HomeMy WebLinkAboutHCDP Testimony 05.03.2018 R.NishimotoHamakua CDP Testimony
Robert T. Nishimoto, PhD
Retired Program Manager, DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources
Grandson is the 5th generation living in Ninole
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1. Support acceptance of the Hamakua CDP
a. Guiding principle: Whats good for the land is good for
the people"
b. Thanks for the Steering Committee fo 9 years of
dedicated volunteer work to develop this planning
document
2. Fully support Revised Policy 18, shoreline and building
setbacks for environmental, health, safety priorities.
a. Handout 1- Photo of cliff slide at Hakalau Point, MM16,
and proof of irreversible damage—permanent loss of
opihi and wana habitat
b. Handout 2 is March 2018 Hamakua Times, The Lonely
Hamakua Opihi. Please read if you enjoy opihi as food
or as part of our natural resource heritage.
3. Encourage continuation of a working relation with UHH-
created Manager Climate Corps (MMCL
a. collaboration between managers and academics to
develop adaptive capacity resealing climate change
impacts.
b. praise the recent collaboration between Dr. Peroy, UHH,
County Planner Bethany Morrison, guiding Rose Hart,
UHH student to document historical and present cliff
erosion rates.
c. This data driven results provides a "level playing field" to
for an environmental perspective, challenging the usual
planning decisions based on creating local jobs and _
tax revenues. SCANNED
d. The MMC is a local job for local agencies.
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Handout 2
Hamakua Times. March 2018
The Lonely Life of the Hamakua `Opihi
by Robert T. Nishimoto, PhD
Ninole, Hawaii
Our Hamakua, from Waipi`o Valley to Kaiwiki, is often referred to as Hilo Paliku
by elders. The name refers to the geological characteristic of the windward side of
the Big Island; high cliffs with very narrow boulder beaches punctuated by large
coastal bays (Honoli`i, Hakalau, Malua, Waipi`o, etc) identifying large river
valleys connecting the ma uka forests to the ocean. We can see this cliff profile
from the top of the road (looking toward Hilo) when driving to Laupahoehoe Point.
The landward edge of the coastal strip ends abruptly at the base of the cliff and the
seaward edge is alternately exposed and immersed by tides twice daily and,
especially during winter, scoured by large waves. This zone, called the intertidal,
is the area between the high and low tides. Typical tourists would not enjoy a
place like this, but it serves as an ideal habitat for the native `opihi. This cultural
and culinary treasure to local residents, is sometimes called, "He Pa make ka
`opihi"' (Pukui, `Olelo No`eau), literally translated as fish -of -death. Considering
the `opihi' treacherous habitat that it occupies, and the high demand by fish
markets and locals for luaus, there are more human ocean fatalities connected to
x this species, then to any other marine animals such as sharks, jellyfishes, etc.
There are 3 species of native `opihi, and each occupies a different zone by species.
The `opihi makaiauli, the black -footed limpet, lives the highest, at the high tide
mark, where they can tolerate dry conditions with occasional wave splashes. The
yellow -foot, or `opihi alinalina, live at or below the low tide mark, where it needs
constant immersion and cannot tolerate drying out. The largest of the species,
`opihi ko `ele, growing to about 4 inches long, is always submerged, usually living
on large boulders to a depth of 5 feet. This species is only found on Maui Nui and
the Big Island.
`opihi usually live in clusters on boulders or vertical cliff faces. They graze on
algae and are most active when the tides are changing. The `opihi spawn during
the winter months, by releasing gametes (eggs, sperm), where the larvae (called
veliger) can float for as long as 18 days, but usually seek an appropriate substrate
to settle and metamorphose into little shelled `opihi within 2 days. Genetic studies
show that larvae can travel inter -island, but each island has its own unique
population.
Only the most seasoned locals go for `opihi, considering the challenges of
descending/ascending vertical cliffs, traversing unstable cliff -side trails or
accessing traditional fishing trails blocked off by private landowners.
Notwithstanding, the unpredictable and dangerous ocean conditions. We can seek
comfort that the Hamakua `opihi populations are physically protected from
overfishing, the usual culprit in many fish stock declines. However, in recent
years, the County of Hawaii Planning Department has been permitting an
increasing number of cliff -side homes and development without much
consideration of the impact of these developments to our valued coastal ocean
resources. Ownership of these properties usually ends at the high tide line,
including the cliff face. Unbeknownst to the public, some of these areas had major
landslides recently, covering the boulder beaches with trees, shrubs and tons of
dirt. See attached photo of a landslide just north of Hakalau Bay, in 2015.
Besides, the constant leaching of sediment and pollutants into coastal waters, the
habitat for the `opihi and other critters in this intertidal zone are forever
destroyed... obliterated. This intertidal habitat is forever changed, not only with
the loss of that `opihi population, but the area has become permanently
uninhabitable to allow neighboring `opihi larvae to resettle. Imagine how many
more of these coastal habitat losses are occurring without us even being aware of
it. The threat is ever present. Now is the time to stop the cliff -side subdivision
spread up our coastline.
To close, a proverb by Pukui gives us a warning and an unsettling vision for the
future; "Kupihipihi loa kahi koena `opihi " (The remaining limpets have dwindled
in size), translated as the "finances have dwindled considerably." Our culture and
traditions are at stake.