HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0349.444 2006-2008 2~
Report to the Twenty-Fourth Legislature
2007 Regular Session
from
The South Kona - Ka'n Coastal Conservation Task Force
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Prepared by
State of Hawaii
Department of Land and Natural Resources
In Response to
House Concurrent Resolution No. 5, House Draft 1, Senate Draft 1
2005 Regular Session
Honolulu, Hawaii
a December 2006
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This report is dedicated to Jimmyleen Keolalani "Keola" Hanoa, July 5, 1960 -March 13, 2006.
Keola was born and raised in Ka'u and was a kumu (teacher) to na kamali'i (the children) and people
from around the world, sharing the importance of restoring and protecting the 'aina, culture heritage,
and traditional lifestyle of Ka'u. Living at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach where she grew up, Keola
devoted her life to protecting the sacred historic and cultural sites and critical habitats of the honu ea
(hawksbill turtles).
In 1990, Keola established the Kukulu Kumuhana 'OKa'v Learning Center at Punalu'u and for more
than 16 years, provided cultural and environmental education programs to students using traditional
hawaiian teaching practices. The native endangered species in their habitats became educational
tools and the surrounding environment, a living classroom.
Keola and her mother, Kupuna Pele Hanoa founded Punalu'u Preservation which in 2004, expanded
to become Ka'u Preservation. Keola dedicated her life and her teachings to the preservation of
Punalu'u as a cultural resource and educational center. In her efforts to achieve this goal, the South
Kona - Ka'u Coastal Conservation Task Force was created.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ..........................................................................................1
I. Purpose of House Concurrent Resolution No. 5, S.D.1, H.D.1 ...............................3
II. Description of the Area .................................................................................5
A. Regional Context .....................................................................................5
B. Project Area ...............................................................................................7
1. Marine Resources ...................................................................................7
Z. Flora and Fauna ......................................................................................5
3. Cultural Resources ...............................................................................5
4. Recreational and Scenic Resources ..........................................................9
III. Methodology ..............................................................................................11
A. Establishment of Working Groups ..............................................................11
B. Identifications of Areas that Should be Protected ...........................................12
1. Area I: Southern Boundary of Hawai'I Volcanoes National Park to
Honu'apo ............................................................................................12
2. Area II: Honu'apo to Eastern side of Ka'alu'alu Bay .................................14
3. Area III: Ka'alu'alu Bay to Pali o Kulani ..................................................16
4. Area IV: Pali o Kulani to Manuka ...........................................................17
C. Proposed Future Uses and Limitations .........................................................19
D. Mechanisms to Protect and Manage Identified Areas .....................................19
E. Funding Sources ......................................................................................20
IV. Task Force Recommendations ........................................................................21
V. Bibliography ..............................................................................................23
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Figure 1. Project Area Map
Figure 2. Area I: Southern boundary of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to
Honu'apo
Figure 3. Area II: Honu'apo to eastern side of Ka'alu'alu Bay
Figure 4. Area III: Ka'alu'alu Bay to Pali o Kulani
Figure 5. Area IV: Pali o Kulani to Manuka
Appendix A: The South Kona - Ka'u Coastal Conservation Task Force Members
Appendix B: House Concurrent Resolution No. 5, H.D.1, S.D.1, Requesting the
Department of Land and Natural Resources' Division of State Parks to
Establish a South Kona - Ka'n Coastal Conservation Task Force, Adopted
by the Twenty-Third Legislature, State of Hawaii, 2005.
Appendix C: Task Force Letter dated May 1, 2006 to Governor Lingle for a
"quiet" period of non-approval of subdivision or major development in
the project area.
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Appendix D: Governor Lingle's response to the Task Force dated June 28, 2006.
Appendix E: Ka`u Preservation Punalu'u Impact Study and Punalu'u Survey, March
26, 2006 - Apri124, 2006.
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Executive Summary
~ The South Kona - Ka'u Coastal Conservation Task Force was established by the adoption of House
Concurrent Resolution (HCR) No. 5 House Draft (HDl), Senate Draft (SD1) (HCR 5 HDl SDl) of the
Twenty-Third Legislature in 2005. HCR 5 requested the Department of Land and Natural Resources
(DLNR), Division of State Parks to bring together a diverse and broad group of area stakeholders.
The stakeholders are community-based full-time and part-time residents from the four main
communities in the district of Ka'u (Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Pahala, Na`alehu and
Hawaiian Ocean View Estates) as well as the mainland. These dedicated individuals are a scholarly
kupuna, cultural practitioners, community resource individuals, large landowners, farmers,
governmental agency (s) representatives (County, State, and Federal), nonprofit conservation
organizations, a nonprofit economic development administrator, and educational -agricultural and
conservation -resort land managers (Appendix A).
HCR 5 was a direct result of the Ka'u populous, preservationists and the broader public's outcry for a
solution (s) to protect, preserve, conserve and restore (if feasible) the Ka'u and South Kona coastal
districts. Thus, the purpose of the Task Force was "to review, analyze, and report to the legislature
on the impacts being made on the fragile and historically essential coastal lands and near shore
marine areas of South Kona and Ka'u...and to identify issues and solutions...".
The acknowledged region represents the largest area of natural and undeveloped shoreline in the
State of Hawaii. This coast stretches approximately 80 miles from the southern boundary of Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park to Miloli'i in South Kona and is largely pristine, unspoiled, uninhabited, and
undeveloped. The area is a source for recreation and subsistence for local residents and is the likely
landing point of the first Polynesians to reach Hawaii. Well-preserved cultural and historic sites still
dominate these shores.
The South Kona - Ka'u coast is a treasure trove of Hawai i s unique and endangered species. Eighty
to ninety percent of the Hawaiian honu'ea (hawksbill sea turtles, Eretmoche/ys imbricata)nest on the
Ka'u Coast, and the honu (green turtles, Che%nia mydas) are found in the water all along the Ka'u-
South Kona Coast and can be seen daily resting on the shore at several sites. Furthermore, the most
critically endangered marine mammal in the United States today, the Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus
schauins/ancti), are being seen more often on the remote Kau Coast, with a birth at Kamilo Point in
2001. Despite protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act (1973), Marine Mammal
Protection Act (1972) and State of Hawaii Wildlife Policy, Chapter 195D, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
only 1,300 to 1,400 monk seals are known to exist today. The rapid decline in the monk seal
population is primarily due to human activities, interactions with fisheries, shark predation, and prey
limitation.
In addition to this report, the Task Force accomplished other important steps in the past year. These
include involvement in the recent successful National Park Service reconnaissance survey that found
that the South Kona - Ka'u area likely contains resources of national importance. The Task Force also
called upon Governor Linda Lingle and County of Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim to implement a "quiet
period" where subdivision and development in the area would be paused until the Task Force could
issue its policy recommendations in this report.
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_ The Task Force believes that the cleazest path to protection of the chazacter and culture of the South
~ Kona - Ka'~i coastline is through implementation of specific recommendations that were endorsed by
a majority of the members voting. It should be noted that because of the diversity of backgrounds
and interests of the Task Force, general agreement could not be obtained for all of the
recommendations. Some were strongly objected to and although two additional meetings were held
to see if the differences could be worked out, consensus could not be reached.
A summary of the full list of recommendations is provided below:
• The legislative creation of a special conservation zone called the "Ka'u Coastal Protection
Trust" that extends from the southern boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the
ahupua'a of Manuka from the shoreline inland for 1.5 miles and from the shoreline out into
the ocean a distance that would be determined by the boundaries of specific Marine Life
Conservation Districts (MLCDs), Fishery Restricted Areas (FBAs), Marine Protected Areas
(MPAs), active and historical Koa, and any other new or historical marine managed area
along the Kati Coast. This area would bring greater scrutiny to potential development but
also greater financial benefits to landownena who voluntarily cooperate with preservation
goals. For example, the Task Force calls for state legislation to be enacted to allow
additional tax deductions to private landowners in the area who donate their land within
specified times to the Trust. Additionally, the State--in conjunction with the County of
Hawaii, the federal government, and interested private parties-are to develop financial
plans and set aside distinct funding sources for the purchase of private lands in the Trust
azea, should landowners be interested in selling to the Trust.
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• Legislative authorization and funding for the formation of a South Hawaii Fisheries
Management Council (incorporating all districts of northern -southern Kohala and Kona,
to the Kati boundary of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), allowing the establishment
of a council that is similar in organization and composition as the West Hawaii Fisheries
Management Council, to protect and conserve coastal resources in partnership with the
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
• The creation of an advisory board comprised of 7 members who are Ka'u Kupuna,
landowners, land managers or residents who shall advise and recommend action to DLNR
and/or the Planning Department of the County of Hawaii on any land use requests that
involves development and subdivisions in areas identified to be protected.
• Establishment of a "No-Development" setback line from the coast to protect resources,
subject to changes where preservation corridors maybe enhanced by the development.
Such development within the setback that is allowable shall include an integrated resource
management plan and a perpetual preservation corridor, with infrastructure that is
supported with allocations from the common area charges assessed against property
developed along the coastline and areas mauka.
I. Purpose of HCR 5 HDS SD1
The Twenty-Third Legislature of the State of Hawaii adopted HCR 5 HDl SDl (Appendix B). The
concurrent resolution requested DLNR's Division of State Pazks (State Pazks) to establish a South
Kona - Ka'i3 Coastal Conservation Task Force (Task Force) to review and analyze the impacts being
made on the fragile and historically essential coastal lands and nearshore marine azeas of South Kona
and Ka'Fi. HCR 5 HDl SDl directed the Task Force to:
• Identify those coastal lands and near shore marine areas that have environmental, cultural
and recreational values in need of protection;
• Identify mechanisms and sources of funding for the protection and management of such
resources;
• Propose future uses and limitations in the identified areas that permit minimal man-made
structures, manage activities that may degrade or deplete resources, and avoids the
hazazds from potential volcanic activities and lava flows;
• Propose measures for the protection of marine animals, such as monk seals and green sea
and hawksbill turtles, and their nesting and habitation areas; and
• Seek funding from the private sector, via grants and contributions to support the activities
of the paztnership.
HCR 5 HDl SDl also requested that the Task Force submit a report, including proposed legislation, to
the Legislature on the activities and progress of the Task Force, including azeas identified for
protection and strategies to achieve protection. Further, the concurrent resolution called for the Task
Force to cease to exist on the last day of the Regular Session of the 2007 Legislature.
October 2005 began the regulaz monthly meetings of the Task Force, excluding the month of
December. All meetings were "open" to the public and held at the Pahala Community Center in
Ka'u.
At the initial meeting, members introduced themselves, shazed their community association
affiliation, and stated their vision of Ka'u relative to the objectives outlined in HCR 5 HDl SDl. By
the second meeting, the Task Force elected "Auntie" Pele Hanoa as its Chair.
In February 2006, Carne Kuwada-Phipps, a trained facilitator with the Department of Research and
Development, County of Hawaii, was engaged to assist the Task Force in focusing the discussions on
the duties set forth in the concurrent resolution.
One of the first things that the Task Force needed was to define their operating principles. These
principles set the parameters for every meeting with respect to how people communicate and how
decisions are made. The members were asked to talk about the values that are important to them so
that the Task Force could develop a foundation for which there would be trust and respect for each
+wr other's ideas and interests. Facilitation of all subsequent meetings enabled the Task Force to
concentrate their efforts on the tasks that needed to be accomplished.
Adopted at the Apri12006 meeting was the Task Force's mission statement:
"We seek to preserve open space and the unique lifestyle and history of Ka'Fi for current
and future generations utilizing the values of: Pono (fairness), Ho'owaiwai (enrichment),
and Malama'Aina (care for the land).
Collectively, we will pmvide specific recommendations that will help preserve and
protect the cultural, biological, and spiritual values that makes Ka'fl, Ka"u."
Concurrent to the Creation of the Task Force, in Mazch 2005, Congressman Ed Case was
corresponding with the National Pazk Service (NPS) to perform a reconnaissance survey of
approximately 80 miles of the Ka'Fi coastline. The purpose for the study was to evaluate the resources
to determine whether it should be included in the National Park System.
In his letter to the NPS, Congressman Case stated, "The Ka'u coastline presents a rare opportunity to
preserve and protect an entire coastal system of a unique natural, scenic, historical, cultural and
ecosystem combination found nowhere else in our world. It is also under tremendous development
pressure, and these resources will in all likelihood be lost if we don't move to protect them soon".
In responding to the Congressman, Frank Hays, Pacific Area Director, NPS, informed him that he
himself would partidpate as a member of the Task Force and that the NPS would complete a
reconnaissance survey upon a Task Force recommendation to do so.
The Task Force approved having DLNR send a letter to the NPS endorsing the reconnaissance survey
and offered to assist with this vital and promising effort. (*Note: The reconnaissance survey azea was
adjusted to include the azea from Kapao'o Point at the boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Pazk
southwest to Kahilipali Point. The mauka boundary follows the Mamalahoa Highway and includes
23 miles of coastline. The NPS is planning to submit the reconnaissance survey to Representative
Case in eazly October 2006.)
One of the issues raised during earlier meetings of the Task Force was whether the State and County
would approve development proposals while the Task Force was studying the azea. After many
discussions, a majority of the Task Force members voted that the primary goal of the Task Force was
to preserve and protect the natural, cultural, environmental, and recreational resources in South Kona
- Ka'u and to ensure that there would be mechanisms available for their protection. For this purpose,
the Task Force sent a letter to Governor Lingle in May 2006 asking for her support in causing a "quiet
period" of at least 1 yeaz so that "no" subdivision and "no" development proposals were to be
approved in the coastal azea extending from the southern boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park to Milolii and up to 1.5 miles inland. The "quiet period" would allow the Task Force time to
complete its studies (Appendix C).
An affirmative response from Governor Lingle was received. She said she would suggest to Peter
Young, Chairperson of DLNR to scrutinize applications for land uses in the Conservation District and
that he is to inform the Task Force of these applications. In addition, Governor Lingle said she would
provide a copy of the letter to Mayor Kim and Council Chairperson Stacy Higa suggesting that
"r" Special Management Area permit applications for land uses in the Agricultural District are also to be
closely scrutinized (Appendix D).
Special Management Area permit applications for land uses in the Agricultural District are also to be
closely scrutinized (Appendix D).
II. Description of the Area
A. Regional Context '
Hawai i Island is the second most populated island in the State and the fastest-growing with an
estimated 167,000 residents in 2005. According to statistics collected by the Department of Business,
Economic Development, & Tourism, most of the new residents to Hawaii Island are from the United
States mainland and the other islands. Experts predict that this growth will continue and the
population will reach more than 217,000 by the year 2020.
The district of Ka'u is located on the southeast side of the Island of Hawaii, comprising
approximately 624,995 acres or 922.3 square miles. The district is so large it could contain the Islands
of Oahu, Molokai, and Kaho'olawe. The coast of Ka'u is the longest undeveloped shoreline in the
Hawaiian islands, stretching 80 miles from South Kona to Ka Lae, South Point, and onto the southern
boundary of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Despite the long coastline, a limited area of the
shoreline is easily accessible without using afour -wheel drive vehicle or driving 12 miles to South
Point.
Ka'u contains a variety
of habitat, from
'w.r prehistoric rainforest to
dry lava desert,
windblown grasslands,
~ and rugged rocky
x ,>;sr
r coastline. Two azeas
' with the most pristine
and critically
important habitats aze
Punalu'u Black Sand
Beach, nesting grounds
for the endangered
honu ea (hawksbill
turtle) and threatened
honu (green sea turtle)
and Honu'apo Bay**
and tidal wetlands,
where the Hawaiian
monk seal, the State's most endangered animal with only 1,4001eft in the wild, has been spotted.
(**Note: The recent acquisition of Honu'apo lands was spearheaded by a community group, Ka
Ohana O Honu'apo, working with the Hawaii Island Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and The
Trust for Public Land who secured state, county and federal funds for its purchase from a private
developer. Long term plans include reestablishing it as an estuary and nursery for fish as well as a
potential breeding site for the ae'o, the endangered Hawaiian stilt.)
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The majority of the lands within South Kona - Ka'u aze designated by the State Land Use
Commission as Agricultural or Preservation (P-1 and P-2). P-1 lands aze placed in the Conservation
District such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the Ka'u Forest Reserve. The only urban zoned
~ lands are the 433 acres in Punalu'u owned by SM Investment Partners, a portion of which was
developed as Sea Mountain at Punalu'u.
For more than a hundred years, C. Brewer, also known as Ka'u Agribusiness dominated the district of
Ka'it with its landholdings, political power and its sugaz industry. In the 1970s, facing the reality of a
declining mazket for its sugaz, Ka'u Agribusiness sought to diversify into macadamia orchards,
tourism, and housing, as well as its other agricultural pursuits. In 1972, Sea Mountain at Punalu'u
was developed with a golf course, tennis courts, a 76-unit condominium project and the Black Sand
Restaurant. In November 1975, a tsunami rearranged the coastline and tossed C. Brewer's plans to
the wind. That event, together with an economic downturn in the mid-1970s, caused a stall in the
project. In the eazly 1980s, a new, lazger scale master plan for Punalu'u was prepazed. However, in a
legal action filed by local residents, further action on the plan was stopped by a court order.
According to the Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice prepazed by Group 70
International, Inc. for Sea Mountain Five, LLC, dated December 2005, the current plans aze to
"develop a 433 acre partially developed pazcel with residential units, mixed uses, a world class
destination resort/hotel, a championship 18-hole golf course, cultural/marine center, upgraded
wastewater treatment facility (WWTF), water reservoir and other supporting infrastructure. " The
landowner, SM Investment Paztners, conditioned the transfer of ownership of the land upon Sea
Mountain Five LLC 's obtaining the required pemvts from the County.
'`""r There is a growing community movement in Ka'u that seeks to preserve the ancient Hawaiian sites,
native flora and fauna, ocean access and wide open spaces. This movement is determined to find
ways to prevent further development in Punalu'u knowing that there will be significant adverse
impacts on the azea's natural and cultural resources, particulazly the endangered Hawksbill (hone ea)
and threatened Green Sea (honu) turtles, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the lifestyle of the people of
Ka'u.
Joining the preservation effort are private nonprofit organizations like Ka'u Preservation Counal, The
Nature Conservancy who purchased 24 acres at Kamehame, a key nesting site for the honu ea turtles.
The Trust for Public Land with Ka 'Ghana O Honu'apo acquired 225 acres in Honu'apo for a park
and the Hawaii Wildlife Fund spearheaded the transfer of 1,200 acres along the Waiohinu shoreline
to State forestry management.
Locally, the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Committee of the Hawai i County
Council recently took action on two resolutions authorizing negotiations to purchase 785 acres at
Kiiwfi'a Bay and 10 acres at Punalu'u Beach Park. The Committee identified Kawa'a as their #1
priority with Punalu'u as #5. Mayor Kim identified the Punalu'u lands as his second highest priority
for the County to acquire under his new policy of preserving public access, open space and natural
resources.
The Department of the Interior purchased 116,000 acres of Kahuku Ranch adjacent to Hawaii
Volcanoes National Pazk, increasing the Park's size by sixty (60) percent. In his remarks at the
dedication ceremony, Senator Daniel Inouye said: "We are in a race against time. As the urban
dedication ceremony, Senator Daniel Inouye said: "We are in a race against time. As the urban
sprawl continues to spread beyond Oahu and into our neighbor islands, we must be very vigilant in
yam, setting aside lands, which must be protected".
B. Project Area
The project area starts at the southern boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park down and
azound Ka Lae to Miloli'i in South Kona, from the shoreline to 1.5 miles inland (Figure 1, area in red).
The shoreline portion of the project area comprises approximately 80 miles and is lazgely pristine,
unspoiled, uninhabited, and undeveloped. It is an environmentally fragile coastline with natural
resources of significant value such as fishponds, estuazies, a high diversity of native coastal plants,
and nesting areas for marine animals. Both along the coast and inland, the area is rich with historic,
cultural, and recreational resources, containing numerous ancient heiau and other culturally and
environmentally sigmficant sites ~
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1. Marine Resources
• Nesting sites for 44 of the fewer than 80 hawksbill sea turtles known to nest in the
Hawaiian Islands. The hawksbill is a federally listed endangered species and is the rarest
sea turtle in the Pacific Ocean. Over 90% of hawksbill nests in the state occur on the island
of Hawaii, and 11 of the 13 known nesting sites on the island aze located within the study
azea.
• Feeding sites for the threatened green sea turtle.
• Shoreline havens for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
vi,.,,. Rare anchialine ponds that host endemic and native shrimp species and insects.
• Intertidal pool complexes that provide nursery habitat for marine invertebrates and fish.
7
• Living corals reflective of very good water quality, and probably indicative of low land
nmoff and sedimentation.
• Limited algal cover, implying healthy populations of benthic invertebrates, low nutrient
runoff and fish populations that have not been overexploited.
2. Flora And Fauna
• Habitat for indigenous shorebirds and seabirds such as the Pacific golden plover,
wandering tattler, ruddy turnstone, sanderling, wedge-tailed shearwater, and black
noddy.
• Localized wetlands attractive to the indigenous black-crowned night-heron, the
endangered endemic Hawaiian coot, and migratory waterfowl such as northern pintails,
northern shovelers, and American wigeon.
• Coastal hunting ground for the endemic Hawaiian hawk or 'io, and probable nighttime
flight path to sea for band-nxmped storm-petrels.
• Habitat for the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat.
• An unusually large complex of basal springs, intermittent streams, and wetlands that
provide habitat for a broad range of native Hawaiian stream fauna.
Notable geological forms in
the study area include Ka'u
Desert; the Great Crack, the
Pahala ash layer; caves; and
'rr~, the ancient Ninole Hills and
Valleys. Also found there are
a wide array of coastal
marine habitats including
pahcehce and 'a'a flats,
drifted sand, anchialine pond
shores, protected beaches,
spray-battered bluffs, islets,
rock outcrops, exposed sea
arches, intertidal benches,
underwater springs
dischazging into the
neazshore zone, coves and
bays bracketed by headlands,
some shallow azeas protected by reefs and boulders, and miles of offshore bathymetry featuring a
quick drop to deep water. Over 40 species of native coastal strand vegetation are found in this area.
3. Cultural Resources
Collectively, the cultural resources and the living cultural practices in the project area commemorate
the way of life in old Hawai i, both before and after Western contact. Ka'u is known for its remote
and rural character and the people for their rugged independence. One can experience the cultural
landscape via ancient and historic trails along the shoreline with visible features representing the
traditional Hawaiian culture, agriculture, fishing, and the plantation impacts and developing
a
economy of the 19w century. Living practices include 'opihi-picking, salt gathering, fishing, and
surfing. Notable sites include the ruins of a formal royal center at Punalu'u, with remains of the huge
r.+~ luakini overlooking the bay; vestiges of acoral-marked ala loa; and other heiau, habitation sites and
petroglyphs in the surrounding area. Throughout Ka'u are numerous features of cultural importance
such as house sites, burials, cave shelters, fishing stations and petroglyphs.
Many people of Ka'u continue to live a life that is deeply connected to the land and sea. They pick
'opihi, fish, gather salt, grow foods and collect native plants for medicine, food, and crafts. Hawaiians
of Punalu'u conduct environmental education classes, work tirelessly to keep the surrounding lands
from being developed, and struggle to protect the revered horru ea and honu.
The people of Ka'u are living cultural resources with a deep connection to the land. Their personal
knowledge and understanding of the resources are essential to the future management of the public
trust lands.
4. Recreational and Scenic Resources
There aze a limited number of public recreation designated sites within the district of Ka'u, however,
there are a number of recreational activiries in which people engage such as sightseeing, fishing,
camping, hiking, picnicking, studying nature, and visiting cultural sites. They also swim, surf,
snorkel, dive, bodyboard, and pick'opihi. Ocean activities are limited for most of the yeaz due to
rough seas and dangerous currents. Offshore £ishing from small boats occur during calm periods and
at remote azeas like Kamehame, where mounds of 'opihi shells can be found along with an occasional
fishing platform.
The project area also features spectacular scenic vistas. Cradled between the green slopes of Mauna
Loa and Kilauea volcanoes and the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Ka'u screscent-shaped
shoreline offers a uniquely unspoiled view, marked at one end by the steaming flow of lava into the
sea, and at the other end by Ka Lae, the souflurnmost point in the United States.
Ka Lae (South Point)
• Boat Ramp and cultural sites
• Limited hiking trails
Ka'alu'alu Bay
• Recreational sites can only Ue accessed by four wheel drive vehicles
Punalu'u
• County beach park
• Sea Mountain golf course.
• Boat ramp
• Fishing, 'opihi picking, swimming, bodysurfing, and snorkeling
• Cultural sites
• Campgrounds
Outdoor classroom
'V?
' e Honu'apo
• Spectacular views, particulazly from the shoreline where one can look laterally along miles of
undeveloped coast and mauka to Mauna Loa
• From a high point along the Honu'apo pali there aze impressive views of the Ka'u coastline
and one can see a good portion of Hawaii Volcanoes National Pazk with Wood Valley's cliff
and valley formation in the background.
• County beach park
Kawa'a Bay
• Bodysurfing, board surfing, picnic and hiking trails
Public vehicular access from the highway to the shoreline is limited to the beach park access roads in
Punalu'u and Honu'apo. However, there are two rough roads through private property that lead to
Kaw~'a Bay that is regularly used by island residents. Private landowners grant permission and lend
gate keys to trusted local residents who want to reach the coast for fishing, 'opihi picking and other
traditional uses.
There are trails along the rocky shoreline that entice hikers away from the beach and into rugged lava
terrain. The trails are used for access to fishing sites by local residents or to pick 'opihi. Resource
protection and recreation management issues vary in degree and detail but not in substance from
other accessible locations along the coast such as Kawa'a and Honu'apo.
ip
From March 26 through Apri124, 2006, Ka'u
Preservation conducted a 30-day survey to
determine the number of people that visit Punalu'u
Beach Pazk and how they arrive to determine the
impact to the turtles and the surrounding
environment (Appendix E). They recorded an
average of 1,148 visitors per day with
approximately 70% arriving by car, and 30% by bus
or other commercial vehicles. The survey data
included the following observations by survey
takers: despite warning signs, people are going
closer to the turtles than advised and the turtles aze driven back into the water or aze unable to come
onto the sand to rest and digest after feeding. Further, people, including school children, aze taking
the black sand and rocks from the beach area, encouraged by teachers and tour bus drivers.
III. Methodology
HCR 5 HDl SDl directed the Task Force to complete the following tasks:
• Identify coastal and marine areas having environmental, cultural, recreational value that need
protection
• Identify mechanisms for protection and management of the resources;
• Propose future uses, limitations for those azeas, manage activities and avoid hazards from
potential volcanic activities and lava flows;
r • Propose measures to protect marine animals, including monk seals, honu ea and hone, and
their nesting and habitation azeas;
• Seek funding from the private sector, through grants and contributions, to support the
activities of the public/private partnership; and
• Submit a report on the Task Force's activities and progress, including areas identified for
protection and strategies to achieve protection to Legislature.
The concurrent resolution also includes a clause that the Task Force will cease to exist on the last day
of the 20071egislative session.
A. Establishment of Working Groups
Four working groups were formed, based on geographical azeas extending from the southern
boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Miloli'i. Members selected the group they wished to
participate in based on their knowledge about the area and interest.
Group I: Southern boundary of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Honu'apo;
Group II: Honu'apo to eastern side of Ka'alu'alu Bay;
Group III: Ka'alu'alu Bay to Pali o Kulani; and
Group PJ: Pali o Kulani to Manuka
"Group V: Manuka to Miloli'i.
11
* NOTE: In an eazlier meeting, Gil Kahele, representing Pa'a Pono Miloli'i assured the Task Force that
the azea from Manuka to Miloli'i has been extensively studied and is not immediately threatened by
development. Moreover, the South Kona Wilderness Area, administered by State Parks, is afforded
some protection through its wilderness azea designation.
B. Identification of Areas that Should be Protected
The azea from Kap~o'o Point - Punalu'u contains a wild shoreline and numerous archaeological
remains. The shoreline from Punalu'u - Miloli i is the longest wild shoreline in the State with
azchaeological remains, geologic and physiographic landmazks and several small sandy beaches -
white sand, black sand, and green sand. Inshore waters off the coast are said to have the best marine
life in the State. Portions of this area are being reviewed as potential candidates for a Natural Area
Reserves designation under DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
Area I: Punalu'u, Ninole Cove, Kawa'a, Honu'apo, Hokukano and Hi ona'a;
Area II: Pohina Pali, Puhi Ula Cave, Maniania, Waikapuna, Ka Lua Noio, Ka Lua O Wai, Ka Kua
Lepo'o Kanaka;
Area III: Pinao Point, Pu'ulia, Mahana Bay, fishing heiau, Lua Makalei, Cliff off Pu'u Kulani, Lua o
Palahemo, Ki'i (Petroglyphs), Ka Lae;
Area PJ: Pohue Bay, Wai Ahukini, Pali o Kulani, Kealakio, Kapua Bay, Anchialine Ponds at
Kanonone, Kahakahakea, Hali'ipalala and North Pond
_ Upon identifying the areas within the geographical boundaries, priority was assigned to those azeas
where it was deemed to be critical to have methods and a strategy for the preservation of the
resources.
1. Area I: Southern boundazy of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Pazk to Honu'apo
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12
Group I determined that the entire coastal area has resources that need to be protected, beginning
with Punalu'u, and followed by Kawa a, Hokukano and Ninole Cove (Figure 2, area in red). The
Ninole - Punalu'u area is one of the oldest areas on Hawaii Island. Punalu'u, meaning "diving
spring" is famous for its black sand beach. The area is so named for the abundant freshwater springs
that are found when diving to the bottom of the ocean. The bay was a historically popular canoe
landing and an ancient surfing site as the waves and currents here are much safer and gentler than
the rest of the southeastern coastline. Kauwila Pond is a small pond near the presently abandoned
restaurant that was severely degraded when the Sea Mountain development was completed. It is fed
by Kauwila Springs. Kauwila Pond is most at risk.
Punalu'u Nui Heiau is a very large sacrificial heiau. The sacrificial nature of the site is evidenced by
the many bones that were excavated during the construction of a warehouse.
Between Honu'apo and Punalu'u, about 4.5 miles, there are many freshwater springs along the shore
and many of them well up under the ocean. Hawaiians living in this area were experts in diving to
the bottom of the ocean and would Eill an empty gourd with fresh water from the undersea springs
offshore. Springs at Honu'apo, Ka'alaiki-Hilea, Ninole, and Punalu'u supported the cultivation of
wetland taro as well as mullet.
Both the hone ea and honu are frequent visitors to Punalu'u Beach. The threatened honu utilizes the
coastline at Punalu'u to forage and nest. Breeding and nesting of these turtles occurs almost
exclusively in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Early Tuesday evening, September 12, 2006, a tiny
newborn baby honu ea was discovered near the medicine pond at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. The
honu ea was released after being found by a local fisherman and headed out to sea. Last year several
dozen hatchlings were sighted crossing the old road near the beach concession stand. According to
experts, Punalu'u is a very important nesting site for the critically endangered honu ea and experts
agree that any further development would negatively impact the critical habitat at Punalu'u and
perhaps lead to the extinction of this sacred Hawaiian honu. Honu ea tend to feed on a variety of
sponges and ascidians in the nearshore environment and breed offshore of Punalu'u during the
months of February to May. In the immediate vicinity of the Sea Mountain development, honu ea
nest at the Black Sand Beach, Laupapaohua Beach, and Koloa Beach. Nesting also occurs at Kawa'a to
the west, and Kamehame to the east. Together, these areas comprise the majority of the known
nesting sites for honu ea in the Hawaiian Islands.
In Wailau, there are found'ili'ili hanau o Koloa. They are black, beach-worn, volcanic stones found at
Koloa Beach and legends say the pebbles are able to propagate their species. Stories are told of the
male and female pebbles coming together to make baby stones. The male stones are smooth, without
noticeable indentations or eyes while the female stones have little pits in which their young are
developed and eventually separate from their mothers.
When C. Brewer built the Black Sand Restaurant at Punalu'u, they used the pebbles as flooring
material and to build a wall above which a mural by Herb Kane once hung. Current maps indicate
the location of Koloa Beach in Ninole ahupua'a. However, Koloa Beach was originally located in
Wailau and some members of the Task Force would like Koloa Beach put back in its original location
and efforts made to restore it.
Kawa'a was once a Hawaiian village, where an entire community wrested a living from a place where
rain and soil were precious commodities. There was taro, bananas, and other crops. The estuaries
were used as fishponds, and water was drawn from a sweet spring that still flows from a pool near
the ponds. There, in caves located mauka from the shore, are the iwi. Atop the cliff on the Puna side
of Kawa'a Bay is Ke'eku Heiau, an immense black Hawaiian temple of the type where human
sacrifices were performed.
Kawa'a today is a cove and freshwater estuary surrounded mostly by the weedy barrens of a long-
abandoned cow pasture. The view mauka is spectacular. On a clear day, it extends uninterrupted all
the way up to the summit ridge of Mauna Loa.
Apua Bay, Halape Bay, Keauhou Bay, Kamehame Bay, Punalu'u and Kawa'a Bay are nesting grounds
for the hawksbill. Archaeological features found in Punalu'u include house sites, a school site, wall
structures, canoe sheds, Punalu'u nui Heiau, Lanipao Heiau, petroglyphs, a sacrificial stone and an
old government road that will be part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.
2. Area II: Honu'apo to eastern side of Ka'alu'alu Bay
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From the south boundary of Honu'apo (honu -turtle and 'apo - to grasp; in ancient times it was a
place where turtles were caught) to the eastern border of Ka'alu'alu Bay (named for the wrinkled lava
encircling it), Group II selected four priority areas. (Figure 3, area in red). Waikapuna ("water of the
spring') was first, a once thriving fishing community before the 1868 devastating earthquakes and
tidal waves. It was famous for its three water holes: lua wai inu (drinking -water -hole), lua wai
holoi 'umeke (water -hole -for -utensil -washing) and lua wai 'au'au (bathing -water -hole)
nearest the ocean. It was also an occasional summer residence of Mary Kawena Pukui and her
grandmother Po'ai -Wahine, who went there to pa'akai (salt) and dry their fish.
Second is Puhi
Ula Cave located
in Paula (name
of a beautiful
woman turned
to stone by Tutu
Pele'sincensed
fury) in the
ahupua'a of
Kaunamano
between
Honu'apo and
W aikapuna.
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this cavern lived
the legendary
large red male
eel (puhi'ula),
who lived with a
small green
. _ f _ , female eel
(puhi). In addition, it was the home of an abundance of 'opae'ula (red shrimp) that would turn the
pond red unpredictably, frightening its inhabitants.
Third is Pohina Pali, southwest of Honu'apo. Kawelohea is a blowhole most noted for the legend of
Kawelo. Murdered by her enraged husband, she is thrown over the pali (cliff) and lands on a pohaku
(stone) below, lovingly calling out her innocence. Startled into reality, her husband buries her 'iwi
(bones) in a nearby cave. Till today, one can hear her pleas.
Maniania Pali (giddy cliff) is fourth. Inland, the tale of Niu-loa-hiki is associated with the god Ku-
Hina. His mother's (Hina, wife of Ku) wish was to send her son to Tahiti. So, obediently, Niu-loa-
hiki climbed atop this "supernatural" niu loa (tall coconut tree). It began to extend itself farther and
farther causing its trunk to gently bow with each expansion causing him to feel "giddy or light-
headed" until he reached his destination.
Other subsequent areas of concern were Ki'i below Waiohinu on the coast (where foreign animal
petroglyphs are found). Ka Lua Noio is seaward of Kahilipali Iki and known as a place with good
ulua fishing. In addition, Ka Lua O Wai and Ka Lua Lepo'o Kanaka were identified. Kamilo, the
latter meaning "swirling currents' was notorious for expired persons and/or objects that drifted there
from afar, were known as Kamilo-pae-ali'i (landing of chiefs) and Kamilo-pae-kanaka (Kamilo
landing of commoners).
The recent acquisition of land in Honu'apo assures that it will be protected for the future generations
of Hawai'i's people.
3. Area III: Ka'alu'alu Bay to Pali o Kulani
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Group III, reviewed the area from Ka'alu'alu Bay to Pali o Kulani (Figure 4, area in red). It contains
an exceptional wild shoreline that provides outstanding recreational opportunities for nature and
scenic appreciation, a back country experience and opportunities for cultural appreciation. Scattered
about the rugged countryside are a variety of natural assets, particularly geologic and physiographic
landmarks. Examples include the Kahuku fault scarp, resulting from the sinking of the ground
surface of the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa; 3 pit craters, Luapuali, Luapo'ai, and
Luapalalauhala, that were formed by a collapse at the crest of the Kahuku fault scarp; Pu'uhou is an
unusually large littoral cone formed by the lava flow of 1868; and Pu'u Mahana and Papakolea beach,
a littoral cone that is the olivine crystal source of the green sand beach at Papakolea. Other natural
assets include the inshore waters west of South Point which are said to have the best marine life in the
State, and the anchialine pools along the shore, especially Lua o Palahemo. Five remnant native plant
associations add further interest to the landscape and have been significantly altered.
Culturally, the site provides an excellent opportunity to effectively interpret the development of
Hawaiian prehistoric culture from the earliest of rimes to the present. The South Point complex
provides one of the longest and most complete record of human occupation in the Hawaiian Islands,
beginning as early as A.D 700. Cave shelters, burial grounds, fishing stations, heiau, salt pans, and
the Pohakuokea Stone which allegedly turns over each time a reign changes on the Islands are found
there.
Group III identified the following coastal lands and nearshore marine areas that should be targeted
for protection: Pinao Bay, where fish, lobsters, and limu are abundant and monk seals are seen
occasionally, the white sand beach at Pu'ulia, Mahana Bay, with its green sand beach has significant
cultural and historic significance for Hawaiians and has been recommended for inclusion in the Ka
Lae National Landmark Area. It is a popular recreation area and provides coastline gathering of
'opihi and limu kohu. Lua Makalei is a lava tube shelter, believed to be the site of a large settlement.
It was also thought to have been used for burials, as a classroom, a fisherman's work shelter, and
work area. It is a popular place for nesting pueo (Hawaiian owl). There is also Pu'u o Kulani and
Moi'lele heiau. Pu'u Ali'i is a sand dune that was the burial site of hundreds of sets of bones.
Archaeologists from Bishop Museum in 1965 excavated here and found that some of the people were
buried in an upright position, suggesting they were guarding the area. Lua o Palahemo is a deep rock
pool thought to be connected underground to the ocean. It is believed to be haunted by a mo'o
(spirit) also called Palahemo. It was taboo to bathe there when it rained. From the bluff above
Palahemo it is said that one can see all the boundaries of Ka'u.
4. Area 1V: Pali o Kulani to Manuka
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Group IV\), covering the area from Pali o Kulani to Manuka (Figure 5, area in red), identified the
anchialine ponds and lauhala stand at Kanonone, Kahakahakea, Hali'ipalala and the North Pond with
an abundance of 'opae'ula as the most fragile resources. The petroglyph fields and south of Pohue
Bay were studied by archaeologist Aki Sinoto in 2006. There are numerous burials in various
locations. Pohue Bay's white sand beach and honu ea nesting sites need to be protected. Vern
Yamanaka, a member of the Task Force, offered the following information about the area's fragile
resources and the need to have them protected.
"Other significant sites include the coastline in and around WaiAhukini, Pali o Kulani and Kealakr'o
that served as a main landing, portage, and settlement site. There is a need to protect dte special
resources such as the anchialine ponds, lauhala, hao and other native plants, petroglyph fields,
archaeological sites, habitats forhonu, seals, koas, intertidal resources and endangered mammals. In
the Kahuku area from Kaimuu'wala to Na Pu'u a Pele thatinc/odes over 5mi/es of ocean frontage
and 19,(X70+ acres 2 to 3 archaeo%gical surveys ha ve been completed and today, there are ongoing
studies that are cataloguing archaeological sites, burials, and petroglyphs. Since the early 1980s we
have managed and protected sites and marine resources in conjunction with the National Park
Service, UHHiIo Marine Science Center, Kupuna, Burial Council, and the Volcano Observatory.
Recommendations for future uses tie in closely with the need for funding to support interpretive and
resource managementplans. Pasthistoryhasshownusthatwithoutsufficientmonitorinp
management and enforcement, setting up a conservatr'on corridor willlead to the devastation of
marine and land resources. To effectively manage just 3.Smiles ofshoreline in Kaupulehu, North
Kona, from Kiholo to Kauhuwai with an interpretive center and a resource management plan will
require an annual budget of approximately $500, 000. The management of
just our Kahuku lands
would require up to$450,OOOannual/ynotcountinginhastructureimprovements. Thehonuea
monitoring program at Pohue alone requires over $150,000 fora 7month period each year (Kahuku
has at least 3 additional sites). There are many other nesting sites along the Group IV coastline that
do not ha ve the necessary funding to properly monitor and manage this single resource. If these
areas that are closed were putinto public access conservation corridors that resource will disappear
without costly security, management and enforcement.
Marine resources m addition to the turtles immediately become atrisk upon the creation ofpubGc
access conservation areas due to increased takingfrom land based access. All of these areas already
suffer from individuals who are able to access the resources from the sea. We expect that the impact
of the proposed interisland Superferry will increase the takingin all coastal areas. Future uses needs
to monitor and limit taking so that the zesources stock can be maintained at a sustainable level. In the
past, governmenthas mandated public access in areas that are developed or acquired as parks
without assessing the impact that public access will have on the resources in that area. In practically
every case, the marine resources in the immediate area have been decimated and never recovered
their original population. Limitations to designated sites will need to include a limit on users and a
sound management/monitoring plan. The State will need to find funding to increase the manpower
needed to enforce laws and rules related to the preservation of these resources.
r ~ a~,l Waterholes, anchiaGne ponds, and marshes provide
y ~ unique biological environments thatneed buffers,
active monitoring and management. The cost of
properly protecting these areas is expensi ve but
manageable while access is constricted. With public
' access ttre management costs would soar and the
environment will face negative impacts immediately.
:
j
Archaeological sites require constantmonitoringond
management since they draw the interest of a broad
spectrum of visitors and locals. Each visitimpacts
these sites unless accompanied by knowledgable
docents. Many sites need to be kept offlimits and protected from any visitors who have no
genealogical connection to the site. In areas where fundingis available for interpretive centers and
managementprograms (i.e. Kaupulehu) itis possible to protect and preserve these special sites."
C. Proposed Future Uses and Limitations
The Task Force recommends that proposed future uses include backpacking, camping with a permit,
cultural and environmental protocols, fishing, hiking, hunting (pigs, goats), kayaking,
natural /cultural resource education, development (where preservation corridors could be enhanced
by the proper type of development), organized visits, and trash removal. Proposed limitations are no
all-terrain vehicle use, no cars /vehicular traffic, no commercial use without a permit, no sand
collecting, and no cross netting.
D. Mechanisms to Protect and Manage Identified Areas
The Task Force identified the following tools to apply to areas having significant resources that
should be protected from development. The tools are: rezoning/redistricting (reclassification);
public/private partnerships; conservation easements; setbacks; federal, state, and county rules and
regulations; and land trusts, donations, and exchanges. Land acquisition is of course another way a
site can be protected if the purchase is for the purpose of its preservation and sustainability. Any one
or combination of these tools can be used to protect an area from actions that would otherwise impact
its resources to the extent that their special features, cultural, environmental, and/or recreational
values are compromised. Further, enforcement of government rules and regulations, by the
appropriate agency, can also be an effective tool that will prevent the degradation of these resources
from human actions.
Other mechanisms that can be used to protect significant sites are government designated reserve
areas; cooperative agreements between developers and the community that include a benefits
package that will address the community's need and recognize a developer's financial investment;
integrated resource management plans; fishery management areas; landowner incentive programs;
and transfers of development rights. These tools are described below.
Integrated Resource Management Plans: (IRMP) are based on the principles of ecosystem
management. Such plans provide for the management of natural resources including fish, wildlife,
and plants; allow multipurpose uses of resources; and provide public access where appropriate for
those uses, without any net loss. IRMPs can identify specific actions required to attain natural
resource management goals and can be applied to fish and wildlife management, land management,
forest management and fish and wildlife oriented recreation. They may also be used for wetlands
protection, enhancement, and restoration and where necessary, for the support of fish, wildlife, and
plants. As shared by Vern Yamanaka who has extensive experience with IRMPs, funds from
developed areas (common area charges) were used to Eund an IRMP at Kaupulehu. The plan sought
to coordinate public access, marine and land resource management, interpretive center staffing and
operations, and educational programs about the ahupua'a. They were able to preserve 80 percent of
the shoreline up to 300-1,000 feet inland and dedicate more than 600 acres to a permanent
conservafion corridor.
On lands developed in North Kona and Kohala, many sites were kept secret and involve kupuna and
knowledgable land managers in the planning process that creates large archaeological preserves that
would be off limit to visitors. The protected sites are located within the preserve and the cost of
securing the area and providing meaningful management of the resources is quite expensive.
FisherX Management Areas: DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) may establish, maintain,
manage, and operate freshwater and marine fishing reserves, refuges, public fishing areas for the
purposes of managing, preserving, protecting, conserving, and propagating introduced freshwater
fishes and other freshwater or marine life. The Federal government has jurisdiction over the higher
marine vertebrates through the Endangered Species Act, like turtles, whales, and seals. The State has
concurrent laws protecting these endangered animals. DAR's basic responsibility are the "lower"
vertebrates and invertebrates. They establish marine life conservation districts (MLCD) involving
total area closures such as Hanauma Bay and Kealakekua Bay; partial closures for fish replenishment
such as West Hawai i Fish Replenishment Area, exclude commercial use such as Hilo Harbor, exclude
certain gear use (no netting such as at Kiholo Bay) which are called fishery management areas. This
type of designation takes a lot of time and effort and involves the conduct of surveys to determine the
uniqueness or decline in fish stock, followed by a series of public meetings and a public hearing. To
initiate this process, unique or special areas should be identified such as Honu'apo, which already has
some protection. DAR will identify if it serves as a nursery habitat for juveniles that will eventually
populate coastal areas. The nursery ground gets protected and fishing along the coast is allowed.
Anchialine pools and coastal springs are often "kipukas" for rare native invertebrates and should be
identified and afforded the highest level of protection.
Transfer of Development Rights: Traditional land use planning methods for growth management
have proven inadequate in preventing or slowing the encroachment of urban development on rural
lands. Too often, zoning changes are made based on political pressures that fail to take into account
bigger socioeconomic and environmental considerations. As a result, there is a demand for new land
use planning techniques that recognize the need for an economic and environmental balance, the
importance of private property rights, the power of using amarket-based approach, and states'
particular legal and political structures. One such method is the use of transferable development
rights (TDR). A TDR regime controls growth and development by focusing land use changes in areas
targeted by the communities. TDR allows the market transfer of development rights from areas
designated for preservation to landowners and developers in areas deemed appropriate for
development. Such a system seems to provide a solid foundation for a successful equitable and
efficient method of controlling growth, balancing equities and protecting environmental and natural
resources.
Landowner Incentive Program: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) provides funds to
State landowner assistance programs that provide financial assistance to private landowners to
enhance, protect, and restore habitats that benefit federally listed, proposed or candidate species or
other at-risk species. Locally, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) administers the
program which has a committee comprised of DOFAW and FWS representatives. DOFAW provides
technical assistance to private landowners to implement funded projects, fiscal and administrative
oversight and prepares the annual fiscal and progress reports. The projects support the ongoing
efforts of the Department to protect threatened and endangered species as well as to promote
environmental education opportunities and community participation.
E. Funding Sources
Funding sources or solutions is the Task Force's greatest challenge. Areas and resources set aside for
preservation will require substantial funding to manage. A constant, guaranteed and inflation proof
source of funding will be required to maintain any responsible management plan. Grants are fine
generate funds to manage and protect resources that are chosen to be protected will require some
development as is the case with Kaupulehu.
The development of compatible resorts and other ecofriendly entities such as marine science
education centers or campuses close to oceanfront or anchialine /marsh sites may provide Eunding
that will manage and utilize resources positively with minimal impact to the coastline. In Kaupulehu
where 3.5 miles of coastline has been put into a perpetual conservation corridor, an interpretive center
and resource management plan will be supported with allocations from the common area charges
assessed against property developed along approximately half a mile of coastline and areas mauka.
These funds increase as project costs increase, providing an inflation hedge. Marine resources are
sustained in part from the creation by the State of a fishery management area that limits taking and
provides reproductive stock. Management funds also monitor water quality, fishery and inter-tidal
stock and land-based resources. The interpretive center provides an educational resource to the
whole island but most significantly a monitoring and management base for resources. These two
models can be effective funding sources that would utilize a small portion of the coastline to
effectively preserve and manage large stretches of oceanfront.
Other potential sources of funding may include: educational use fees such as those applied to visiting
universities who bring students to areas chosen for their unique, environmentally significant
resources to do research and perform studies; and commercial use fees for the sale of products
cultivated at specially designated public land trust sites.
IV. Task Force Recommendations
A majority of the Task Force members voting recommended that:
• A special conservation zone be established and called the "Ka'u Coasta] Protection Trust" that
extends from the southern boundary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the ahupua'a of
Manuka from the shoreline inland for 1.5 miles and from the shoreline out into the ocean a
distance that would be determined by the boundaries of specific Marine Life Conservation
Districts (MLCDs), Fishery Restricted Areas (FBAs), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), active
and historical Koa, and any other new or historical marine managed area along the Ka'u
Coast.
? Legislation be enacted to allow tax deductions to private landowners in the area who
donate their land, within specified times to the "Ka'u Coastal Protection Trust".
? Legislation be enacted to grant state lands in the Kau Coastal Protection Trust area to
the Trust.
? Legislation be enacted to purchase property at Hokukano and to allow for the removal
of all existing structures within the Ka'u Coastal Protection Trust area.
? Organized uses of the areas within the Kau Coastal Protection Trust shall emphasize
education as a living classroom open to all levels of education and expertise to include
agriculture, aquaculture, and traditional and existing uses.
• The creation of an advisory board comprised of 7 members who are Ka'u Kupuna,
landowners, land managers or residents who shall advise and recommend action to DLNR
and/or the Planning Department of the County of Hawaii on any land use requests that
involves development and subdivisions in areas identified to be protected.
• Establishment of a "No-Development" setback line from the coast to protect resources, subject
to changes where preservation corridors maybe enhanced by the development. Such
development within the setback that is allowable shall include an integrated resource
management plan and a perpetual preservation corridor, with infrastructure that is supported
with allocations from the common area charges assessed against property developed along the
coastline and areas mauka.
• Legislative authorization and funding for the formation of a South Hawai i Fisheries
Management Council (incorporating all districts of northern -southern Kohala and Kona, to
the Ka'u boundary of the Hawai i Volcanoes National Park), allowing the establishment of a
council that is similar in organization and composition as the West HawaYi Fisheries
Management Council, to protect and conserve coastal resources in partnership with the
Department of Land and Natural Resources.
• Punalu'u be designated as a living classroom and commercial activities at Punalu'u Black
Sand Beach prohibited.
• The State, in conjunction with the County of Hawaii, the federal government, and interested
private parties, develop financial plans for the purchase of private lands in the project area.
• Puhau, Kauwila, and Kauwale fishponds be restored.
• State and county public hearings and meetings involving land use requests be held in the
communities nearest the proposed project area and notification of such hearings and meetings
be provided to community organizations and interested individuals.
• Legislative and county council approval and funds for additional State and County
enforcement personnel for the South Kona - Ka'u Districts.
• Prohibit the use of direct artificial light along the SO miles of South Kona - Ka'u coastline.
• Conservation District subzones be re-evaluated and administrative rules amended where
appropriate.