Star-Bulletin
A Laysan albatross chick took refuge in a naupaka
plant at Kaena Point, which was deemed one of the
environmental hot spots in the state.

A report presents both
problems and solutions for 25
natural state hot spots

Slipping Away
A breakdown of the most
endangered sites across the state.
Story below

By Rod Ohira
Star-Bulletin

PARADISE is under siege, and if left undefended, the invasion will rob Hawaii of its natural gifts.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has compiled an 87-page report identifying 25 natural sites as "hot spots" where resource degradation, user conflicts, illegal activity, and/or public safety is compromised.

When a resource such as the beauty of Kauai's Na Pali Coast -- being affected by soil erosion, illegal campers and squatters, poaching and commercial activity -- is gone, it'll be gone forever.

The report identifies problems at each site and presents visions with cost estimates but leaves decision-making to lawmakers and the community.

"The focus of these notebooks is on education and community involvement," said department Director Michael Wilson. "Only with the support of our communities and through broad public awareness can we begin to reverse the current trend of decline at these important hot spots.

"We know that in this economic climate, asking for additional funds to protect these places is unrealistic. But Hawaii will be even worse off economically if we lose our valuable natural asset base, which attracts millions of tourists to our islands each year."

The department plans to circulate its hot-spot notebook within the community to educate the public about sustaining resources so people will report violations that are occurring, Wilson said.

"It represents a stepping stone for change, not just in how much money is appropriated to protect vital resources but in public perception," he said.

Hawaii currently ranks 48th in fish and wildlife funding in the United States, says Wilson.

"There are serious threats to our beaches, streams and scenic areas and the Legislature needs to appropriate more funds and government needs to do a much better job of enforcement," said David Frankel, director of the Sierra Club's Hawaii chapter.

"This year's Legislature gave no evidence of wanting to protect the environment. Until the Legislature understands the importance of protecting our environment, the environment will suffer."

Continued inaction will take its toll locally. "Our resources are deteriorating and slipping away, which means we'll be handing over damaged goods to future generations," Wilson said.

Due to printing expense, only a limited number of hot-spot notebooks are available, but copies of a particular area of concern can be obtained for a small copying charge.

For information, call the department's information office at 587-0320.

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These pieces of paradise are in trouble from
overuse, user conflicts, resource degradation and
illegal activities, says the Department of
Land and Natural Resources.

Star-Bulletin
The Wailua River.

KAUAI

NA PALI COASTLINE - Breathtaking beauty of 16-mile coastline on northwestern coast includes forest reserve, public hunting area, historic preserve and marine life conservation area. Risks: Land and running waters being fouled by illegal campers and squatters; severe soil erosion threatens streams and coral reefs; poaching of game; disruption of ancient Hawaiian burial sites; litter; illegal commercial activity. Vision: Establish a state park that will offer high-quality, wilderness-type recreation for residents and visitors at sustainable level; upgrade infrastructure; improve resource protection by adding four new enforcement officers. For more information: Wayne Souza, 274-3446.

KOKEE - Includes Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks; water; rare and endangered plant and animal species. Risks: Illegal commercial and camping activities; user conflicts; trash dumping; wildfires; illegally introduced fish and crustaceans; vandalism and theft. Vision: Address staffing, equipment and funding shortages; upgrade and maintain roads, trails and other infrastructure; establish comprehensive planning process. For more information: Ed Petteys, 274-3433.

WAILUA RIVER/VALLEY - Major tourist destination includes Fern Grotto; cultural sites; recreational opportunities. Risks: Proliferation of boats and kayaks; illegal commercial activities; water quality and quantity problems caused by increased urbanization; alien species; cattle grazing; concrete stream diversions blocking migrations of native stream animals. Vision: Work with community to identify resource problems and solutions; resolve serious user conflicts between motorized and nonmotorized vessels in the Wailua River estuary. For more information: Don Heacock, 274-3344.

Star-Bulletin
A turtle hatching area at Kealia.

MAUI

IAO VALLEY AQUIFER - Major groundwater source for central Maui system servicing Wailuku, Kahului, Puunene and Kihei. Risks: Transition zone between fresh and salt water is rising at a rate of 10 feet per year under current pumpage conditions. Alternate well sources and surface water sources have been specified to satisfy future demands, but it's not clear when these sources can be brought online. Vision: Maintain sustainable pumpage rate of 20 million gallons per day through conservation and development of other water sources. If the county is unsuccessful in protecting the aquifer, it may be necessary to designate Iao as a Groundwater Management Area to regulate the resource through water permits. For more information: Roy Hardy, 587-0274 (on Oahu).

EAST MAUI WATERSHED - Delivers 60 billion gallons of water per year to central Maui for agricultural and domestic use. Risks: Feral pigs, soil erosion, siltation. Rare plant and bird species are being affected by pig rooting, and soil disturbance is widespread due to consumption of fern and moss layers. Vision: Fence maintenance program; better control of feral pigs and weed problems; additional enforcement. Cost: $10.2 million for staffing, equipment and infrastructure improvements. For more information: Bob Hobdy, 984-8100.

AHIHI-KINAU RESERVE - Three miles of totally protected coastline where fishing, collecting of marine life and motorized vessels are prohibited. Land area comprised of last lava flow on Maui includes rare brackish water ponds. Risks: Unregulated commercial kayaking activity creating public user conflicts; illegal fishing and intrusion of motorized vessels; illegal opihi picking. Vision: Implementing monitoring system; creating nine staff positions, including two for enforcement; and purchasing equipment. Cost: $3 million. For more information: Billy Evanson, 871-2620.

SOUTH MAUI COASTLINE - Area from Kealia to Makena features humpback whale sanctuary; Molokini Shoal, which attracts about 1,240 visitors per day during peak season; historic and cultural sites; beaches. Risks: Impact on marine ecosystem from development of coastal area; user conflicts for ocean recreation; overfishing. Vision: Enforcement to patrol shoreline reguarly; establish mooring areas to help reduce accidental groundings and lessen chance for pollution spills; scattering dive locations to provide safe moorings and reduce crowding; preserve open space and shoreline vistas; maintain community partnerships; and add 18 positions and equipment. Cost: First year $5 million, includes special appropriation for land acquisition and archaeological inventory surveys. For more information: Skippy Hau, 243-5834.

KAANAPALI SHORELINE - Major resort area, covering 589 acres. Risks: User conflicts among swimmers, divers, commercial thrill-craft operations; decline in safe recreational use. Vision: Hiring, equipping and empowering a boating harbor agent and conservation enforcement officers. Cost: First year, $478,000. For more information: Chuck Penque, 243-5824.

Star-Bulletin
Kaena Point, seen from the sea.

OAHU

KAENA POINT: Wilderness experience, nesting site for seabirds, abundance of historic and cultural sites. Risks -- Illegal off-road motorcycle and vehicle traffic, threatened coastal ecosystem. Vision -- Infrastructure improvements, including development of bike pathway and construction of comfort station. Cost: Start-up, $1.8 million; annual operating cost $207,000. For more information: Randy Kennedy, 973-9783.

UPPER WAIANAE VALLEY: Archaeological ruins of houses and religious structures; Punanaula Heiau; native dry-land forest in Kumaipo, Hiu and Honua drainages. Risks -- Damage caused by fires and exotic plants (weeds, grasses and trees); extremely limited flow of Kumaipo Stream. Vision -- Surveying, clearing and restoring historic sites; reforesting the area for hunting; establishing fire-control measures; establishing position of kahu (guardian) ranger. Cost: $100,000 the first year. For more information: Ross Cordy, 587-0012.

LAKE WILSON: State's largest freshwater sports fishery. Risks -- Introduction of predator fish such as piranha, golden cichlids, red devils and other alien species by private individuals into the lake; water hyacinth; excessive input from treated sewage discharges resulting in overproductivity in the reservoir. Vision -- Establishment of permanent lake keeper position and acquisition of 16-foot boat for inspection and enforcement; stock enhancement program for large-mouth bass; creation of hiking and biking trails; expansion of park for camping areas. Cost: $262,000. For more information: Glenn Higashi, 587-0112.

KANEOHE BAY: Fishing, boating, ocean recreation. Risks -- Offshore boating safety, thrill craft, runoff and pollution from urban development, deteriorating water and ecological quality, overfishing, inadequacy of existing mooring areas. Vision -- Improvement of bay facilities and wetland areas, establishing new fishpond subzone and more enforcement. Cost: Start-up, $2.94 million; annual operating budget $96,000. For more information: Dave Eckert, 587-0113.

KAWANUI MARSH: Hawaiian religious temples (heiau), pond is home to four endangered marsh birds and over 60 other birds. Risks -- Flooding of Coconut Grove and Kailua town. Vision -- Keep Oneawa Canal open, keep vegetation from clogging arteries to Kawainui Canal, add seven maintenance positions and equipment. Cost: $2.25 million. For more information: Cecil Santos, 587-0433.

WAIKIKI SHOREWATERS: World-famous landmark, attracting up to 18,000 users during peak hours. Risks -- Offshore boating safety; illegal fishing; kayak proliferation; congestion with mixed use (swimming, diving, parasailing, thrill craft); beach erosion; water quality; health of marine animals and reefs. Vision -- Protecting resource by increasing awareness; assigning conservation and resources enforcement officer to area. For more information: Steve Thompson, 587-1973.

DIAMOND HEAD: Summit view, bird and plant habitat. Risks -- Illegal commercial, drug and alcohol activity; camping without permit; and trespassing. Vision -- Semiwild interior park and development of exterior park for family outings. Would need to incorporate nine acres at Makalei Place and two acres along Diamond Head Road. Cost: $21.4 million over next four years. For more information: Clyde Hosokawa, 587-0303.

HANAUMA BAY: Coral reef and marine life, Oahu's most popular tourist destination. Risks -- Constant flow of visitors walking on delicate inshore reefs. Vision -- County controls access from land; state responsible for submerged areas. Protective measures, such as prohibition of fish feeding, to restore marine life population to more normal levels. Cost: $20,000. For more information: Alton Miyasaka, 587-0092.

Star-Bulletin
Mauna Kea looms above Volcano.

HAWAII

WAIPIO VALLEY - Irrigation water; scenic twin falls (Hakalaoa and Hiilawe). Risks: Maintenance of the ditch and canals, flooding and restoration of the twin falls are immediate concerns of residents. All water has been directed over Hiilawe Falls since 1989, when Hamakua Sugar Co. diverted headwaters of Hakaloa Falls to allow for emergency tunnel repair work of the Lower Hamakua Ditch, which is a 23.5-mile-long series of open ditches and flumes from Waipio Valley to Paauilo. Vision: Restore stream flow over twin falls; restore or provide water source for individual farmers who currently use ditch water; restore water that was diverted by ditch to streams. Cost: $9.6 million. For more information: Roy Hardy, 587-0274 (on Oahu).

ONOMEA - Hawaii Botanical Garden. Risks: Greatest density of miconia, considered state's most menacing weed. Miconia seeds easily spread by birds, streams and humans. Vision: To eradicate miconia from as many sites as possible and prevent its spread through field control (mechanical removal, herbicide, biological treatment), community education and awareness, and reconnaissance and rapid response. Cost: $3 million for 10-year plan to eradicate miconia. For more information: Lyman Perry, 974-4381.

MAUNA KEA - Premier international astronomical center. Risks: Unrestricted public access, commercial overuse, four-wheel-drive off-roading, casual hiking, construction debris from telescope development, and litter from human traffic. Vision: Develop management plan to balance needs of astronomy community, commercial operators and the public. For more information: Charlene Unoki, 974-6203.

POHOIKI BOAT RAMP - The 18-foot-wide ramp is the only launching facility in Puna District. Risks: Public safety. During busy summer months, over 50 swimmers may be in the water while boats are entering and exiting the narrow corridor. Boats approaching the ramp from the ocean must make a tight, 90-degree turn at a high rate of speed around a blind corner to make it safely to the ramp. Vision: Repairing the county swimming pool located near the launch ramp might encourage swimmers to use that facility. For more information: Jeff Bearman, 329-4997.

PUUWAAWAA DRY-LAND FOREST - Located about 18 miles from Kailua-Kona and 22 miles from Waimea, the dry-land forest is home to 25 rare plant species, of which 15 are endangered or proposed endangered. Some are found nowhere else in the world. Risks: Ninety percent of these forests have been eliminated since European contact. Remaining 10 percent has been severely degraded by introduced plants and animals. Dry forests are disappearing as rapidly as old trees die with no replacements. Vision: Development of a comprehensive ecosystem management plan; three new forestry positions; additional vehicles; and infrastructure for improving irrigation and plant propagation. Cost: Start-up, $251,000; annual budget, $170,000. For more information: Jon Giffen, 974-4221.

KONA COASTLINE - Calm and pristine waters; natural beauty. Risks: Increased use by residents and visitors; depletion and damage of coral. Vision: Adding two fishery technicians and a clerk; acquiring vehicles, office space and equipment. Cost: start-up, $260,000. For more information: Robert Nishimoto, 974-6202.

KAILUA PIER - Heavy commercial use; healthy marine ecosystem. Risks: Fuel spills from vessels anchored in bay or at pier; overfishing; pollution from runoff. Vision: Structural repairs to pier's foundations, which are deteriorating to dangerous levels. Cost: $3.5 million. For more information: Jeff Bearman, 329-4997.

KEAKEALANIWAHINE HOUSE SITE - Five heiau sites, a house site, pond and springs located on privately owned 16-acre parcel south of Kailua-Kona. Complex associated with five generations of Big Island's highest-ranking royalty. Risks: Vandalism, natural deterioration, visual impacts of private and public developments on adjacent lands. Vision: State acquisition of Chiefess Keakealaniwahine complex, which would be merged with current Keolonahihi State Historical Park, was realized last week through a donation from First Hawaiian Creditcorp. For more information: Holly McEldowney, 587-0008 (on Oahu).

MOLOKAI

WAIALUA FISHPONDS - Ancient Hawaiian aquacultural structure once capable of producing 2 million pounds of fish annually. Risks: Deterioration and destruction due to storms, upland erosion, siltation, mangrove encroachment, vandalism and neglect. Vision: Need for streamlined facilitated permit process and model organization to proceed with community-based restoration project of state-owned Honouliwai and Kahinapohaku fishponds at Waialua. For more information: John Corbin, 587-0030 (on Oahu).

What you can do Partnership: The community is invited to work in partnership with resource managers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The public is encouraged to report violations of conservation laws. Phone numbers are listed with each of the trouble areas. Online: For a digital version of the "hot spot" report, see the DLNR Web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/ Information: Call the DLNR at 587-0320