I Mua I Ke Ola
Urban & Community Forestry Recovery
for Fire-Affected Areas of Maui
I Mua I Ke Ola is a multi-year community forestry initiative led by Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program to support recovery in fire-affected areas of Maui. Working in partnership with communities and local organizations, the project helps identify needs and coordinates access to trees, arborist services, technical support, and resources that strengthen resilient, community-centered urban forests.
The ʻulu pictured below at Lāhainā Methodist Church survived the 2023 fire; it continues to provide shade, nourishment, and a living connection to the heritage of Lāhainā.
About the Project
I Mua I Ke Ola is a multi-year initiative led by Maui Nui Botanical Gardens to support post-fire recovery of community and urban forests in fire-impacted areas of Maui. Funded by the U.S. Forest Service Region 5 Urban and Community Forestry Program and implemented in partnership with the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), this project focuses on helping communities restore trees, canopy, and long-term urban forest health where it matters most.MNBG’s role in this work is to listen first. Working alongside residents, organizations, and ʻāina stewards, the project identifies strengths, gaps, and priorities across both physical landscapes and community capacity. Particular attention is given to highly valued public and community-serving spaces such as schools, parks, community centers, and heritage sites.I Mua I Ke Ola is being implemented in two connected phases, allowing community needs to guide how support is delivered over time. Based on community-identified priorities, support may include technical expertise, arborist services, plant materials, and related resources that strengthen long-term urban forest health. Throughout the project, MNBG works to coordinate resources responsibly, follow best management and biosecurity practices, and strengthen networks that support long-term stewardship.The name I Mua I Ke Ola, meaning “forward toward life,” reflects a shared commitment to moving ahead together by supporting the healing of both land and community as Maui works to restore resilient, healthy urban forests.
The photograph below shows restoration efforts underway in Kula Gulch under the leadership of Kula Watershed Alliance. The fenced kīpuka visible to the left supports erosion control, native seed-banking, and serves as an educational demonstration garden.
How the
Project Works
I Mua I Ke Ola is being implemented in two connected phases.Phase One: Listening, Mapping & Early Support
(Winter-Summer 2026)Phase One centers on outreach, site visits, and conversations with community members, organizations, and ʻāina stewards to understand local needs, existing efforts, and opportunities for coordination. During this time, we are offering:-Initial site visits and needs assessments-Educational workshops and technical trainings-Early stabilization support for surviving trees-Limited pilot distributions of trees and suppliesThese efforts ensure that support aligns with community priorities and existing recovery efforts.Phase Two: Supporting On-the-Ground Action
(Fall 2026-Spring 2028)Information gathered during Phase One guides the delivery of coordinated resources and technical assistance. Beginning in Fall 2026, the project will move into broader implementation, including:-Coordinated distribution of trees, soil amendments, and irrigation supplies-Contracted arborist and consultant services-Demonstration landscape development-Stewardship and maintenance supportNew partners may enter the process at any time throughout the project period.
Pōhinahina and pili grass pictured above were planted at Jodo Mission Temple following the 2023 fire, contributing to long-term canopy recovery and cultural landscape restoration in Lāhainā.Plantings were supported by Treecovery, the Kauluwehi Biocultural Garden at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, and Maui Rotary Clubs.
The mango tree pictured below at Old Lāhainā Prison survived the 2023 fire, reflecting the resilience of Maui’s landscape and community.
Who This is For
I Mua I Ke Ola is designed to support individuals and organizations caring for shared or community-serving lands in fire-impacted areas of Maui.This may include:
-Community organizations and nonprofit groups-Schools, parks, and other community-serving spaces-Land stewards and cultural practitioners-Residents and familiesEngagement is grounded in relationship-building and responsiveness to local context, recognizing that needs and capacities vary across communities.
What Support May Look Like
Support through I Mua I Ke Ola is guided by community-identified priorities and available resources.Depending on needs and project capacity, support may include:-Connecting communities to arborist services or technical expertise-Access to trees and planting materials-Guidance on species selection, planting, and long-term care-Support related to soil health, irrigation, or site preparation-Coordination with existing recovery, restoration, and stewardship effortsAll support is approached thoughtfully, with attention to best management practices, biosecurity considerations, and long-term stewardship.
Contact Us
Partner Support
I Mua I Ke Ola is funded by a grant from the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and by the Urban & Community Forestry Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Region 5, State and Private Forestry.Equal Opportunity Statement
USDA and Maui Nui Botanical Gardens are equal opportunity providers and employers.
