COM 0267.000 2020-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cave Conservancy of Hawaii PO Box 7083 Ocean View, Hawaii 96737 Public Access,Open Space,and Natural Resources Preservation Commission County of Hawai'i Dear Chairman Kekaulike Tomich and Commissioners: A proposal for the maintenance of 3,128 acres of Kahuku Coastal PONC land in Ka'_u,Hawaii (TMK 3-9-2-01:75; Parcel Number 920010750000) We are grateful for the opportunity to submit a request for a Stewardship Grant for the preservation and maintenance of the Kahuku Coastal lands,also known as Kipuka Kanohina. The Cave Conservancy of Hawaii(CCH)is very familiar with this property, as it has informally served as steward for the past few years,since the majority of the CCH's protected properties lie adjacent to this tract. This land,the largest PONC property,represents a valuable piece of open space that preserves the wild character of Hawaii—the Hawaii that residents and tourists love to visit and enjoy. The land's elevation ranges from sea level to 720 feet,and the climate is dry. Because of its remote nature, its resources and character are still fairly intact,but,like many parts of our island,it is vulnerable to encroaching civilization effects. The Conservancy's vision for the property is to have it managed in a way that essentially preserves the unimproved character,preserves and protects the natural and cultural resources of interest to current and future generations,while giving access for the public to enjoy its many outdoor resources. The CCH believes that the primary interests for visitors to the property will be along the mile-long coastal section,where they can fish,camp,and hike,as well as swim, snorkel,and scuba dive. For the bulk of the property mauka of the coast,day hiking will likely be the most common activity. This property contains resources that not only support outdoor activities of the public, but may be of great interest to naturalists,and could become a field laboratory for researchers,as well as college and high school students. In order to make informed decisions about how to manage the property,a survey of its resources is necessary. These include the biological(floral and faunal),microbiological,culturai,mineralogical and topographic resources. Some of these may be of significant special interest to warrant special attention, additional research,and protection. The CCH intends to achieve two things with this initial grant request: 1) Continue controlling invasive plants for fire risk mitigation and native plant protection;and 2) Conduct a biological survey of lava tubes to assess the biology. It is with this vision for the Kahuka Coastal property in mind that the Cave Conservancy of Hawaii is applying for a Stewardship Grant. Sincerely, Tomislav Gracanin President Cave Conservancy of Hawaii