GMAC 2023 4th Quarter Report (002)

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GMAC 2023 4th Quarter Report County of Hawai’i Game Management Advisory Commission 2023 4th Quarter Report to County Council Prepared by Commissioner Cortney Okumura, District 8 The County of Hawai’i Game Management Advisory Commission (“GMAC”) submits this Quarterly Report pursuant to Hawai’i County Charter, Section 6-9-3. October 17, 2023 Presentation: Kathleen Clark, Marine Stewardship Supervisor, The Kohala Center, “A Story of Hope: Cauliflower Coral Recovery at Kahaluʻu Bay.” Synopsis: Corals on the reef provide coastal protection from wave energy, and having a structurally intact reef helps provide structure for and complexity for new fish to settle - larval settlement for any number of different invertebrates, and is a really important part of the whole reef ecosystem. Up until 2015, cauliflower coral colonies were abundant in Kahaluʻu Bay, when the bay experienced a big thermal stress event, also known as bleaching, which resulted in a loss of about 90% of the species. Shutting down the park annually during coral spawning has allowed for the colonies to return and recover. They have also worked to educate the public about the dangers to the reef of using chemical sunscreens, and provide reef-safe mineral sunscreen in dispensers onsite. Discussion and Decision Making: ● Commissioners discussed capital improvement plans for Wailoa Small Boat Harbor, presented by Commissioner Duerr. November 21, 2023 Presentation: Jake Merkel, Kohala Watershed Field Supervisor, The Kohala Center, presenting on “‘Eke Project: Protecting and Sustaining Source Waters of Kohala.” Synopsis: The ‘Eke Project is taking place mauka of Kohala Mountain Road on Queen Emma Land Company Property. It is directly adjacent to a hunting area and also Parker Ranch land. The goals of the project are to protect one of the highest quality leeward cloud forests of Kohala through removal of invasive species, including Himalayan ginger and pigs, and also monitor the change and secure a clean water source. They are trying to involve and work with the local hunting community for guidance as to how to remove the pigs.