Kaohi: No purpose fence offends our ancestors and their aina--A Sense of Place for Anglos are to pen in and domesticate for human consumption

Replies

Kaohi January 23, 2011 at 6:23pm

Summary of Action

The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of

Forestry and Wildlife proposes to construct a network of fences in the

uppermost portion of the Kapuna and Keawapilau drainages, between the 1,500

and 2,590 foot elevation, in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve and extending

slightly into the Mokuleia Forest Reserve, in the northern Wai‘anae Mountains

on the island of O‘ahu. By eliminating the destructive impact of feral pigs in

the project area, this project is directed at the protection of the watershed as

well as rare and endangered species.

The proposed fencing will have a combined length of approximately 3.5

miles, enclosing approximately 235 acres. The proposed action is part of an

ongoing effort by DOFAW, USFWS, the United States Army, hunting clubs, and

community volunteers to protect native ecosystems, watershed, and habitat for

native species. At least eighteen species of listed, proposed, candidate or rare

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plants and several rare and/or endangered native snail species are found in the

project area.

Fence construction will involve hand clearing of a corridor no more than

10 feet wide and erecting a fenceline. The planned fence will be approximately

three feet tall, made of hogwire. Where necessary, the outside of the fence will

be skirted along the base with a hogwire apron. Management activities planned

after the fence is completed include feral animal and weed control and

outplanting of native species to restore the dryland forest.

Potential impacts include short-term increase in soil disturbance along the

fenceline, disturbance and damage to common native plants, and effects on rare

and endangered plant and animal species, cultural resources, public hunting, and

the Mokuleia Trail. Impact mitigation measures include conducting expert

surveys of the fence route to ensure that no biological or cultural resources are

within the fence clearing corridor, implementing measures to decrease the

potential for accidental introduction of non-native species, and retaining the

integrity of the Mokuleia Trail.

II. PROJECT PURPOSE & NEED

The Hawaiian Islands are known as the endangered species capital of the

world. Approximately half the native rain forest and 90 percent of the native

dry forest in Hawai‘i have been lost. Over one-third of the threatened and

endangered species in the United States are unique to Hawai‘i, and more plant

and bird extinctions have been recorded from the islands than anywhere else in

the country.

The Natural Area Reserves System (NARS) was established in 1970 by the

State Legislature to “preserve in perpetuity specific land and water areas which

support communities, as relatively unmodified as possible, of the natural flora

and fauna, as well as geological sites, of Hawaii.” Chapter 195, HRS. The 658-

acre Pahole Natural Area Reserve was established in 1981 to protect rare

lowland native mesic and dry forest and habitat for endangered species. Pahole

Natural Area Reserve supports the endangered O‘ahu ‘elepaio (

sandwichensis ibidis

at least 18 species of endangered plants, candidate plants, and plant species of

concern, and additional native species of plants and animals.

The Forest Reserve System was established in 1903 to protect the vital

mountain watersheds. The Mokuleia Forest Reserve surrounds Pahole Natural

Area Reserve and also supports the endangered O‘ahu ‘elepaio as well as

various species of rare, threatened and endangered plants.

The proposed action focuses on protecting some of the best examples of

lowland native mesic forest remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. Protecting and

actively managing native ecosystems on a landscape level is necessary to secure

the long-term viability of these systems and to recover endangered species. The

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ecosystem approach to managing the Pahole Natural Area Reserve is consistent

with the NARS mandate to protect natural communities in perpetuity. This

strategy is also consistent with the USFWS policy of protecting large, intact,

native ecosystems whenever possible.

The proposed action will reduce the negative impacts of feral pigs on

native forest, watershed, and habitat for native plants and animals, including

endangered species. The installation of a ridgeline fence by the U.S. Army

Garrison Hawai‘i along the entire southeastern border of the Reserve and

continuing east on the crest of West Makaleha Gulch has resulted in a dramatic

increase in feral pig activity in the upper Kapuna and Keawapilau drainages.

Feral pigs pose a major threat by consuming and destroying native understory

plants, creating conditions favoring non-native plant infestation and

establishment, preventing the establishment of ground-rooting native plants, and

disrupting soil nutrient cycling. The cumulative effect of these activities is the

decline of native forests, watersheds, and suitable habitat for native plants and

animals.

The proposed action will enhance the Wai‘anae Mountains watershed,

which serves the North Shore and Leeward O‘ahu communities. Fencing and

removing feral pigs will enhance surface and ground water resources by

reducing soil erosion and runoff.

The project area, Pahole Natural Area Reserve and Mokuleia Forest

Reserve, is State owned land within the Conservation District, which triggers

the need for an Environmental Assessment to be written in accordance with

Chapter 343, HRS.
Chasiempis), the endangered O‘ahu tree snail (Achatinella mustelina),
- Kaohi > Kaohi January 23, 2011 at 6:24pm
  
  The project involves constructing a network of fences around four habitat
  
  management units that still support relatively intact native forest, watershed,
  
  and habitat for native species. The habitat management units range in size from
  
  eight to 207 acres. A perimeter fence will be installed around the fenced habitat
  
  management units, protecting a total of approximately 235 acres. The fences
  
  will be approximately three feet high with a combined length of approximately
  
  3.5 miles.
  
  The proposed fencing is located primarily within Pahole Natural Area
  
  Reserve, but extends into a portion of the Mokuleia Forest Reserve to the east of
  
  Pahole. The proposed fence line was selected based on the need to minimize
  
  impacts of fence construction on native plant communities; ease of fence
  
  installation and maintenance; and long-term survival of the fences from
  
  vegetative encroachment, erosion, and slides.
  
  The fences will be constructed on remote ridges dominated by non-native
  
  plants to avoid disturbing sensitive species, slopes, and gulches. Helicopters
  
  and existing trails and roads will be used to transport fence materials and crews.
  
  A corridor no wider than 10 feet along the proposed fence line will be cleared
  
  by hand and with small power tools, if necessary. The fences will be made of
  
  steel and wood posts, hog wire, and a single strand of barbed wire along the
  
  bottom of the fence to prevent feral pigs from entering the fenced areas. Where
  
  necessary, the fences also will be skirted along the bottom of the fence with a
  
  horizontal 24-inch wide wire apron.
  
  The fenceline crosses the Mokuleia Trail in two locations. Gates or stiles
  
  will be constructed at these locations to preserve access along the trail for
  
  public users, such as hikers and hunters, and for resource managers conducting
  
  management activities within the Natural Area Reserve.
  
  Once the fences have been installed, feral pigs will be removed from the
  
  fenced areas. A comprehensive threat-control program will be implemented,
  
  invasive weed species and predatory rats (
  
  controlled, and human disturbance minimized.
  Rattus spp.) will be monitored and
  
  Fencing Specifications
  
  Fence construction will involve driving steel T-posts and treated wood
  
  posts into the ground no more than 10 feet apart along the fence routes using
  
  powered drills and post pounders. One strand of galvanized barbed wire will be
  
  clipped to the posts and nailed to the poles at ground level. Bezinol-coated hog
  
  wire will be stretched and clipped or nailed to the standing posts and poles.
  
  Bezinol steel pins will be used as anchors within each 10-foot span. Where
  
  necessary, the bottom of the fence will be anchored with posts to ensure that the
  
  wire fabric is kept close to the ground. A 24-inch-wide apron of hog wire will
  
  be laid horizontally on the ground and attached to the outside of the standing
  
  fence where needed to curtail pig grubbing and consequent erosion along the
  
  fences.
  
  6
  
  Timing & Costs
  
  Fence construction is planned to occur in two phases because of funding
  
  constraints. Units 1, 2 and 3 will be constructed sequentially during Phase I of
  
  the project, and Unit 4 will be constructed during Phase II. Units 1, 2 and 3
  
  will create three separate fenced exclosures, while Unit 4 is a perimeter fence
  
  that will enclose a larger area that includes Units 1, 2 and 3. (See map in
  
  Appendix A).
  
  The cost estimates for each unit are as follows:
  
  Item Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Subtotal Unit 4 Total
  
  Linear feet
  
  of Fencing
  
  3,080 1,509 4,307 8,896 9,518 18,414
  
  Supplies/
  
  Fencing
  
  Materials
  
  $6,006 $2,943 $8,399 $17,348 $18,560 $35,908
  
  Fence line
  
  clearing
  
  $8,121 $3,967 $11,412 $23,500 $15,648 $39,148
  
  Fence
  
  Construction
  
  (Labor
  
  Costs)
  
  $15,400 $7,545 $21,535 $44,480 $128,493 $172,973
  
  Helicopter
  
  Sling Loads
  
  $1,440 $1,440 $1,440 $4,320 $4,320 $8,640
  
  Totals $30,967 $15,895 $42,786 $89,648 $167,021 $256,669
  
  Material costs are based on a cost of $1.95 per foot of fence constructed.
  
  Fencing materials for all phases of the project have been purchased and
  
  currently being stored at the Pahole Rare Plant Nursery.
  
  Fence clearing costs are based on a labor cost of $13.50 per hour plus
  
  15% benefits. The amount of time estimated for fence clearing for Units 1, 2
  
  and 3 is based on the amount of time it took to clear a similar amount of fence
  
  line on the original fence constructed in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve in
  
  1995-1996. The clearing cost for each of the 3 units is based on the percentage
  
  of linear feet of fence that contributed to the combined total of the three units.
  
  The amount of time estimated for fence clearing for Unit 4 is based on past
  
  experience and the terrain.
  
  Fence construction costs are based on cost estimates obtained from an
  
  experienced fencing contractor. The cost for fence construction is estimated at
  
  $5.00 per linear foot for Units 1, 2 and 3 and at $12.00 to $15.00 per linear foot
  
  for Unit 4. The estimate for Unit 4 is higher because of the steepness of the
  
  terrain and because the proposed fenceline crosses several gulches. Construction
  
  costs in the table above utilize a cost of $13.50 per linear foot.
  
  The funds for the fence materials were provided to DOFAW in a grant of
  
  $36,000 from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Fence clearing will be
  
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  completed by DOFAW personnel with help from cooperating natural resource
  
  organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army
  
  Environmental staff, or by contract labor supervised by DOFAW staff, or a
  
  combination of the above. Additional funds for fence construction labor will be
  
  provided through an Endangered Species Act Section 6 Candidate Conservation
  
  Grant in the amount of $35,250.
  
  Construction of Units 1, 2 and 3 will proceed as soon as all necessary
  
  approvals have been granted and is estimated to commence in the third quarter
  
  of 2003. Construction of these Units should take approximately one year.
  
  While the materials for the construction of Unit 4 have been purchased,
  
  the State will be seeking additional funds for construction of Unit 4. The timing
  
  of Phase II of this project depends upon the availability of additional funds for
  
  construction.
  
  IV. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
  
  The proposed fencing is located primarily within Pahole Natural Area
  
  Reserve, enclosing a small portion of the Mokuleia Forest Reserve to the east of
  
  Pahole. Pahole Natural Area Reserve is surrounded by the United States Army’s
  
  Makua Military Reservation to the west, the Mokuleia Forest Reserve to the
  
  northeast and southwest, and privately owned pasture to the northeast adjacent
  
  to the lowermost boundary of the Reserve.
  
  Pahole Natural Area Reserve occupies 658 acres on the northeastern face
  
  of the Wai‘anae Mountain Range in the district of Waialua on the island of
  
  O‘ahu. Mokuleia Forest Reserve occupies approximately 3,341 acres, to the
  
  east and west of Pahole Natural Area Reserve. The project area is located
  
  entirely within the Conservation District, within the Protective subzone.
  
  Pahole Natural Area Reserve ranges in elevation from approximately
  
  1,200 to 2,590 feet, and receives an average annual rainfall of 57 to 66 inches.
  
  The runoff is rapid, and erosion occurs on the well-drained soils on slopes along
  
  drainage ways. Eroded spots, stony areas, and outcrops are present in the
  
  Reserve. The lower elevations of the Reserve contain dark friable soils with a
  
  surface layer of silt clay that is moderately to strongly acidic. At the upper
  
  elevations, the well-drained soil is strongly to extremely acidic. The surface
  
  layer of this soil is reddish-brown silt clay overlying ironstone or saprolite.
  
  Environmental conditions for the portion of Mokuleia Forest Reserve within the
  
  project area are similar to those of Pahole Natural Area Reserve.
  
  A privately controlled paved road to the abandoned Nike site and Pahole
  
  Rare Plant Nursery runs close to the north side of the Reserve. A jeep trail
  
  abuts the paved road near Peacock Flat and traverses the Mokuleia Forest
  
  Reserve upslope to the Mokuleia Trail head and Pahole Natural Area Reserve
  
  entrance. The trail continues into Pahole Natural Area Reserve, runs along its
  
  eastern boundary, and continues beyond the Reserve’s northeastern boundary.
  - Kaohi > Kaohi January 23, 2011 at 6:25pm
    
    The Pahole Natural Area Reserve is accessible to the public by way of an
    
    improved road and the Mokuleia Trail. Activities that are compatible with the
    
    NARS mandate are allowed, including scientific research, hiking on designated
    
    trails, camping, public hunting during designated seasons, and cultural practices
    
    are allowed in the Reserve. Some of these activities require permits. Motorized
    
    vehicles and mountain bikes are not permitted.
    
    Flora
    
    The Pahole Natural Area Reserve protects some of the best examples of
    
    lowland native mesic and dry forest remaining in the Hawaiian Islands. These
    
    forests are noted for their species diversity and richness, and are becoming
    
    increasingly uncommon. Native natural communities within the Reserve include
    
    koa/‘ohi‘a (
    
    (
    
    lowland dry forest, O‘ahu diverse mesic forest, ‘a‘ali‘i lowland dry shrubland,
    
    and an intermittent stream.
    
    The species richness in the project area is found in the sub-canopy trees,
    
    shrubs, and ferns. At least 168 native plant taxa have been reported from the
    
    Reserve, including 58 rare and endangered species. Several of these plants are
    
    locally common in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve, but are not found elsewhere
    
    in Hawai‘i. At least 18 endangered plant species, candidate plant species, and
    
    plant species of concern are present within the project area and are listed in
    
    Appendix C.
    
    A sizeable portion of the Reserve is dominated by non-native vegetation.
    
    The near extirpation of native plants and their replacement by alien species in
    
    these areas are the result of rooting, disturbance of native ground cover, and
    
    weed dispersal by feral pigs.
    Acacia/Metrosideros) lowland mesic forest, ‘ohi‘a/uluheMetrosideros/ Dicranopteris) lowland mesic forest, lonomea (Sapindus)
    
    Fauna
    
    Native birds known to occur in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve are the
    
    ‘apapane (
    
    Pacific golden plover (
    
    (
    
    pairs, has been observed in the project area.
    
    One species of the endangered O‘ahu tree snail (
    
    three snail species of concern, and at least three additional snail species have
    
    been reported from the Reserve. Given the relatively intact condition of the
    
    native forests in the project area, it can be assumed that the site supports native
    
    insects and other invertebrates as well. A list of native animals known from the
    
    Reserve is contained in Appendix D.
    
    9
    
    Non-native feral pigs (
    
    mongooses (
    
    rosea
    Himatione sanguinea), ‘amakihi (Hemignathus virens), kolea orPluvialis fulva), and the endangered O‘ahu ‘elepaioChasiempis sandwichensis ibidis). One lone male ‘elepaio, but no nestingAchatinella mustelina),Sus scrofa), rats (Rattus spp.), mice (Mus spp.),Herpestes auropunctatus), and the predatory land snail (Euglandina) occur in the Reserve.
    
    Significant and Sensitive Habitats
    
    The entire Pahole Natural Area Reserve is considered to be a sensitive
    
    habitat, particularly for the endangered O‘ahu ‘elepaio (
    
    sandwichensis ibidis)
    
    (
    
    plant species. Pahole Natural Area Reserve has been designated as critical
    
    habitat for the ‘elepaio and for 25 threatened and endangered plants on O‘ahu by
    
    the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; a list of species with designated critical
    
    habitat in the project area is contained in Appendix E. The Natural Area
    
    Reserve also includes lowland native mesic and dry forests, which are becoming
    
    increasingly rare in Hawai‘i.
    Chasiempis, one species of the endangered O‘ahu tree snailAchatinella mustelina), three snail species of concern, and many rare native
    
    Archaeological & Cultural Resources
    
    An archaeological reconnaissance of the planned fence route was
    
    performed by Loren Zulick, Cultural Resources Specialist, Environmental
    
    Division, Directorate of Public Works (DPW), U.S. Army Garrison Hawai‘i to
    
    assess the potential impacts to known and previously unrecorded cultural sites.
    
    The full report is included as Appendix F.
    
    The archaeological reconnaissance survey involved walking the entire
    
    planned route for the fenceline. No extant cultural resources on the surface of
    
    the ground, including temporary shelters or other natural or constructed
    
    features, were observed within the project area. In addition, no cultural
    
    resources or historic properties were identified along the proposed fenceline
    
    routes. The closest known cultural site is State Site #50-80-03-5920, a
    
    habitation/agricultural complex located within Makua Valley, 1,000 meters to
    
    the southwest. The report concluded that Site 5920 would not be impacted by
    
    the proposed project.
    
    The report also noted that construction of the proposed exclosures may
    
    impact the Mokuleia Trail, as the fence will cross the trail twice, and suggested
    
    mitigation measures to minimize the potential impact. The report concluded
    
    that no cultural resources will be impacted by the proposed project.
    
    A search for relevant studies at the University of Hawai‘i and in the
    
    Hawaiian and Pacific Collection did not turn up any historical information
    
    regarding the site. A review of
    
    legends, traditions, or other information relating to the project area. Finally,
    
    during pre-consultation, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Ilio‘ulaokalani
    
    Coalition, and Kahea – the Hawaiian Environmental Alliance were requested to
    
    share any information they had regarding traditional use of the area or to
    
    identify any groups or individuals who may use the area. No traditional or
    
    cultural practices occurring in the project area were identified through this
    
    10
    
    process. Collection of plants within a Natural Area Reserve is restricted and
    
    requires a Special Use Permit, and there have been no applications for Special
    
    Use Permits for traditional and cultural activities within Pahole Natural Area
    
    Reserve. Finally, as the project site is in a remote wilderness, visitation to the
    
    area apart from hunters and resource managers is minimal and is primarily
    
    limited to the area surrounding the Mokuleia Trail. Based on all the available
    
    information, there are no known traditional and cultural activities associated
    
    with the project area that might be impacted by fence construction.
    
    Because of the use of Federal funds, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    
    (as the funding agency) will be conducting a Section 106 consultation for this
    
    project.
    Sites of Oahu disclosed no specific sites,
    
    V. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION INCLUDING
    
    ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
    
    Environmental Impacts
    
    Short-Term Impacts
    
    The primary short-term environmental impacts of the proposed action are
    
    associated with fence construction. Disturbance of vegetation will occur along
    
    the fence line in a corridor no wider than 10 feet. Some common native plants
    
    may be damaged, but not to any significant degree. Disturbance of the
    
    vegetation will be limited to areas that do not contain sensitive resources.
    
    Soil will be disturbed along the proposed fence line. Soil disturbance will
    
    be short-term, and no changes in the normal runoff or percolation patterns are
    
    expected. The proposed project may enhance water quality in nearby
    
    intermittent streams by reducing feral pig activity.
    
    Noise and air pollution from helicopter sling loads and the use of small
    
    power tools will be unavoidable during fence construction. Increased human
    
    activity in the project area resulting from fence construction will be necessary.
    
    This increase in activity may temporarily disturb native birds in the immediate
    
    vicinity.
    
    Long-Term Impacts
    
    The long-term impacts of the proposed action are associated with the
    
    proposed fencing and removal of feral pigs, which may alter the vegetation in
    
    the project area. Fence construction would entail clearing a corridor no wider
    
    than 10-feet to remove hazards to fence construction crews and facilitate fence
    
    construction. Although most of the vegetation is expected to grow back, fence
    
    inspection and maintenance will require that the fence line be kept cleared of
    
    vegetation. The proposed fence construction may also affect plant species
    
    known to support the endangered O‘ahu tree snail,
    
    11
    
    Soil disturbance along the proposed fence line, as well as the transport of
    
    fence materials and crews, will increase the potential accidental introduction of
    
    non-native plants to the project site. Species, such as
    Achatinella mustelina.Triumfetta semitriloba
    
    and
    
    construction workers, and new alien species could be introduced.
    
    Native plant populations, including populations of endangered species,
    
    should increase in numbers once feral pigs are removed from the fenced areas.
    
    At the same time, the removal of feral pigs could result in an increase in nonnative
    
    plants that are currently suppressed by feral pig activity. However, nonnative
    
    plants that are spread by feral pigs in the proposed fenced areas may
    
    decrease once the pigs are removed.
    Clidemia hirta, which occur in the project area, could be spread by fence
    
    Socio-Economic Impacts
    
    The proposed action will require spending the funds necessary for the
    
    project. Fencing materials have been purchased, and fence crews and helicopter
    
    operators will be contracted. Positive economic impacts will result from the
    
    release of project funds into the O‘ahu economy through the purchase of fence
    
    materials and employment of fence crews. The proposed action may attract
    
    additional funding for watershed protection, reforestation, and endangered
    
    species recovery.
    
    With respect to long-range planning policies, the project is consistent
    
    with Section 3.1.3, Guidelines for Open Space and the Natural Environment of
    
    the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan, relating to identification and
    
    protection of endangered species, native ecosystems, and other important
    
    ecologically sensitive areas and with Section 3.4.3, Planning Guidelines for the
    
    Preservation of Forest Lands of the Wai‘anae Sustainable Communities Plan,
    
    relating to the protection of rare and endangered species and preventing the
    
    introduction of alien species.
    
    The proposed action will result in the loss of approximately 250 acres to
    
    public hunting. Under current DOFAW rules, public hunting of game mammals
    
    in Pahole Natural Area Reserve is restricted, requiring an entry permit from the
    
    O‘ahu NARS Manager and requiring hunters to be accompanied by a DOFAW
    
    staff member. The reduction in hunting acreage resulting from the proposed
    
    action is not expected to be significant because little hunting occurs in the
    
    relatively remote, upper elevations of the Pahole Natural Area Reserve.
    
    Further, the project area represents a small portion of the hunting land in the
    
    general area, most of which will remain open for public hunting in the
    
    foreseeable future. Finally, the planned fencing will not restrict access for
    
    hunters crossing Pahole Natural Area Reserve to get to other hunting areas.
    
    A portion of the proposed fence runs along and crosses the Mokuleia
    
    Trail. The trail is maintained and is used by hikers, hunters, and naturalists. In
    
    comparison to other trails on O‘ahu, Mokuleia Trail is not commonly used by
    
    the public because of the limited vehicular access to the trailhead.
    
    12
    
    Fence construction could interfere with public access to portions of the
    
    Reserve for a short period of time. Appropriate public access to, and use of the
    
    area will not be affected in the long-term by the proposed action. After fencing,
    
    the project area will remain open space and will continue to be managed as a
    
    Natural Area Reserve. Public hiking, nature study, research, cultural practices,
    
    hunting, and other permitted activities will still be allowed in the Pahole
    
    Natural Area Reserve, subject to existing NARS rules.
    
    Finally, the positive socio-economic impacts of the proposed action
    
    include protecting native forest and watershed in the Wai‘anae Mountains,
    
    which support the leeward and north shore communities of O‘ahu. The proposed
    
    fences will contribute to the recovery of unique and critically endangered
    
    Hawaiian species and create additional opportunities for nature appreciation,
    
    education, and research.
    
    Cultural Impacts
    
    The proposed action is not expected to adversely affect cultural practices.
    
    As noted earlier, there are no known traditional and cultural activities
    
    associated with the project area that might be impacted by fence construction.
    
    Because public access to the area will not be affected in the long-term by the
    
    proposed action and gates or stiles will be constructed to ensure access where
    
    the fencing crosses Mokuleia Trail, the project should not impact access for
    
    Native Hawaiian cultural practices that may be in existence but are currently
    
    unknown. Construction of fences will have no effect on existing regulations
    
    restricting the collection of plants in Natural Area Reserves, and thus should not
    
    affect Native Hawaiian gathering rights. Finally, as the intent of the fence is to
    
    protect and restore native natural resources, the long-term impact on gathering
    
    rights may be positive.
    
    For example, the proposed action will protect and enhance the habitat for
    
    many native plant species that are essential to the Native Hawaiian culture,
    
    including palapalai (
    
    maile (
    
    (
    
    As these plants and the forest recover, it may be possible to allow limited
    
    collecting of certain species (via special use permits) for traditional practices.
    
    Thus, the proposed action is anticipated to enhance traditional and customary
    
    practices by protecting and actively managing the native forest and watershed in
    
    the Pahole Natural Area Reserve.
    Microlepia strigosa), wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis),Alyxia oliviformis), ieie (Freycinetia arborea), koa (Acacia koa), ohiaMetrosideros spp.), and papala kepau (Pisonia sp.).
    
    VI. MITIGATION MEASURES
    
    Although the proposed action is not expected to have any significant
    
    impacts on the environment, the following measures are proposed to mitigate
    
    any potential negative impacts resulting from the project.
    - Kaohi > Kaohi January 23, 2011 at 6:26pm
      
      The proposed fence line was selected based on the need to minimize
      
      impacts of fence construction on native plant communities; ease of fence
      
      installation and maintenance; and long-term survival of the fences from
      
      vegetative encroachment, erosion, and slides. The fence line transects
      
      predominantly non-native plant communities, and fence alignment has been
      
      designed to minimize the impacts to native species by following existing
      
      corridors of disturbance whenever possible.
      
      Prior to vegetation clearing and fence construction, DOFAW staff will resurvey
      
      the fence lines to ensure that no rare, threatened or endangered plants or
      
      animals are within the area cleared for the fence. Potentially sensitive areas and
      
      any rare, endangered or threatened plant or animal species identified in
      
      proximity to the project area will be flagged to prevent damage by fence crews.
      
      If necessary, minor changes in fence alignment will be made to avoid sensitive
      
      sites by a greater distance.
      
      Further, in order to avoid impacts to the endangered O‘ahu tree snail,
      
      (
      
      biologists to survey the proposed fence line corridor for tree snail populations
      
      prior to any vegetation clearing. No large ‘ohi‘a trees will be removed, and the
      
      preferred host tree for the endangered snail, olopua (
      
      will receive special attention. Any trimming or cutting of trees or shrubs will
      
      be done only after the vegetation has been carefully inspected for snails. Staff
      
      knowledgeable about tree snail protocols will do the clearing. Whenever
      
      possible, the cleared vegetation will be placed on native vegetation so that any
      
      undetected native tree snails will have an opportunity to reach a replacement
      
      host plant.
      
      Vehicular traffic will be restricted to existing roads and jeep trails, and
      
      existing foot trails will be used during fence construction. All fence
      
      construction workers will be instructed on specific procedures to prevent the
      
      spread or introduction of noxious plants in the project area. Known problem
      
      species, such as
      
      found along the proposed fence lines will be removed from the project area prior
      
      to fence construction. Vehicles and equipment will be inspected prior to
      
      entering the project area.
      
      Upon initial completion of the fences, any feral pigs remaining in the
      
      fenced areas would be penned in temporarily until they are removed. This may
      
      result in intensified damage to native resources by animals that might otherwise
      
      be passing through the area. DOFAW staff will immediately implement
      
      intensive control efforts to eliminate any feral pigs remaining in the enclosed
      
      area. Volunteer hunters from the public will be used as the method-of-choice to
      
      remove feral pigs from the project area before and after fence construction. No
      
      further ingress to, or recruitment of, feral pigs in the project area is anticipated.
      
      Staff will perform periodic monitoring to insure that all pigs are removed and do
      
      not harm native resources within the fenced areas.
      
      14
      
      Most of the proposed fencing will be installed along ridges dominated by
      
      non-native vegetation, minimizing the likelihood that any archaeological or
      
      historic sites in the Reserve would be affected. Fencing and removing feral pigs
      
      from the project area will be the first step toward the protection of any
      
      archaeological sites that might be discovered in the future. Feral pigs and other
      
      hoofed mammals are known to disturb archaeological sites elsewhere in Hawai‘i
      
      by knocking over stone walls, turning over soil, spreading noxious weeds, and
      
      accelerating erosion and landslides. Vegetation clearing and fence construction
      
      will cease if any archaeological, historical, or cultural sites are encountered
      
      during construction, and the State Historic Preservation Division will be
      
      consulted immediately.
      
      The proposed action will not restrict travel on the Mokuleia Trail, and the
      
      integrity of the trail will be kept intact. For the most part, the fences will not
      
      be visible from the trail and will not impact any view planes. The fence line has
      
      been routed away from the Mokuleia Trail wherever possible, and will cross the
      
      trail in only two places. Stiles or gates will be installed to facilitate the safe
      
      and easy crossing of the fence in these two areas, and gates may be installed in
      
      other locations for fence maintenance and management purposes. The stiles and
      
      gates should be more than sufficient for any continued use of the project area.
      
      To mitigate the loss of public hunting opportunities in the project area,
      
      efforts will be made by DOFAW staff to provide additional public hunting
      
      opportunities elsewhere in the Mokuleia Forest Reserve by enhancing access to
      
      the lower Kaala and West Makaleha areas, where hunting pressure on feral pigs
      
      is currently low.
      Achatinella mustelina), DOFAW staff will enlist the support of expertNestegis sandwicensis),Triumfetta semitriloba and Clidemia hirta, that are currently
      
      VII. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
      
      Five project alternatives were considered and are described here.
      
      Alternative # 1: Construct a network of habitat management unit fences
      
      surrounded by a perimeter fence in uppermost portion of the Pahole
      
      Reserve as proposed (preferred alternative).
      
      This is the preferred alternative because it is the most efficient way to
      
      protect native resources and watershed, and control feral pigs. In the long-term,
      
      it is more cost-effective to subdivide the 235-acre project site into habitat
      
      management units to facilitate feral pig control and fence maintenance. The
      
      habitat management fences (Units 1, 2 and 3) would secure high-priority natural
      
      areas, and the perimeter fence (Unit 4) would provide adjacent protected areas
      
      for reforestation and future outplanting of endangered species and reforestation.
      
      Public hunting would be used as the method-of-choice for initially removing
      
      feral pigs from the fenced areas. Invasive species would be monitored and
      
      controlled.
      
      Alternative # 2. Construct small fenced exclosures around existing rare
      
      and endangered plant species in Pahole Natural Area Reserve.
      
      15
      
      This alternative is impractical because most of the rare and endangered
      
      plants in the Reserve exist on steep slopes, partly as a result of selective
      
      pressure by feral pigs. Fence construction in these relatively remote areas
      
      would be difficult and expensive, and would damage the steep sensitive slopes
      
      targeted for protection. By fencing only existing populations of endangered
      
      species, this alternative would preclude reforestation of the area and the
      
      recovery of endangered species.
      
      Alternative # 3. Construct a perimeter fence around the entire Pahole
      
      Natural Area Reserve to protect approximately 658 acres.
      
      This alternative would require approximately 29,000 feet of fencing and
      
      would be expensive to implement. This alternative would entail fencing
      
      portions of the lower Reserve (below approximately 1,600 feet) that do not
      
      warrant intensive management at this time because of a proliferation of invasive
      
      species and extensive damage caused by feral pigs.
      
      Alternative # 4. No fences constructed in the Pahole Natural Area
      
      Reserve; rely on public, staff, and aerial hunting, snaring, and trapping
      
      to control feral pigs.
      
      Although public hunting occurs in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve,
      
      without easy access to the project area and physical barriers, such as fences, to
      
      restrict the movement of feral pigs, public hunting cannot keep the number of
      
      pigs low enough to protect the Reserve and recover endangered species. Staff
      
      hunting and other methods of controlling feral pigs are more effective in
      
      reducing animal damage than relying on public hunting alone and may be less
      
      expensive than fencing large areas in the short term. However, as long as the
      
      Reserve boundaries are open, there will be ingress of feral pigs from adjacent
      
      lands. Animal control would have to continue indefinitely. Staff and aerial
      
      hunting, snaring, and trapping would be expensive, unpopular, and perceived by
      
      the hunting community as an ongoing waste of meat. The best long-term
      
      solution to the feral pig problem in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve is to fence
      
      large habitat management units and remove feral pigs as quickly as possible.
      
      Alternative # 5. No action.
      
      This alternative is inconsistent with the NARS mandate to protect native
      
      ecosystems and geological sites in perpetuity, pursuant to Chapter 195, HRS.
      
      This alternative is contrary to the State’s legal obligation to protect and recover
      
      threatened and endangered species, as required by Chapter 195D, HRS. The noaction
      
      alternative effectively accepts the deterioration and eventual loss of
      
      unique and rare native forest and watershed, and would preclude endangered
      
      species recovery efforts in the Reserve.
      
      16
      
      VIII. DETERMINATION
      
      It is not expected that this project will have a significant negative impact
      
      on the surrounding environment, and thus, it is anticipated that the proposed
      
      action will result in a Finding of No Significant Impact.
      
      IX. FINDINGS, AND REASONS SUPPORTING THE
      
      DETERMINATION
      
      The goal of the proposed action is to benefit native forests, watershed,
      
      and habitat for native species, including endangered species. Creating
      
      permanent barriers to exclude feral pigs will enhance reforestation efforts and
      
      remove a major threat to the continued survival of rare and endangered species.
      
      Conservation efforts throughout Hawai‘i have consistently shown that removing
      
      feral pigs and other invasive species is an important first step toward protecting
      
      and restoring native ecosystems. If animals are removed before the damage is
      
      widespread and severe, native vegetation is often able to recover naturally and
      
      the spread of invasive weeds can be stopped. Unless the pervasive disturbance
      
      of feral pigs is removed, native resources in the Pahole Natural Area Reserve
      
      will continue to decline.
      
      Mitigation measures will be implemented to insure that sensitive natural
      
      resources will not be harmed by the proposed action. Implementing a weedcontrol
      
      program will increase the likelihood of native vegetation recovery and
      
      prevent the establishment of new noxious plants. The short-term damage to
      
      vegetation and soil as a result of building the fences will be more than offset by
      
      the regeneration that will take place once the feral pigs have been removed.
      
      The proposed action will protect watershed and habitat for native species that
      
      are an integral part of the Native Hawaiian culture. Efforts will be taken to
      
      minimize the effects of the proposed action on public use and enjoyment of the
      
      project area.
      
      The anticipated Finding of No Significant Impact is based on the
      
      evaluation of the project in relation to the following criteria identified in the
      
      Hawai‘i Administrative Rules § 11-200-12:
      
      1) Involves an irrevocable commitment to loss or destruction of any natural
      
      or cultural resource.
      
      The proposed action will provide long-term protection for native forest,
      
      watershed, and habitat for native plants and animals, including
      
      endangered species. Fencing and the removal of feral pigs will enhance
      
      reforestation and protect watershed values. The project will secure
      
      outplanting sites for endangered species and aid in their recovery. The
      
      positive results of the project are expected to more than offset any shortterm
      
      damage incurred during fence construction.
      
      2) Curtails the range of beneficial uses of the environment.
      - Kaohi > Kaohi January 23, 2011 at 6:34pm
        
        Amelia,
        
        There is more to this so called Anglo Fence for security reasons, no less. I doubt if this fence was for the environment. Dr. George Kanahele writes in his Ku Kanaka text on the Sense of Place and actually makes a difference between the two cultures. Anglo Geography and fence and the Native Hawaiians and their version of space.
        
        We needed to call the Anglos on their intent and didn't....
        
        The fence was a well talked about point of contention during botany classes and off classes. I did do a walk to the end of Kaena with my Botany class 400 level when the Albratros flew in to nest. So clearly it's an old long time ago plan that leaked into the sustainable plans in Waianae.
        
        The sustainable planners out here mostly insecure humans and need domestication that are planning the fence line along the Waianae Coast---nuts yeah!