EXPANSION/ADDITION TO NATURAL AREA RESERVE SYSTEM ON KA'ENA
KA'ENA POINT NATURAL AREA RESERVE
Input sought on proposed designation for native ecosystem protection!
An extension of the Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve and the addition of Pia Valley in east O‘ahu, to the state’s Natural Area Reserves (NAR) System are on the table for input from people in March.
The NAR System, a program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), seeks to keep native ecosystems as intact as possible to preserve Hawaii’s natural heritage.
On the northwestern point of Oʻahu, a three-quarter acre parcel is being considered as an extension to the Kaʻena Point NAR. This area was donated to the DLNR by the Tom Family with assistance from the North Shore Community Land Trust. A roughly 300-acre parcel at Pia, located in east Honolulu, is being proposed as a new NAR. This area was recently donated to the DLNR by landowner Patricia Godfrey.
The addition of the parcel into the Kaʻena Point NAR would ensure the protection of a unique cove, which is an important resting area for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. It also includes numerous tidepools, diverse intertidal flora & fauna, and rare coastal sand dunes. This area is northeast of the existing Kaʻena Point NAR, approximately two miles from the end of the paved road, at the end of Farrington Highway.
The inclusion of the 300-acre Pia parcel into the NAR system would set aside the valley for native forest protection. This unique forest is home to birds, insects, and plants that are extremely rare, and found nowhere else in the world. These native Hawaiian forests absorb rain, provide life-giving water for people and help reduce erosion on beaches and reefs. The proposed NAR is mauka (upland) of the Hawaiʻi Loa and Niu Valley subdivisions, up to the Koʻolau crest in the Hawaiʻi Kai region.
The western boundary of the property roughly follows the Hawaiʻi Loa trail, managed by the DLNR Na Ala Hele system. Natural Area Reserves are open for hiking and nature study.
DLNR will hold a virtual hearing at 6:00 p.m. on March 25, 2021 to receive testimony on the proposals. The virtual meeting will take place via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87005815557...)
People unable to attend or wishing to present additional comments may mail written testimony received no later than April 9, 2021 to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Attn: Emma Yuen, 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 325, Honolulu HI, 96813, or via email to Emma.Yuen@hawaii.gov.
Copies of the nomination and a map of the area are available for inspection by contacting the address above or at the links below. Anyone may testify or present information at the hearing. If you need auxiliary aids (taped materials or sign language interpreter), please request assistance 10 working days prior to the date of the hearing by calling (808) 587-4170.
Learn More
Kaʻena NAR extension proposal:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2021/02/Kaena-point-NAR-extension-proposal.pdf
Pia Valley NAR addition proposal:
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2021/02/Pia-NAR-proposal.pdf
DLNR Main Office
Kalanimoku Building
1151 Punchbowl St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
Ph: (808) 587-0400
dlnr@hawaii.gov
DISCUSSION TOPICS BROUGHT TO CONGRESSMAN KAHALE ATTENTION
Makua Cave Hiking Trail
Federally restricted property and the path traverses through sacred Hawaiian lands with cultural significance. It is prohibited to hike here by the government and disrespectful of Native Hawaiians to trespass here. Hiking is not allowed on this trail or in nearby areas. Violators can be prosecuted and ticketed. There may be unexploded ordnance still buried on the mountainside, posing a grave danger to hikers in this area. But because it's highly recommended on a lot of social platforms to hike here poses a problem for our community with no law enforcement to take action.
ARMY WEEKLY REPORT of Makua Cave trail and UXO's
Protection of Naia (Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins)
Spinner dolphins in Hawaii receive multiple daily visits to their near-shore resting grounds, with boats taking people out daily to snorkel and interact with the local dolphin population. Such activities are increasingly coming under criticism on the grounds of possible harm to the dolphins, and efforts are being made both to educate the public in order to minimise human impact on the dolphins, and to bring in regulations to govern these activities.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said they’re poised to finally create a new rule that would make it easier for authorities to crack down on dolphin harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Ka'ena Point NAR's expainsion
H.R. 1980 - The Ka’ena Point National Heritage Area Act introduced by Congressman Ed Case & Kai Kahele
Met with the Protectors of Paradise, Curt Cottrell of the DLNR & lineal descendants of the area.
“H.R. 1908 — 117th Congress: Ka‘ena Point National Heritage Area Act.” www.GovTrack.us. 2021. May 13, 2021
Keawa'ula Locked Gates
Keawa‘ula Access Gate Details
Weekend gate access from 6:00 a.m. Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays beginning May 8th. Gates close at 7:00 p.m. both days. This is in effect until Sept. 30, 2021 when all O‘ahu security gate contracts come up for renewal.
Weekends and holidays contracted lifeguards are on site and with no parks staff available on Sundays, lifeguards from the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Division will open the gate when they arrive at their lifeguard tower at approximately 9:00 a.m. No overnight use is allowed. State Parks hopes and expects people will honor operating hours and leave on time. If not, vehicles will be locked in.
Compliant day use behavior will allow for the gate to continue to be opened on weekends. Vandalism and illegal nighttime activity will prompt a re-evaluation.
All current COVID protocols must be followed.
UXO's removal at Makua
Awaiting response from Ikiaka, congressman’s rep.