From Ashes to Renewal:
Healing Together.
Flames have reduced much of Lāhainā, the first capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, to ash. Hot enough to melt metal, the fire consumed homes, cars, and more, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment. These toxins are now threatening ʻāina (land that feeds), wai (water), human communities, and marine ecosystems. Contamination has already occurred, but immediate remediation can mitigate the aftermath. We must do so before it permeates further into our water sources, ocean, and soil. We advocate for bioremediation to avoid the negative consequences common of industrial solutions. Moving urgently, we, respective experts in the field, under the advisory of cultural practitioners and community leaders, have collaborated to present a comprehensive remediation plan featuring the following proven models as phases to address the post-fire contamination:
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Our Methods
Compost Tea/ Liquid Biological Soil Amendments: Liquid treatments with beneficial microorganisms enhance soil health in fire-affected areas. They increase microbial activity, break down contaminants, and promote soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, aiding ecosystem recovery.
Compost/ Solid Microbial Amendments: Bio-complete Compost, Biochar, and Bokashi: These amendments improve soil structure and microbial health. Compost provides nutrients, Biochar captures pollutants, and Bokashi adds beneficial microorganisms. Using them aids in pollutant breakdown and fosters new plant growth.
Fungi-Inoculated SiltSocks: Myco-Socks are mesh tubes filled with biomass & mushroom mycelium, which can uptake and neutralize various pollutants. They serve as living filters, purifying the water as it flows through them.
Plants/ Phytoremediation: Plants are used to extract pollutants from soil and water. Selected species absorb contaminants like heavy metals and organics, aiding breakdown through roots. Plants act as green buffers, curbing erosion and runoff, thus restoring soil and water quality.
