LIHU‘E — Preserving Kaua‘i’s natural habitats is “remarkably important,” said science and environmental blogger Jan TenBruggencate, who served as moderator for the Lihu‘e Business Association’s public forum this week. Caring for the ‘aina, wildlife and fish is “our kuleana” for
LIHU‘E — Preserving Kaua‘i’s natural habitats is “remarkably important,” said science and environmental blogger Jan TenBruggencate, who served as moderator for the Lihu‘e Business Association’s public forum this week.
Caring for the ‘aina, wildlife and fish is “our kuleana” for “our keiki,” said Shannon Smith, Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge project leader and a panelist at Thursday’s discussion regarding the island’s open spaces. With three refuges to manage on Kaua‘i — Kilauea Point, Hanalei and Hule‘ia in Lihu‘e — Smith and Kaua‘i National Wildlife Deputy Refuge Manager Michael Mitchell are kept on their environmental toes.
“What I really am is a duck farmer on my best days,” Mitchell said with a chuckle as he explained one of his primary responsibilities is taking care of endangered species, including the Hawaiian duck, or koloa maoli.
Kaua‘i is “the last chance” — aside from Ni‘ihau — for the bird’s survival, he said.
But, acquiring land to help protect native species is not exactly an easy feat, Kaua‘i Public Land Trust Executive Director Jennifer Luck said.
Though the troubled economy has driven the price of land down substantially, the ability to obtain funds to purchase parcels has dropped significantly, she said. There are ample opportunities, with many land owners willing to sell, but the money is “just not there right now.”
Two areas of particular interest to the nonprofit are the Alekoko (Menehune) Fish Pond and Coco Palms, not only because of their historical significance, but that they are “places of the heart.”
Representing the Legacy Land Conservation Program, Dr. Carl Berg agreed that there is “extreme cultural importance” in Menehune Fish Pond.
“Acquisition is something I personally think is a must,” he said, adding that the Lihu‘e “gem” could be renewed with enough community support. “We could come together to restore one of the best spots in the state.”
Smith also emphasized an importance in wanting to “make sure we’re not impacting neighbors negatively,” in reference to communicating positively with land owners in areas of interest.
“We’d like to have more discussions involving bringing neighbors to the table,” she said.
Public input is always welcome when it comes to determining what areas should be protected and how to go about acquiring them, said state Board of Land and Natural Resources member Ron Agor.
“The possibilities are endless to help preserve land,” Smith said. “But we need continuity, as efforts must keep going … with vigor.”
For more information visit hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/llcp.
• Coco Zickos, business and environmental writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com.
