• Kaua‘i’s coral reefs OK• Construct roads, not paths • Kekaha Road is not a freeway Kaua‘i’s coral reefs OK I want to thank the mayor for hosting the talk by the scientist Dr. Greta Aeby about the coral disease
• Kaua‘i’s coral reefs OK• Construct roads, not paths • Kekaha Road is not a freeway
Kaua‘i’s coral reefs OK
I want to thank the mayor for hosting the talk by the scientist Dr. Greta Aeby about the coral disease outbreak on Kaua‘i in order to calm the hysteria promoted by the media.
Dr. Aeby has been studying this disease in Hanalei since 2004 and with long-term quantitative surveys was able to show that there was an increase in the occurrence of a cyanobacterial disease on only one group of corals, of the genus Montipora.
At its peak during late summer, at most 8 percent of the live Montipora coral on the reef at Hanalei, Anini and Makua were infected. The spread of the infection appears to be declining, indicating that this is a poorly understood periodic event.
While more long-term research on coral disease is definitely needed, world-class experts on coral reef ecology have been studying Kaua‘i’s reefs for decades.
Dr. Alan Friedlander and Dr. Eric Brown have been measuring the health of the coral reefs of Hanalei since 1992, using the accepted standard quantitative transect survey methods. Their data, which was presented in the question and answer period, show no statistical change in mean percent coral cover for 20 transects in and around Hanalei Bay. The reef at Waikoko has approximately 30 percent live coral cover, which is good for wave-pounded Hawaiian reefs.
The results of their surveys this summer have not yet been calculated, but their impression was of no significant difference from previous years. They have also been studying fish stocks and summer recruitment of new coral larvae.
Dr. Ku’ulei Rogers and Dr. Paul Jokiel, of the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, developed the standardized Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (CRAMP) and have quantitatively surveyed reefs all over the Hawaiian Islands. They have been surveying reefs along the North Shore of Kaua‘i since 1999.
Their long-term trend analysis, including the summer of 2012, shows the reef at Waikoko remaining relatively stable with approximately 25 percent live coral cover. They also study the effects of sedimentation on the reefs, e.g. at Pila’a, ocean acidification and coral bleaching.
My own research over the decades has been focused on quantitative measurements of land-based pollutants entering Hanalei Bay, how they affect coral reefs, and how they can be eliminated. With gear placed on the reef constantly measuring environmental conditions and with weekly measurements in the streams, we are able to collect scientific data to correlate with coral reef health and disease outbreaks.
The complex and cumulative effects of global climate change will undoubtedly affect the reefs of Hawai‘i and the disease outbreak documented this summer may be the first sign of reefs under climate change stress. The State of Hawai‘i, DLNR must support more scientific research on its coral reef ecosystems.
Carl J. Berg
Lihu‘e
Construct roads, not paths
Regarding the front page story, “Path at Wailua Beach moving forward” (Jan. 6), the speed limit to that stretch is already down to 25 mph. If we lessen the highway lane to 10 ft to accommodate the path, how much slower will we have to travel on that area of the highway?
Traffic problems are already a concern in the area, such as lane changes to drive to Lihu‘e from Wailua bridge. It’s two lanes then at the Aston Hotel area in that short time one would have to cut into the right lane to travel Lihu‘e bound. It’s difficult to maneuver during bumper to bumper traffic in that area.
Also, what protection will be provided to pedestrians (especially children/cyclists) on the path near a major highway?
And, will the federal funding cover the expense if a beach erosion should occur and the path is threatened? Or will the county have to pick up the tab to reposition the slab of cement?
Like Joanne Yukimura (who cringe), “I cringe, if any after funds has to be covered out of the pocket at county expense!”
On another note, a comment was written to Glenn Mickens. The person (the commenter) wrote,” more roads will attract more tourists which will bring more vehicles” (Jan. 6). Isn’t this statement double standard?
Because the path itself is a tourist attraction. I guess there wasn’t much thought put into it when he made this statement.
We need more roads for easier flow of traffic and alternative routes. Use the county’s portion for the path to construct roads one stretch at a time.
Howard Tolbe
‘Ele‘ele
Kekaha Road is not a freeway
Stop the madness, the bus, school buses, tour buses trucks with horse trailers, with horse trailers you name it we have it.
We have kids, kapunas, dogs, bike riders. How would you like it if you lived in a 25 mile-an-hour speed limit, and everyone went 40 to 50 miles an hour, every day all day.
I water my lawn and feel so shocked. Stop it now!
My neighbors have spent so much time to keep us safe, they finally gave up. Give us respect, we have had to collect the garbage for the whole island. I am so shocked at who flies by my house. I have seen so many near-accidents. How would you like all this flying by your house? Think about it.
Wherever you live and you come in our ‘ohana neighborhood, stop and think it might be yours. Please respect us in Kekaha and Waimea.
Jill Papworth
Waimea
