Come help remove false ‘awa (Piper auritum) from a stream bed in the Ahuimanu community of Kāne‘ohe on Oct. 11.

The project will run from 8 a..m to 3 p.m.

False ‘awa looks a little bit like true ‘awa, the traditional Hawaiian medicinal drink, but has a brighter green leaf with a red piko. False ‘awa is often mistaken as true ‘awa. It is currently being cultivated in gardens, agricultural fields, and yards by people who think they have true ‘awa.

False ‘awa is a garden pest. It grows and spreads vegetatively like a weed, out competes desirable plants like taro and has no medicinal properties.

Take along more water than you think you will need — at least 2 quarts. Bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, rain jacket, long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy walking shoes. No slippers! Pack a good hearty lunch because we will be working hard!

Meet at the Church of the Crossroads parking lot. Going mauka on University Avenue, take your first left after the King/University intersection onto Coyne St. Then take your first right onto Kaialiu Street. The parking lot is located on the right, just after the road curves.

RSVP by Thursday, Oct. 9 to Julia Parish at oisc@hawaii.edu or 286-4616.