Block, a Hilo High sophomore, said, “What we have done here is very much in line with what Uncle Skibs does at Honolii and Hakalau, which is to malama aina. We are really happy to have this opportunity, do something positive and be able to give back.”
Bradda Skibs and surfers of the Pakalove Crew Youth Leadership Program headed mauka to the windward slope of Mauna Kea last fall for a service-learning adventure in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. This rain forest provides the largest habitat for Hawaiian forest birds on the island.
The project was coordinated by Basic Image Inc., a nonprofit founded by Skibs to malama i ka aina, or take care of the land.
Basic Image worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help reforest this unique refuge.
In addition to the Hakalau Forest work day, Basic Image volunteers have planted young trees and native plants at their adopted surf spots.
Pakalove youth leaders Nico Vincent, Zack Block and Ulu Napeahi said they enjoy helping out.
“I would have liked to spend more time there and plant even more trees,” said Napeahi, a junior at the Hawaii Academy of Art and Science. “I know that the plants and trees we planted will do well and we will be able to come back to see them in the future.”
Block, a Hilo High sophomore, said, “What we have done here is very much in line with what Uncle Skibs does at Honolii and Hakalau, which is to malama aina. We are really happy to have this opportunity, do something positive and be able to give back.”