Honu'apo Park Resource Management Plan

including any threatened or endangered species that might constrain certain recreational uses.
Attached is a species list that indicates all the species we observed in our reconnaissance, by
zone. We also have some observations and recommendations.
The southern edge of the Hiona‘a lava flow is interesting, although it may be just outside the
project area. The combination of soil build-up, rainfall splash and runoff, and shade from
banyans and haole koa trees makes for almost mesic conditions. We found a number of native
plants there that, while not rare on the island, were found nowhere else on the property, including
Plectranthus parviflorus and Peperomia leptostachya. This area offers opportunities for
restoration with native plants that might not be appropriate in other areas of the site, including
those named above, as well as wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis), alahe‘e (Psydrax odoratum),
and rare species such as ohe makai (Reynoldsia sandwicensis), maiapilo (Capparis
sandwichiana), and koko‘olau (Bidens spp.) Because this margin is isolated, planting with rare
and even endangered species would be appropriate, as there is little potential for them to be
damaged, as might occur in other locations with recreational uses. We are cognizant of the
burials that are present in the lava flow above, which must be a consideration.
The majority of the Honuapo property is Guinea grass or alien shrubs and trees in areas set far
back from the shoreline. Strictly from the biological perspective, these areas are the best to put
any infrastructure such as support facilities, parking lots, etc. Again, we understand that some of
these areas have archaeological features that present a different kind of constraint.
Finally, the area is extremely fire prone. This is a major consideration in what activities people
engage in, what equipment or vehicles they use to do so, and how the park is set up to respond
brush fires. We are particularly concerned about campsites and the possibility of ignition from
campers cooking or smoking. We recommend close coordination with the Hawai‘i Division of
Forestry and Wildlife and the Hawai‘i Fire Department for recommendations to make the park
fire-safe.
Again, thank you for the opportunity of collaborating with you on this worthwhile project. If
you have any questions or require further information, please contact me by email or by phone at
(808) 969-7090.
Sincerely,
Ron Terry, Principal
Geometrician Associates