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managed grazing) and introduction of non-native plants and animals have displaced many of the historic plant and animal communities. Today,invasive grasses and shrubs and human-caused fire starts contribute to a cycle of hazardous wildfire conditions and increased post-burn conversion to non-native fire-promoting species.Despite the widespread alteration of native ecosystems,a few upland areas remain as habitat for rare,threatened,and endangered species and are protected. These mauka areas are less disturbed and contain abundant `ohia and koa forests,providing important habitat for native flora and fauna. Community Resources 3'4 Urban Centers Subdivisions and communities within the CWPP plan are spread widely throughout the area,and are serviced by two main urban centers,Na'alehu and Pahala. The town of Na'alehu boasts being the southernmost town in the United States.Its population is approximately 900. Na'alehu has a full complement of available utilities (except for sewers), electricity,phone,cable,and county water in many locations.Na'alehu has a post office,the district courthouse,a police station,a hardware store,credit union,real estate offices,a supermarket,a bar,a few restaurants,business offices,a dentist,an ambulance,an elementary school,a community center,and a park. The town lies in a region that provides some natural protection from Mauna Loa lava flows.Ranching operations are conducted in areas within and around Na'alehu.This area has more soil development than many other regions in Ka`u. Pahala is the only sizeable town between Na'alehu and Volcanoes National Park,a distance of about 38 miles.Population within Pahala is approximately 1,300. In the late 1800's,Pahala became the focal town of the northeastern side of the district of Ka`u.Pahala holds many of the area's community resources. This includes the Pahala Community Center and park,a swimming pool,Ka`u High School and Pahala Elementary School. There is a hospital with a 24-hour emergency room,fire station,bank,post office,video store,restaurant and three small markets. Pahala has electricity and telephone service,as well as cable television and high-speed broadbrand. There is County water distributed to most residences,which makes it one of the few towns in Ka`u that relies on municipal water rather than catchment and water hauling. Schools The State of Hawaii,Board of Education school complex area for Ka`u is the Ka`u-Kea`au- Pahoa Complex.The CWPP planning area includes Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary,Na'alehu Elementary and Intermediate School. Total enrollment in the 2009-2010 school year was 576 students at Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary.These two schools make up the second oldest public schools in the state of Hawaii. The Kapono building,still in use by Ka`u High School is the oldest public school building west of the Rocky Mountains.Total enrollment at Na'alehu Elementary and Intermediate for the 2009-2010 school year was 342 students. Park Facilities and Forest Reserves State Park facilities operated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)within the CWPP planning area include three marine facilities: Honu'apo Pier,Kaulana Ramp,and Punalu`u Harbor.The State also manages the Ka`u and Kapapala Forest Reserves. The County of Hawaii manages and owns facilities at Kahuku Park,Waiohinu Park,Na'alehu Park, 7