Saving Puakō Reef

09/05/2025

Happy International Day of Charity! 🌟

Today, on this global day of giving, we pause to reflect on the power of community action in preserving the vibrant coral reefs of Puakō that sustain marine life, culture, and coastal harmony.

At Puakō for Reefs, we are committed to safeguarding this precious reef for future generations. One of our central efforts involves transitioning the community to a full, reef‑friendly sewer system to keep harmful nutrients out of our waters and restore reef resilience.

How You Can Make a Difference Today:
👉Donate to support our reef restoration initiatives
👉Volunteer your time and skills to help us protect Puakō’s reef for generations to come

Learn more about donating or volunteering here: https://puako4reefs.org/donate/

09/03/2025

Another way to help save our oceans - Choose marine tourism that protects our oceans! When booking ocean adventures, support responsible operators—ones that educate guests and minimize their impact on marine life. 🌊🐠

Encourage your friends, family, and visitors to do the same! Together, we can enjoy the beauty of the ocean while keeping it safe for future generations. 🌎✨

08/30/2025

🤝 Culture Meets Science: Coral Conservation in Hawaiʻi

A groundbreaking study by ASU, Stanford, and the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program underscores the power of collaboration—melding Indigenous knowledge with Western science. Traditional wisdom about coral spawning combined with aerial remote sensing has helped map how coral populations connect along the coastline.

The result? Better strategies to protect both established reefs and critical nurseries.
Together, we’re charting a more resilient future for our reefs.

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/3Jr9gwF

08/27/2025

🐠🌊 Take only what you need! When fishing, catch only what you can eat fresh—no freezing. Every fish you take today impacts future generations of marine life. By being mindful, we help keep our reefs thriving and our fish populations healthy for years to come.

Let’s fish responsibly and protect our oceans for the future! 💙🐟

08/24/2025

Check Out This ASU Study: Protecting Coral Nurseries Matters as Much as Established Reefs

ASU scientists have revealed that safeguarding “coral nurseries”—the spots where coral larvae settle—is just as vital as protecting mature coral colonies. Their research near Miloliʻi on Hawaiʻi Island shows that the survival of coral keiki (larvae) depends heavily on nearshore currents and reef structures like large boulders and uneven surfaces. These features help larvae settle and thrive.

Using the Global Airborne Observatory, researchers can now map these key underwater habitats to prioritize restoration efforts.

This marks a turning point in reef conservation!

Read the article here:

When imagining corals, the picture that comes to mind is usually a stationary one: a garden of rock-like structures covering sections of the ocean floor.Reef conservation efforts typically focus on preserving established coral and protecting them from known stressors such as pollution, overfishing a...

08/23/2025

💚 Small swaps, big impact! 🌊✨ Did you know your choice of soap can help protect our reefs?

✅ Choose biodegradable bar soap—it’s low-waste, eco-friendly, and avoids plastic packaging.

🚫 Avoid phosphorus and triclocarban—these chemicals leach into groundwater and harm marine life.

👕 For laundry, go phosphate-free! Try laundry sheets with no plastic packaging.

⚠️ Skip the bleach—gentler options are just as effective without the environmental harm.

Every choice matters! Let’s keep our oceans clean and our reefs thriving. 💙🌎

08/19/2025

☀️🌊 Protect your skin and the ocean! When enjoying the sun, choose reef-safe sun protection! 🏖️💙

👒 Wear hats, rash guards, and swim shirts for extra coverage.
🌿 If you need sunscreen, go for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-based products.
🚫 Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate, and other UV-absorbing chemicals that can harm coral reefs.

Small choices make a big impact! Let’s keep our oceans healthy for future generations. 🌎

08/13/2025

🌺 Mahalo Nui, John & Marie!

A huge mahalo to John and Marie, founding members of the Puakō for Reefs team. From launching the nonprofit to establishing strong financial and community engagement practices, their leadership has shaped the foundation of our work.

They also helped connect us with key financial and legal partners, setting us up for long-term success.

We’re deeply grateful for your dedication, time, and aloha. 💙🌊

08/11/2025

Our Path to Reef Recovery: A Full Sewer System 🌊

Studies show that coral reef ecosystems have a better chance of survival—even in warming oceans—when local human impacts from land and sea are reduced. In Puakō, experts agree that the most effective way to remove harmful nutrients from wastewater is by transitioning the community to a full sewer system.

Since late 2022, Puakō for Reefs volunteers have been diligently researching the feasibility of a reef-friendly sewer solution. We’re now exploring four primary cost areas involved in bringing this project to life:
1. Construction of the collection system
2. Home hardware, each property will need a tank and a pump
3. Operations fees to the County to maintain the collection system
4. Operations fees for treatment services

Our goal is to estimate the monthly cost to homeowners for each part of the project. Follow along to learn how engineering, science, and policy experts are paving the way to a cleaner Puakō Reef. 💙

08/09/2025

💧 Every drop counts! Did you know that using less water helps protect our oceans and coral reefs?

Even treated water eventually flows back into groundwater and the sea, impacting marine life. 🐠🌿

By shortening showers, fixing leaks, and turning off taps when not in use, you’re doing your part to keep our reefs healthy and thriving!

Let’s work together to protect our planet, one drop at a time. 💙 🌎

08/07/2025

🌊 Puakō Reef is in Crisis. But Together, We Can Help It Come Back.

Our once-vibrant reef is now a barren moonscape—choked by wastewater pollution and struggling to recover from past bleaching.

In 2025, we’re taking bold, community-driven action:
✅ Deepen community engagement and education
✅ Work with legal, engineering, and finance teams to establish a sewer solution
✅ Collaborate with County officials and American Waters to move the project forward

These efforts are focused on restoring Puakō’s reef and protecting marine life for future generations.

Want to stay connected and be part of the journey? Follow our page for updates, progress, and ways to get involved. 💙