Hele mua 2025 january to july recap

Wow! Can you believe 2025 is half way done already? Here at Hele Mua, we have been working hard to expand our impact, and let us give you a recap on what we have been working on this past 6 months!

Clean up with Waipahu Intermediate School

In March, we teamed up with Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i, Prince Waikiki, Hotel Emporium, and Parley for the Oceans to lead a cleanup with nearly 100 students from Waipahu Intermediate School.
Students learned about microplastic pollution and how hospitality can play a role in sustainability. It was an incredible day of learning, sustainability, and kuleana.

Cooper’s Clean up in Makiki

In May, we officially adopted Wilder Avenue in Makiki through the City & County’s Adopt-A-Block program. Volunteers removed litter and learned about the area’s cultural and geological history, making it more than just a cleanup — it was a moment of connection to place.

Hele Mua Receives First Grant!

We’re proud to share that we received our first-ever grant from The Pollination Project. The funds are being used to upgrade our Huli Sifter, which you’ll get to see in action if you attend our next event!

Looking Ahead: Building for the Future

We’re working to grow our impact by:

Designing better signage and event experiences.

Improving our sifting tools.

Creating a portable upcycling station so participants can turn marine debris into something new, and learn the process of upcycling firsthand.

Your support — whether by showing up, sharing, or donating — helps move Hawaiʻi forward.

Mahalo for being part of our community.

Together, we’re showing what regenerative tourism and local stewardship can really look like.

Mahalo Nui Loa,

Jared Matsuki

Executive Director, Hele Mua