lāhainā Wildfire
There is no precedent for a wildfire so close to a living reef, and without enough historical data about reefs near the burn zone, it was to predict the impact the fire could have on nearshore environments.
MNMRC teamed up with Australian tech start-up Flying Fish Technologies (FFT) to fill this gap in knowledge by using an underwater drone to capture over 800,000 images of reefs near the burn zone. These images showed how healthy the reef was prior to toxic runoff from the wildfire entering the ocean and video footage from the sites were analyzed for fish and coral species, another indicator of reef health.
Hui O K Wai Ola added 4 new water quality testing sites in Lāhainā wildfire burn zone
Our community-based water-quality monitoring program Hui O Ka Wai Ola (HOKWO) was one of the first groups to test water conditions in the burn zone a few weeks after the wildfire. Prior to the this, the Hui monitored water quality at 3 locations in Lāhainā Town. With financial support from our generous community, we were able to quickly add 4 additional testing locations (Mala Tavern, Mala Ramp, Papalaua Street, and Lāhainā Harbor) in the burn zone, post-fire.
Established 8 new sites for reef health monitoring
MNMRC established 8 permanent coral reef and fish monitoring stations along the South Maui coast. These SCUBA surveys allow us to assess the reef’s current state and identify possible causes of reef degradation. Annual surveys at these stations will enable us to monitor changes over time and evaluate the impact of our efforts to improve conditions.
Removed 63 school buses worth of harmful sediment in North Kīhei
MNMRC removed the equivalent of 63 school buses of silt-laden sediment (2250 cubic yards) from Kūlanihāko‘i Gulch to alleviate reef-smothering brown water conditions in North Kīhei. Upstream we coordinated with local landowners to increase axis deer fencing to prevent further erosion and runoff, helping to protect human and environmental health.
Helped 18 properties begin using natural landscaping methods and developed Hawaiʻi’s first reef-friendly landscaping certification course
Thanks to our Reef-Friendly Landscaping (RFL) program, 18 new properties across Maui began converting to natural and reef-friendly methods, reducing the amount of excess nutrient and chemical waste in nearby coastal waters. We also created the first-ever Hawai‘i-focused RFL certification course taught by local experts.
Reef-Friendly Landscaping Sites & Test Plots 2023
Mākena Golf & Beach Club, Maluaka, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Honokeana Cove*, Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i**, Piilani Gardens, Kihei Shores, Manele Golf Course, Sensei Lāna‘i, Keālia Pond, Maui Banyan, Ledcor – Kai Malu Drive, Wailea Beach Resort, Kai Malu HOA, Kamalani Condominiums, Legend Farm, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Napili Shores Maui by Outrigger, Mahina Surf, Hale Royale Condominium, Montage Kapalua Bay
**Gold Certified, *Silver Certified
Financial Summary 2023
Combined statement of activities for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
In 2023, our income exceeded expenses, and we raised $1,115,325 for operations, enabling MNMRC to quickly respond in the aftermath of the Lāhainā wildfire as well as continue routine work to protect and enhance coral reefs in Maui Nui. The financial information shared here is from MNMRC’s audited May 09, 2024, consolidated financial statements.
Mahalo for your support!
We send our aloha and mahalo to each of you who believe as we do, that Maui truly is nō ka ʻoi (the best). This last year has proven to be a challenging time, testing our strength, unity, and ability to believe for a brighter future. While our island has suffered unimaginable loss, we are encouraged to see our community both near and far join together like never before.
We renew our passion for work that serves our island home and gives back to the place that sustains us and fills our lives with beauty. To live in or visit Maui is a privilege and a joy. We are committed to preserving our reefs so that joy can continue to live on for you and for our friends, families, and community.
