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TRI-ISLE RC&D PROJECT: Kealia Pond Coastal Wetlands and Sand Dunes

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picture of hawksbill turtle picture of Hawaiian stilt


    This project intends to preserve endangered wetland species; Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Stilt, and the nesting ground of the Hawaiian Hawksbill Turtle by enhancing the coastal ecosystem on which their survival depends.   The coastal sand dunes along the boardwalk route of Kealia Beach, Kihei, are being restored.   A 1.5 mile long drift fence was installed in May 1997, to rebuild the beaches eroded dunes and to prevent endangered hawksbill sea turtles from getting killed on the adjacent highway when they come ashore to nest.

    picture of beach dunes

    In 1996, a large female hawksbill carrying more than 200 eggs was struck and killed by a vehicle on North Kihei Road, after wandering past the eroded beach dunes.   In response, a volunteer group called Honu 'Ea Watch was formed to stop more hawksbill turtles from wandering onto the highway, and to protect their nests on the beach.

    Robert Mullane, coastal process agent with Univ. of Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Service and Maui County consultant on beach erosion, is overseeing the beach erosion program.   The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) donated $18,000 worth of fencing materials.   The fence was erected by inmate laborers from the Maui Community Correctional Center.   Rock boulders placed at openings in the drift fence block the turtles from entering the highway, while still allowing beach goers access to the beach.

    picture of students removing invasive weeds On February 1, 2000, invasive weeds were removed and 100 plants were planted by 56 Seabury Hall sophomores.   Project director, Forest Starr and restoration ecologist Kim Martz of Kihei Canoe Club provided guidance for the planting of Beach Naupaka, Akulikuli, Akiaki, and Pau-o-hiiaka.   The project teaches youth about environment, and is supported by a grant from the office of Hawaiian Affairs and Kihei Canoe Club.

    An elevated boardwalk will be going over the Kealia marshes.   The USFWS has contributed $17,700.   A $10,000 check from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation was presented to Tri-Isle RC&D at a meeting of the Kiwanis Club Kihei/Wailea to provide handicapped access to part of the shoreline.   The A&B Foundation and Hawaii Electric Industries Charitable Foundation have each contributed $10,000.   The Kealia Boardwalk Project is coordinated by Glynnis Nakai with assistance from Larry Whitford and Mike Nishimoto of the USFWS.
The juvenile hawksbill turtle photo was provided by George H. Balazs, National Fisheries Services.
The Hawaiian Stilt photo was provide by Nagamine Photo Studio.
The Kealia Coastal Sand Dunes photo was provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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