The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0315.016 2020-2022 1 I t i � vb ya �, awaN WildlifeFunJ f sf Ll� 5 �,r / eleLrafin� �� years o{ protecting I�awai`i's native wil,�li�e tkrou-h research,tducation and conservation. 18 July 2021 Re: Hawaii County Resolution 161-21 (PONC land acquisition of multiple parcels in Kiolaka'a and Wai'oma'o, in Ka'u-TMKs: (3) 9-4-001: 008, 009, 016, 017, AND 023). Aloha Finance Committee members, Hawaii Wildlife Fund supports the Hawai'i County Resolution 161-21 introduced by Councilwoman David to use POMC funds to acquire multiple contiguous properties in Ka'u. HWF supports Ala Kahakai Trail Association's efforts to purchase and protect Kiolaka'a lands in Ka'u, Hawai'i Island using both State Legacy Land Funds and County Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund. Ala Kahakai Trail Association's mission is to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those i who carne before and perpetuates for those to follow—with protocols and respect for Hawai'i's past, present and future. These Kiolaka'a parcels include roughly 1,841 acres of land located just south of Wai`ohinu town (and the Ka'u Forest Reserve—Kamilo coastal section)that provides a wealth of natural and cultural resources to the Ka'u community (both in days of old and currently), and home to countless species of wildlife in multiple native ecosystem types. It lies in the middle of a 17 mile stretch of coastline that extends from Ka Lae (South Point)to Pohina Pali (Honu'apo), an area that is rich with dozens of coastal strand and dry forest plant species, including several rare and endangered species. There are relatively few places that exist in Hawaii today that can boast such a diverse coastal plant community, as many of the other areas that were once abundant in native flora are now covered with concrete, condos, and private houses. Further,this area is within a roughly 80 mile stretch of coastline that runs from Miloli'i (South Kona) into j f the backcountry of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park(Puna)that has little to no coastal development. Due to its isolation and surrounding lava flows,this region has become a haven for native plants and animals alike, amidst a tapestry of archeological sites that reveal a long and storied history,with deep cultural significance. __.w._. ._._ __._._... .__m.. WWW wrilc�hawait.or�' ____.____ ®__.mss .n.. o..._�.. �. _.. Ref. o: Ref. Date JUL 2 2021 3 I a I In addition,this parcel is home to the Kapenako anchialine pool complex (and spring) that provided fresh drinking water to past residents, and continues to provide a home for two native pool shrimp, including the endemic'opae Va. Anchialine pools are unique brackish water ecosystems that are relatively rare worldwide but common on Hawaii Island. These coastal pools (or ponds) are close to the ocean but 3 connected through underground lava tubes,tunnels, cracks and crevices, and they fluctuate with the tide. Statewide these ecosystems provide habitat for native microbial communities, eight pool shrimp, plus a rare crab and eel species (at least four of which are endangered), and provide a consistent food and water source for endangered bats, breeding damselflies, resident waterbirds and visiting seabirds. Looking seaward, a wealth of marine resources are known to frequent the nearshore waters of Ka'alu'alu Bay. This area continues to provide an important fishing ground for Ka'u community members who practice lawai'a pono and are intimately familiar with their resources. The ocean has long been considered an ice box for generations of residents here, and is a source of subsistence and spiritual connection for many. It frustrates local residents when people come from elsewhere to take resources I from this area that they are not familiar with. Protecting these lands will ensure that this coastal parcel is protected for future generations of Hawaii residents,versus being sold by current Las Vegas landowner to the highest bidder. Hawai'i is home to over 680 fish species and about 25%of which are only found here. Ka'alu'alu is abundant with schools of surgeonfishes, and the inside bay is full of the keiki and 'opio fishes(uhu, hinalea, mamo)that have yet to grow up and reproduce themselves. In the recent past this bay was also a thriving loko i'a or fishpond, and you can still see evidence of trails leading between the Kapenako spring and the pool and rock walls from that period of time. Today, both within the bay and beyond, tiger sharks and white-tips are not uncommon, and also carry great importance to the Hawaiian culture and ecologically. Twenty-five different species of dolphins and whales are known to frequent these waters, and this place is often visited by naia (Hawaiian spinner dolphins) and seasonally by Humpback whales. Its tidepools provide a wealth of resources that were (and are still) collected by local shoreline users including limu, pipipi and other shelled critters, pa'akai (salt), plus small amounts of floating debris from coconuts to driftwood logs, plastic crates to microplastics,that have travelled along the Hala'ea current from the neighboring lands of Puna, or from afar from across the Pacific. This area is also influenced by the Kawili current that travels southward down West Hawaii and will sometimes rounds the point toward Kiolaka'a. The oceans connect us and many currents converge in this region that we now must come together to protect. On behalf of our small (but mighty)team at Hawaii Wildlife Fund,we are in full support of the proposed land acquisition by Ala Kahakai Trails Association (with support from Trust for Public Lands) and the protection of Kiolaka'a in perpetuity, and will be there to offer kokua for future stewardship efforts in this area as we have been supporting the adjacent property at Wai'ohinu for the past 20 years. Please use your vote on the Finance Committee to move this Resolution 161-21 forward to the full Hawai'i County Council. _._ . . _.__._..__..... WWW w11dAawait ofg Hawai'i Wildlife Fund (HWF) is a small nonprofit organization that has been working to conserve native species in Hawaii since 1996. During that time,we have been involved in research, education, restoration and advocacy projects related to marine debris, Hawaiian sea turtles, community-based management, environmental education, anchialine pool restoration, and more. We have also recovered over 350 tons (700,000 lbs.) of marine debris from the coastlines of Hawai'i Island, Maui, Midway, and Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) with the help of thousands of community volunteers,the majority of which (290+tons) was recovered from the Ka'u coastline. We hope that this purchase by the Ala Kahakai Trails Association (ATA) and proposed Conservation Easement held by the County will both help protect native plant and animal species, and the archeological history (and continued cultural use) of the area now and into the future. We look forward to working more with the ATR to expand the capacity of our small conservation organization (and other local NGOs like The Nature Conservancy, Ka 'Ghana 0 Honu'apo, Ho'omalu Ka'u, 0 Ka'O Kakou and more), with support and collaboration with nearby land owners including Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Kamehameha Schools,to forever protect these lands at Kiolaka'a. Funding this acquisition would help ensure the Ka'u community's long-standing goal of protecting the beloved 80 miles of coastline to continue the rural lifestyle, culture, and support native habitats and wildlife. Access to the coastline is important for this community which relies on subsistence fishing, farming, and gathering. Supporting Resolution 161-21 will allow for these practices to continue into the future. Conserving this landscape will perpetuate cultural access for descendants and recreational access for travelers along the ancient trail allowing all to walk in the footsteps of Ka'u's ancestors. I Please let us know if you have any additional questions about this letter of support for Kiolaka'a. I Sincerely, Megan R. Lamson, M.S. William "Bill" Gilmartin Board President& Hawaii Program Director Co-founder&Director of Research, Emeritus j meg.hwf@gmail.com bill.hwf@gmail.com i i i ----------_ .. ._._.._ ......_.. www.wildbawail Ori ffill .i'�fi' t-� i i SI i 1 it i s� . __....... ._._... ........ ... ................... www wildbawall org