LIHU‘E — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing an updated plan to preserve and manage what is left of one of Hawai‘i’s most important forest ecosystems, a DLNR press release states. Stretching from sea level along
LIHU‘E — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing an updated plan to preserve and manage what is left of one of Hawai‘i’s most important forest ecosystems, a DLNR press release states.
Stretching from sea level along the picturesque Na Pali up to the Alaka‘i plateau, Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve occupies 3,580 acres of native forests in the Hanalei and Waimea Districts, including the Hanakapi‘ai, Hanakoa, and Waiahuakua ahupua‘a.
“Hono O Na Pali contains an amazing amount of biological diversity and much of the reserve above 3,000 feet is relatively undisturbed; it is a real treasure on Kaua‘i,” said Michael Wysong, Natural Area Reserve System program manager for DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Kaua‘i.
Although much of the high elevation interior remains relatively undisturbed, there are severe threats to the health and long-term integrity of the reserve. When state wildlife managers first began exploring the interior of the reserve, they were alarmed to find invasive weeds such Australian tree fern and Kahili ginger, seabird kills by feral cats, and networks of pig and goat trails in areas that were extremely remote and thought to be pristine.
Now the DLNR has updated its management plan to protect and manage one of the best remaining forest ecosystems in the state of Hawai‘i, and the rare and endangered plant and animal species it supports. The new draft plan replaces an outdated one originally written in 1989, and outlines proposed management actions for the Reserve over the next 10 years.
DOFAW has prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment for the draft management plan, and as part of the public review process and environmental compliance under Hawai‘i Revised Statute 343, the DEA is now available for review and comment until Nov. 23.
Public access to the area will not be affected by proposed actions. Gates and step-overs will be installed at trails and access points along fences to facilitate access for hikers, hunters, gatherers, and others who use this area.
The reserve is part of DOFAW’s Natural Area Reserves System; a program created in 1971 to protect the state’s ecosystems. The program actively manages these reserves to preserve the special characteristics that make these areas an integral part of the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i.
Currently, there are 20 Natural Area Reserves in the state encompassing 123,431 acres.
Hono O Na Pali is one of two reserves on the island of Kaua‘i.
Visit ww.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw to download the DEA and the management plan, and www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/nars for more information on the reserves system.
