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The plateau and Pali coastal native plant system is approximately 4 k long, <br />running from Kaimu village to Kehena Beach. Important endemic species are <br />Akia, Uulei, kookoolau, 'lima, Pukiawe, ohia, amau, etc. A portion of the <br />eastern part of said property that includes this coastal plant zone was <br />bulldozed and protected plants were destroyed. <br />The highlight of this property by far in my native Hawaiian eyes, was its <br />ancestral fully intact Milo Forest (Thespia populnea). Diameters of 16-30 <br />inches were not uncommon at this site. Tom Piko, native master carver <br />estimates this groves age to be over200 years old. This entire grove was <br />unceremoniously chain sawed to the ground and pushed by machinery into 4- <br />8 massive piles of crushed logs, limbs roots and canopy. <br />Good Stewardship of special sites (Wahi Pana) are essential when <br />ownership is to take place. The entire destruction of this forest site within the <br />State Coastal zone Management area points fault at the Real Estate broker, <br />equipment operator, arborist, as well as the new owners. <br />This destruction is a blow to the entire Island community as the largest <br />intact natural Milo Forest in East Hawaii Island was destroyed maliciously. The <br />civil Beat is aware of this folly and are planning on a future article bringing this <br />damage of a rare natural site to the attention of the entire state and nation. <br />Poor stewardship by the owners tells me that despite the $250,000.00 <br />state fine, they have nothing to stop them (now that the forest no longer exists) <br />from doing a money grab, while 3-5 generations will have to wait for the <br />regrowth of this forest. <br />State Laws Land developers will continue to violate DLNR laws and <br />regulations when profits can pay for state fines and more. An example must <br />be made to discourage these type actions. <br />The donation and legal release of the entire said property by new owners is not <br />unreasonable for their willful destruction of sacred space. A nonprofit such as <br />Malama o Puna could lead stewardship. At the very least set more fines for <br />damaging the ancient Puna Coastal trail and destruction of the endemic plant <br />