More than 100 volunteers are poised to participate in a salvinia molesta clean up effort geared at eradicating Kawainui Marsh in Kailua of the noxious weed on Saturday, Mar. 22, 2003 from 8 AM to 12 noon.

"We have received tremendous support battling this invasive species from the City and County, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Army Corps of Engineers, area schools, and the people of Windward Oahu. We're grateful that volunteers have come forward to battle this green monster," said Senator Bob Hogue (District 24 Kaneohe-Kailua-Maunawili).

Community leaders, city and state agencies, and residents worked quickly to organize a formal clean up effort. They say they didn't want to wait for the eradication of salvinia from Lake Wilson to be completed. Instead, they felt it was important to move ahead immediately in ridding the Marsh of the invasive plant before the situation reached epic proportions. Donations in the form of various equipment from local businesses such as Ace Hardware Hawaii in Kailua, Yamashiro Building Supply in Kaneohe, All Pool and Spa, URS Corp., Hawaiian Earth Products, Kalaheo Green Waste, Castle Medical Center, Kaneohe Ranch, Ameron Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu have greatly assisted the clean up effort.

Most of the invasive species are confined to drainage ditches along Kapa'a Quarry Road in the upper area of Kawainui Marsh, and along the levee on the lower side of the Marsh.

The volunteers will finish the effort started by the City and County by using equipment donated by various area businesses to clean up the bulk of the weed contained on both sides of the Marsh.

"We knew if we asked, the community would respond and we could really make a difference in removing the weeds. The response has been incredible! This clean up is a great opportunity for the community to come out and help protect and preserve this incredible resource. We encourage everyone to get involved in some way with the Marsh. Saturday is a really good way to make a difference," Kailua Neighborhood Board Chairwoman Kathy Bryant-Hunter said.

It's not too late to join the mobilization effort. Those interested in assisting the salvinia volunteer crew can contact Senator Hogue's office at 587-7215 or meet on Mar. 22 at the Hawaiian Earth Products Ltd. green waste facility along Kapaa Quarry Road at 8 AM.

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