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

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
and nonnative grasses. Limited numbers of endangered birds and plants inhabit this tract compared to
other Refuge tracts, although outplantings of several hundred endangered plants in the past several
years provide unique opportunities to view these plants. Impacts to rare plants will be minimal in
comparison to the disturbance caused to the understory and ground cover by more than 150 years of
cattle grazing and pig rooting. The relatively small number of endangered birds found in this area
have likely become somewhat acclimated to the presence of humans since the Upper Maulua Unit
has been open to public use for 23 years.
Reservations are required for public wildlife observation/photography on the Upper Maulua Unit in
order to coordinate such visits with Refuge management activities. A brochure describing the Refuge
and listing permitted and prohibited activities, along with a map of the Upper Maulua Unit, is
distributed via e-mail or mail to reservation holders prior to their visit. This brochure is also available
at the Refuge Office in Hilo. Access to the Upper Maulua Unit is permitted on Saturdays, Sundays,
and holidays between sunrise and sunset. The main gate must be closed and locked after entry and
exit. Visitors are required to provide their telephone number, the number of people in their group,
license plate number, and vehicle description.
Visitation to the Upper Maulua Unit varies from year to year with total visitors ranging from
200-500 people. Drought conditions periodically require closure of the area, and depending on the
severity and duration of dry weather, may greatly influence cumulative visitation numbers.
Visitors to other Refuge tracts such as Pua ‘Ākala will continue to be guided and managed through
the SUP process in order to minimize disturbance to sensitive wildlife and their habitats. A limit of
1,200 visitors per year, visiting for a few hours of bird watching under SUPs for guided tours, has
long been established for this area and has not been reached to date.
Wildlife viewing and observation is the primary visitor activity at Hakalau Forest NWR. This use, if
compatible, becomes a priority general public use, and, therefore, receives consideration in Refuge
planning and management.
Quality wildlife observation is defined by the following elements: (1) opportunities exist to view
wildlife in their habitat and in a natural setting; (2) observation opportunities promote public
understanding of Hakalau Forest NWR resources and its role in managing and protecting those
resources; (3) observations occur in places with the least amount of disturbance to wildlife;
(4) facilities are safe, fully accessible, and available to a broad spectrum of the public; (5) viewing
opportunities are tied to interpretive and educational opportunities; and (6) observers have minimal
conflict with other visitors or Refuge operations (http://www.fws.gov/policy/605fw4.html).
Information about conservation of natural resources and habitat restoration will be shared with the
visitors to educate and reduce the impact visitors have on the Refuge. The assistance of the Friends
of Hakalau Forest NWR, a nonprofit support organization for the Refuge, is expected to increase
over time with special emphasis on public use and environmental education and interpretation issues.
Opportunities for enhanced wildlife observation and photography are limited at the Upper Maulua
Unit, but will increase through the development and maintenance of trails and parking area. Wildlife
viewing opportunities may be provided for more members of the general public in the future. The 1.2
million tourists who visit Hawai‘i Island annually generally visit far more easily accessible places.
The Kona Forest Unit has never been opened to the public.
B-28 Appendix B: Appropriate Uses and Compatibility Determinations