Keiki Playground at Ho'oko Street Park - This project, begun in late October 2009, was completed and dedicated to the County on December 23, 2009. Hundreds of volunteers contributed thousands of hours and area business donated thousands of dollars worth of equipment, services and materials to make this playground a reality. What was once an empty field is now a wonderful play area for keiki from Waikoloa and beyond. Improvements included three pavilions for shade and family gatherings, a custom-designed and built replica of a fire truck, two sets of swings, a climbing tower, a monorail, tetherballs, a tire swing, a “Bing Boing” and a tube slide from the top of the hill above the playground into the playground itself. WVOC continues to raise funds to pay for this project. Contact the WVOC at 808-883-3362 or by e-mail for more information or to donate to this project. 

Dry Forest Recovery Project - – This “forever” project for WVOC is its most ambitious. With the blessing of the Waikoloa Village Association, WVOC has undertaken the stewardship of 275 acres within Waikoloa Village. This community-based effort will preserve and restore a very special and unique Wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicense) dry forest that is currently home to 13 endangered Uhiuhi (Caesalpinia kavaiense) trees and approximately 80 Wiliwili trees. There are fewer than 50 wild Uhiuhi remaining in the entire world.

Cost share grant programs provide reimbursement for volunteer time, labor, materials and equipment. As students, community work crews and visitors volunteer to clear invasive species, funds are being raised to fence the parcel. With fencing in place, planting of over 40 native dry forest species can begin. Future plans include nature trails and education programs. For more information about the Waikoloa Dry Forest Recovery Project, you can email the WVOC or call them at 808-883-3362.