COM 0687.060 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Goats were abundant in the makai portions of the property and relatively rare in the more forested mauka portions. Goats graze upon the existing vegetation, including seedling native plants or trees. Excluding goats from areas with native plants is important in restoring native habitat. It is assumed that introduced rats, mice and cats are present. The Cave Fauna Survey found five biologically significant caves (SHP sites 14338, 14368C, 143576, two segments of 14350). These caves had a deep cave zone environmental (perpetually dark, moist passage with stable air mass saturated with water vapor) that supported three obligate cave-inhabiting arthropod species. Four of the caves had evidence of traditional Hawaiian water catchment. All of those caves are to be preserved. In Hawaiian lava tube cave ecosystems, the main energy sources are plant roots, organic matter washed into caves with percolating groundwater and accidentals (surface and soil animals blundering into caves), living and dead roots are usually the most important component. The roots of the 'bhi'a lehua is the most important source of roots. The native shrubs 'a'ali'i and maipilo are important in drier habitats. Preserving the trees whose roots furnish water and nutrients is part of preserving the cave habitat. Of the 83 archaeological sites reviewed, preservation was recommended for 22 sites (SHP 14338, 14339, 14351, 14354, 14358, 14359, 14360, 14362, 14365, 14366, 14367, 14368, 14375, 23862, 23864, 23865, 23870, 23873, 23904, 23905, 23908, 23909). These sites include a variety of sites, temporary and permanent, habitation sites, a heiau, trail, temporary habitation ~ lava tube, temporary habitation platform, historic road bed, trails. Significant archaeological sites including historic trails, lava tubes and cave ecosystems will be preserved throughout the project site. Significant natural resources including the dryland forest area, endangered native Hawaiian tree species, and biologically significant caves will be preserved. These sites are shown on Exhibit A. Exceptional native trees identified in the botanical reconnaissance survey will be preserved to the extent possible. Native Hawaiian plant species will be used in landscaping and will be part of the resources made available for gathering activities and for use in interpretive programs developed in conjunction with the University of Hawaii. The project includes extensive open space areas, >umt~m~i~3wtcxMP~azre.~ostvosr~~t 12