Founded 2011 | ||
The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT) is a non-profit organization established in Hawaii to “protect the lands that sustain us for current and future generations.” The organization works with landowners to protect areas identified as of great cultural or environmental significance by preventing commercial or other development. Usually, this is achieved by the landowner’s providing a conservation easement to the land—although alternatively HILT may purchase the property.
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History
In January 2011, HILT was formed from the merger of the Kauai Public Land Trust, the Oahu Land Trust, the Maui Coastal Land Trust, and the Hawaii Island Land Trust.
Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge
The Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge protects over 24 acres (9.7 hectares) of coastal, spring-fed wetland, 103 acres (42 hectares) of sand dune ecosystem, over 7,000 feet (2,100 m) of shoreline and more than 8 acres (3.2 hectares) of riparian habitat, totaling 277 acres (112 hectares). It is located in Waiheʻe on the windward side of the island of Maui, Hawaii.
For a brief period of time Sam Rouse chaired the trust, bringing several new ideas towards fund raising for the trust's active participation in the preservation of the islands. The Maui Coastal Land Trust took ownership of this site in 2004 with support from Maui County.
Active restoration programs have replaced invasive vegetation with native species, enhanced wildlife habitat and preserved archaeological and cultural resources. Restoration employs primarily volunteer labor, managed by professional staff.
The refuge is an important historical site, once hosting kingly residences, battles and Hawaiian legends. The refuge once hosted two fishing Hawaiian villages, an extensive inland Hawaiian fish ponds and several heiau (Hawaiian temple).
Acquisition
The purchase was funded by Maui County (who provided $2,000,000), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (who contributed a further $2 million) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (who provided $800,000). Management funding has come from USFWS, the National Resource Conservation Service Wetlands Reserve Program, NOAA, other grants and private funding from foundations, individuals and groups.
Climate change
Expected rising sealevels could inundate the sand dunes with seawater or transformed them into sandy beaches. A 10 feet (3.0 m) rise was expected to submerge 50-60% of the refuge. Adaptations that would preserve environmental and cultural values has yet to be developed/discovered. It is possible that the return to its pre-development ecological status will provide sufficient resilience to provide partial protection.
Agriculture
Restoration plans include recreation of the fishpond and production of historically farmed crops such as taro. Nine taro patches are under restoration occupying about 0.5 acres (0.20 hectares).
Some 200 sheep live in the refuge.
Dunes
The dunes are some 200 feet (61 m) high. Restoration work there was expected to begin following the completion of the wetlands restoration.
Conservation
Six endangered taxa, two endangered plants, and two endangered insects were found on the site. Many of the important cultural and archeological sites are located in sand dunes at or near the water. Eight endangered species have repopulated the refuge, including aeʻo (stilt), alae keʻokeʻo (coot), koloa (duck) and nene (goose).
When the property was first protected, 95% of the plants were invasive species. As of 2014, 70% of the flora in the wetland are native species.
Culture
The dunes contain multiple burial sites. The dunes were fenced off to reduce foot traffic and exclude invasive predators. Thereafter endangered bird species began to nest on the dunes, acting as a natural vector and fertilizer for native plants.