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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
The Hilo Forest Reserve includes seven sections: Pīhā, Laupāhoehoe, Opea, Humu‘ula, Kamae‘e,
Ka‘uku, and Kaiwiki. The Laupāhoehoe Section borders the upper tract of the Hakalau Forest Unit,
while the Pīhā Section splits the Honohina and Maulua tracts. The Pīhā Section is primarily used by
the public for hunting. The South Kona Forest Reserve is located south of the Kona Forest Unit. This
reserve consists of four sections: ‘Ōlelomoana ‘Opihihali, Ka‘ohe, Kukuiopa‘e, and Kapua-Manukā.
The DOFAW is also responsible for the Natural Area Reserve System (NARS). Hiking and nature
study (in groups of 10 or less) are permitted within these areas. All reserves are open to the public for
recreational hunting, based on DLNR rules (HAR § 13-209-3). Environmental education programs
occur on several of these reserves (DLNR 2003). The Laupāhoehoe NAR is located above the
Maulua tract of the HFU adjacent to the Laupāhoehoe Section of the Hilo Forest Reserve. The
Mauna Kea Ice Age NAR is located near the summit, west of the HFU. The Kīpāhoehoe NAR is
directly south of the KFU and the Manukā NAR is further south on the southwest slope of
Mauna Loa.
Several wildlife sanctuaries were established throughout the island to protect indigenous wildlife
(HRS, Sections 13-125). These sanctuaries are managed by DOFAW. Within these sanctuaries, it is
prohibited to remove, disturb, kill, or possess any form of plant or wildlife and to introduce any form
of plant or animal life. Also, human activity is strictly limited. The Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a Forest Bird
Sanctuary is found within the Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a Forest Reserve. The Kīpuka ‘Āinahou Nēnē Sanctuary
is open to the public, except November-February. Birds and game mammals may be hunted within
the Kīpuka ‘Āinahou Nēnē Sanctuary (HAR § 13-125).
Three islets off the coast of Hawai‘i Island are designated as State Seabird Sanctuaries. The offshore
islands include Mokupuku Island Sea Bird Sanctuary, Paoakalani Island Sea Bird Sanctuary, and
Keaoi Island Sea Bird Sanctuary. Pa‘alaea Island Sea Bird Sanctuary, formerly found off the Kohala
coast, largely disappeared after an earthquake in 1975. The public can engage in wildlife observation
and education at the islets (http://www.hawaiioirc.org/OIRC-ISLETS.htm).
Public wildlife observation and environmental interpretation opportunities are limited in the units of
the Hakalau Forest NWR. Due to the presence of endangered species and suitable habitat, public
access is regulated. In FY 2010, the Refuge had 1,692 visitors, of which most were nonresidents. At
HFU, the Upper Maulua Tract was opened to public wildlife observation, birding, and photography
in 1992. Use of this area is restricted to weekends and holidays, and reservations are required.
Between 450-500 visitors use the Refuge for wildlife observation annually. Wildlife photography
participants range between 10-22 each year. No visitor facilities or restrooms are available at these
locations.
Additional visitor opportunities at the HFU are available during the annual open house. This event
receives between 330-490 participants. In addition, volunteers at the HFU participate in natural
history hikes. Table 5-2 provides additional information on FY 2010 Refuge wildlife observation and
environmental education figures.
Currently the entire KFU, which remains unfenced and unmanaged in terms of ungulate control,
remains closed to the public due to difficult access and the presence of highly sensitive species. The
Three Mountain Alliance hopes to provide opportunities for the public to enjoy nature observation
and education at the Unit after management efforts have begun (TMA 2007).
5-12 Chapter 5. Social and Economic Environment