Much topsoil in Lana’i has been lost to grazing ungulates and replacement of native vegetation by invasive species. Sediment eroding from the landscape washes into coral reefs, clouding the water and settling onto the coral, blocking essential sunlight. Restoring the health of the topsoil and planting native vegetation is a critical way to restore the health of the entire watershed.

Locally produced biochar, as well as mycorrhizal and microbial amendments can restore health to degraded soils. Degraded soils tend to have very little organic matter and low pH. Soils with health restored and healthy native vegetation maintain themselves with resilience over time.

Re-planting these areas with native vegetation and using vegetative strategies traps sediment before it reaches the coastal environment. Holding healthy soils in place supports vegetative growth on the landscape, creates habitat, cleans water and air, and protects the coral reefs.

Sequestering soil within the terrestrial coastal deposit areas immediately reduces sediment transport into the marine and coral reef environment. The first early-action projects implemented here will sequester at least 10 -15 tons of sediment each year.