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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Map
ID
Name Manager Definition
88 Wao Kele ‘O Puna Forest Reserve
DOFAW/
OHA
Forest Reserve
89 Manukā State Wayside DOSP State Wayside
90 Pa‘alaea Island Sea Bird Sanctuary DOFAW Bird Sanctuary
required for certain activities including group activities, pavilion usage, meetings, weddings, shows,
community events, scientific research, and gathering of forest products (Division of State Parks
2008).
Several State parks are located near the HFU. The Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, consisting of
20.5 ac, offers wildlife observation and lodging opportunities at 6,500 ft on Mauna Kea. ‘Akaka Falls
State Park has views of a 442 ft waterfall. This park also offers the ‘Akaka Falls Loop Trail, a path
that goes through tropical areas. The 100 ac Kalōpā State Recreation Area provides hiking through
the Kalōpā Nature Trail, as well as camping and lodging.
On the Kona side, two State parks are located near the KFU. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
offers views of archaeological sites and the Captain Cook monument. The Manukā State Wayside is
located south of the KFU in the Ka‘ū District. This State wayside provides access to the 2 mi
Manukā Nature Trail, which is located in the Manukā Natural Area Reserve. Camping is also
permitted at this reserve through the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).
County parks are managed by the County of Hawai‘i, Department of Parks and Recreation. On
Hawai‘i Island, 137 county parks cover 1,471 ac. The following county parks are located in South
Hilo: Bakers Beach, Carlsmith Beach Park, Coconut Island (Moku Ola), Hilo Bayfront Beach, Hilo
Bayfront Park, Honoli‘i Beach Park, Ho‘okena Beach Park, James Kealoha Beach Park, Kalākaua
Park, Kanakea Pond (Ice Pond), Kaūmana Caves, Kolekole Beach Park, Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole Park,
Lehia Beach Park, Leleiwi Beach Park, Lili‘uokalani Gardens, Mo‘oheau Park, Onekahakaha Beach
Park, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Richardson Ocean Park. Only two county parks – Laupāhoehoe
Point Beach Park and Waikaumalo Park – are located in the North Hilo District. County parks in the
District of South Kona include: Hōnaunau Boat Ramp, Ho‘okena Beach Park, Manini Point
(Napo‘opo‘o), Miloli‘i Beach Park, and Napo‘opo‘o Beach Park (County of Hawai‘i 2007).
5.2.2 Wildlife Observation and Environmental Education
Opportunities for wildlife observation and environmental education are plentiful on the Island of
Hawai‘i. During 2006, it is estimated that 262,000 individuals (both residents and visitors)
participated in wildlife watching in the State. Approximately 16 percent of the resident population in
Hawai‘i participated in wildlife watching activities during the time period (HDBEDT 2007). Tourists
also enjoy natural resources on the island. Each year, roughly 50,000 visitors to Hawai‘i Island
purchase tours where they are exposed to native species (TMA 2007).
The State of Hawai‘i Forest Reserve System, managed by DOFAW, consists of 22 Forest Reserves
encompassing 448,000 ac. This system is guided by the Hawai‘i State Constitution, Hawai‘i Revised
Statutes Chapter 183, and Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, Chapter 104. Forest Reserves on the island
are depicted in Figure 5.2. Camping, gathering activities, commercial harvest, hunting, and other uses
are permitted on the forest reserves by permit (HAR § 13-104).
Chapter 5. Social and Economic Environment 5-11