STEPS
TO TAKE TO OPENING THE AHIHI KINAU NATURAL AREA RESERVE
- Remove rock barriers along the road through the reserve.
These rock barriers reduce the width of the road and create hazards for
motorist. Issue is compounded when emergency vehicles need to access
the area. This action should be started immediately!
- Reestablish roadside parking and pull-offs along the where ever
possible. This will help alleviate the conditions described above for
emergency vehicles. It will also provide a place where people can pull
off and take pictures without impeding traffic flow. It will also
facilitate accessing the reserve itself when the closure is lifted.
(Whether closure is lifted or not this is a very important safety issue
and should be implemented at once.)
- End the closure of the reserve immediately! As noted there is no
demonstrated reason for the reserve to be closed at any time. The idea
that "human trampling" is the primary causal factor or even a
contributing factor to the general state of the flaura and fauna of the
reserve is ludicrous.
- Change the hours of operation of the reserve to open 24/7.
There is no known reason for closure at any time.
- Remove the rocks blocking the various trail heads and also the
ones placed within the trail internal in the reserve. (Initially the
rocks can be removed from the trail proper and just stacked to one
side. In areas close to the road these rocks should be removed and the
original contour of the area reestablished.)
- Restore internal trail markings obliterated by spray paint or
removed since 2004. ( I would suggest using the guide book Maui
Revealed (2004 edition) as reference point for restoring
historical and traditional access marking used to find things in the
reserve.
- Beach and ocean access along the ocean face of the reserve needs
to brought into compliance with state law. Those area in front of
private property within or adjacent to the reserve need attention as
well. State law mandates access in these areas and it would add to the
continuity and integrity of the preserves hiking trails layout.
- Regulations recently enacted need to be repealed as soon as
possible. (Could be done in 2011 legislative session) In the meantime
the regulations should not be enforced.
- The concept of a Marine Reserve needs to be revisited. Marine
fisheries are a sustainable resource and should be managed accordingly.
A total prohibition on fishing or harvesting is inconsistent with
accepted conservation practices. The prohibition of watercraft within
the reserve is contrary to existing marine law and needs to be examined.
- Brush and other debris placed in and around archaeological
features needs to be removed.
- Cave openings blocked with concrete or other materials need to be
restored to their pre closure conditions.
- The desecration of the Burial cave must cease. It needs to be
restored to its pre 1994 condition at the very least. This needs to be
done or at least begun immediately.
- The main parking area needs to be reconfigure to accommodate
additional cars. The lava surface needs to be smoothed to eliminate the
shredding of tires on sharp rock protrusions. People having their cars
damaged need to be advised of their rights to file a claim against the
Department of Land and Natural Resources for the damage.
It is a shame that so much effort was
spent on destroying the work in the reserve done since its inception in
1973. Most of the suggestions above involve getting back to the status
in 2004. I will be offering suggestions on steps that should be taken
to deal with the continueing issues of invasive species and feral
animals as time permits.
Dr. George R. Harker
December 4, 2010
