KAHULUI, Maui — A project aimed at restoring a wetland within Makena State Park will begin this month under a partnership between the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and a neighboring homeowners association.

The 3-acre pond is one of three wetlands within the South Maui park and is significant as a potential habitat for endangered Hawaiian coots and Hawaiian stilts. The birds have limited access to feed and nest on the pond because it is covered by a dense growth of kiawe trees.

Under a restoration plan proposed by the North Pu'u Ola'i Wetland Management Association, the kiawe will be removed at the pond and thinned out along the coastal dune. DLNR staff members have done initial archaeology surveys and will do more once the kiawe is removed.

The association was formed by adjoining landowners and will be assisted by community groups. Private financing will pay for maintenance.

Native vegetation will be planted along the edges of the pond to invite waterbirds, and a chain-link fence will help keep predators out.

The project will enhance views from the park, officials said, and signs will be installed offering information about the wetland and its avian visitors.

The effort is part of the state's Curator Program, a joint effort of the DLNR's Historic Preservation Division and Parks Division to encourage community involvement in the care and management of historic and cultural sites on state-owned properties. The state has 11 curator agreements across Hawai'i.