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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Honomalino in South Kona. Most of the populations are comprised of fewer than 10 individuals and
7 populations are protected by fences (USFWS 2007b). Specimens found on the KFU are currently
pending verification, based on cuttings being grown at the Volcano Rare Plant Facility (Jeffrey, pers.
comm.).
Pigs have been identified as the primary threat to the survival of this species. In addition, various
nonnative plants directly compete with naturally and outplanted populations of P. floribunda. Human
threats include ranching, logging, agriculture, urban development, and homesteading. Natural threats
include volcanic activity and fires ignited by volcanic activity (Federal Register 2007b, USFWS
2007).
4.9.12 Kīponapona (Phyllostegia racemosa)
Phyllostegia racemosa, or kīponapona, is an endangered climbing vine with square stems. The
opposite leaves are oblong shaped and covered with short, soft hairs. The leaves have rounded teeth
and measure 1.3-2.4 in long and 0.6-1.7 in wide. The white flowers are clustered in groups of 6-12 at
the base of the leaves and the stems and densely covered with short hairs. The hard, dry fruit is
typically 0.06-0.08 in in length. This plant is also characterized by the spicy odor of its foliage.
Located from 4,650-6,070 ft, kīponapona primarily occurs in montane wet or mesic forest dominated
by „ōhi„a and koa, as well as hāpu„u. Other associated taxa include „ōhelo, „ākala, and lau kahi
(USFWS 1998a).
It was historically found near Mauna Kea in the Hakalau and Saddle Road areas, as well as near
Mauna Loa in Kūlani/Keauhou and Kīpuka„āhiu areas. Four populations are known to presently
occur in the Kūlani/Keauhou area, at the HFU, and at Hawai„i Volcanoes National Park. These
populations are comprised of 25-45 individuals (Mitchell et al. 2005). Seven individuals were present
on the HFU in 2001 within the Upper Maulua and Hakalau Units (Jeffrey et al. 2001). To date,
roughly 1,043 kīponapona have been outplanted at the HFU. Of this total, nearly 775 were outplanted
in 2007 (USFWS, unpubl.).
Over 2,317 ac of critical habitat has been designated at the HFU, including Pua „Ākala and portions
of „Āwehi, Honoli„i, and Kapu„e streams. Areas within the Hilo Forest Reserve and land managed by
the „Ōla„a–Kīlauea Partnership have also been designated. Although no individuals exist within the
„Ōla„a–Kīlauea Partnership lands, these areas were deemed critical habitat because 12 individuals
occur on the adjacent Kamehameha Schools land (Federal Register 2003b).
Ungulates, such as pigs and cattle, are a key threat to the species. Ungulates have destroyed at least
four plants in the HFU since 1994 (Jeffrey et al. 2001). Nonnative plant competition, logging, and
volcanic activity are also suspected as reasons for population decline (USFWS 1998a).
The downlisting objectives listed in the Addendum to the Big Island Plant Cluster Recovery Plan
(1998a) state a total of 5-7 populations need to be documented, with a minimum of 300 mature
individuals per population. For delisting, 8-10 populations are required, with at least 300 mature
plants each. These populations need to persist for 5 consecutive years (USFWS 1998a).
Chapter 4. Refuge Biology and Habitats 4-67