Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan - U.S. Fish and Wildlife ...

3.5.2 Kona Forest Unit Contaminants
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
An updated Level I Environmental Site Assessment was conducted on the property in March 1997.
The assessment was based on previous contaminants surveys that were conducted in November 1995
and July 1994, as well as supplemental interviews and surveys conducted in 1996 and 1997.
Contaminants surveys consisted of interviews with people familiar with area, site inspections by foot
and vehicle, and a 24-minute aerial survey. No hazardous substances or other environmental
problems were evident on the property during any of these surveys. Small amounts of debris (a single
55-gallon drum and 5 water storage tanks) and localized oil staining associated with the 3 water
pumps were noted; however, these were not determined to be significant contaminant problems
(Harper 1997).
3.6 Land Use
This section presents an overview of land uses within and adjacent to the units of the Hakalau Forest
NWR that currently influence or have the potential to influence Refuge conditions. Relevant local
and regional land use designations and policies affecting land use are also discussed.
Both units of the Hakalau Forest NWR were acquired and are continuously managed under a variety
of legislative acts, administrative orders, and legal authorities. The Endangered Species Act provides
for the conservation of threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants. The Service
used the legislative authority of the ESA to establish both of the Refuge units and continues to use
the ESA to guide management of the endangered species and their habitats. The general purpose of
both units is “… to conserve (A) fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened
species…or (B) plants…” (16 U.S.C. §§ 1534 ESA).
The primary land use at the Refuge is maintenance to restore and benefit native species. Biological
research and monitoring is also an important aspect of the units. Roughly 34 research studies were
conducted throughout the Refuge in 2007 (USFWS 2007) and 17 studies in 2006 (USFWS 2006).
In addition, limited public use is permitted. The Administration Act identifies six wildlife-dependent
visitor uses on refuges: hunting and fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation. All recreational activities must be compatible with the
primary purpose of the refuge.
3.6.1 Local Land Use Designations: Hakalau Forest Unit
The HFU, located on the windward side of Mauna Kea, is situated 13 mi northwest of Hilo
(Figure 1-1). It spans portions of both the North Hilo District and the South Hilo Districts. The
32,733 ac HFU is comprised of four tracts, including Maulua, Honohina, Hakalau, and Pua ‘Ākala.
These tracts are further divided into subunits. The HFU is surrounded by various sections of the Hilo
Forest Reserve to the north, east, and south. Along the northern boundary of the Refuge, north of the
Maulua tract, the Refuge is bordered by the Laupāhoehoe Section of the Hilo Forest Reserve and the
Laupāhoehoe Natural Area Reserve. The Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve abuts the property to the
south, while the Pīhā (Game Management Area) Section of the Hilo Forest Reserve splits the
Chapter 3. Physical Environment 3-13