Following the example of the Hui Malama Citizens Patrol from Kalakaua Homes, 'Ewa Weed & Seed volunteers started their own "adopt-a-bus stop" campaign to reclaim and protect areas in their community from acts of vandalism.

Groups from Kalihi Baptist Church and the Kuhio Community Coalition and Youth Patrol, meanwhile, have been actively doing graffiti and trash cleanups in Kalihi and Kalihi Valley.

Their individual efforts are examples of the seeding aspect of the Weed & Seed strategy.

On Saturday, they'll be helping to kick off a bigger seeding initiative called "Neighborhood Kokua," which seeks a two-year commitment from groups to adopt pockets in their respective communities.

Melissa Chun, a program specialist for Parents and Children Together's Family Center Services who is helping coordinate Saturday's cleanup in Kalihi, said most people think of Weed & Seed only in terms of its increased policing efforts and harsher sentences.

"But many who live and work in Weed & Seed communities have learned the strategy is not just about weeding negative elements out," Chun said. "Weed & Seed involves much more extensive coordination to seed positive activities and support services that strengthen the community once it is cleaned up."

"Neighborhood Kokua" is being coordinated in three areas: Ala Moana/Sheridan, Kalihi/Kalihi Valley and 'Ewa.

"Each project area is coordinating something specific to address the neighborhood blight issues in their community," said Reina Miyamoto, a Central YMCA and Weed & Seed volunteer who is handling the Sheridan/Ala Moana effort and coordinating the entire project. "Taking ownership of an area and addressing issues as they arise ... builds that connection we're looking for in our communities to improve safety and reduce restoration problems."

Gale Braceros, who is coordinating the 'Ewa effort, added that the objective is to "facilitate community involvement and empower residents and businesses to take back their neighborhoods so healthy, safe living can flourish."

Saturday's "Neighborhood Kokua" projects will involve: