The nalo meli maoli, or Hawaiian yellow-faced bee, is endemic to Hawaiʻi and vital to maintaining the health of our ecosystem. They are so tiny that they often go unnoticed. However their size makes them perfect for pollinating important Native Hawaiian plants such as the Naupaka kahakahi and ʻilima, which play a critical role in slowing the progression of shoreline erosion.
They make their nests in small spaces found in the holes of coral rubble and the hollow branches of naupaka plants. Due to habitat loss and invasive species, seven of the bee species are listed as endangered as of 2016.
When our organization started over 10 years ago, we spent the majority of our time cleaning up remnants leftover from bonfires - pallets, nails, and all kinds of rubbish. Not only was this dangerous and an eyesore, but it damaged the surrounding landscape, including nesting spaces for the bees.
One conversation at a time, we educated the public on the harm this was causing to the environment. With consistent presence in and maintenance of the area, there were fewer cleanups we had to conduct. We could then move on to the restoration phase, making room for Native Hawaiian plants to thrive, which in turn allows the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee a chance to survive.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources has created “bee hotels” - a safe space for bees to nest in along the coastline to supplement the places that have been damaged or removed. If you walk along the Kaiwi Coastline you will notice them standing tall above the naupaka, making it harder for predators to reach. Certain sections of the coastline have also been roped off, encouraging visitors to stay on the trail, which provides additional protection for the native plant and bee species.
The story of protecting the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee is a perfect case study of the 808 Cleanups mission. By keeping this area clean, removing invasive species, and helping Native Hawaiian plants to flourish, we are aiming for total ecosystem restoration. We hope you will come join us at a cleanup soon to help us maintain this precious space and do your part to protect the only native bees in Hawaiʻi!
