Joint effort to restore Hawaii island wetlands moves forward – Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Report on the Honu‘apo Estuary Wetland Restoration Project and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Project Overview

A draft environmental assessment has been filed for the Honu‘apo Estuary Wetland Restoration Project, a long-term initiative by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The project aims to restore approximately eight acres of vital estuary and wetland habitat in the Honu‘apo ahupa‘a on Hawaii island. This initiative directly addresses several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its focus on ecological restoration, biodiversity protection, and cultural preservation.

Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation (SDG 14 & SDG 15)

The project’s core objectives are intrinsically linked to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By restoring the ecological balance of the wetland, the project seeks to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Key Restoration Activities:

• Habitat Restoration: The primary phase involves restoring the estuary’s hydrology by deepening water areas to optimize tidal flow.
• Invasive Species Removal: Eradication of invasive plants, such as water-intensive kiawe trees.
• Native Species Reintroduction: Planting of native vegetation, including endangered species like loulu palms and ‘ohai shrubs, to provide food and shelter for native wildlife.
• Predator Control: Installation of a predator-proof fence to create a safe environment for nesting and breeding.

Targeted Species and Ecosystem Impact:

1. SDG 14 – Life Below Water: The restored estuary will provide a healthier habitat for marine life, including Hawaiian monk seals that frequent the area.
2. SDG 15 – Life on Land: The project is expected to benefit numerous terrestrial and freshwater species. This includes the potential return of the endangered orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly and the recovery of native coastal bird populations such as the ae‘o (Hawaiian stilts) and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coots).

Cultural Heritage and Community Engagement (SDG 11)

The project strongly supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by safeguarding the area’s significant cultural and natural heritage and fostering community involvement.

Cultural Preservation:

• The project area contains 88 culturally significant sites with over 200 archaeological features, including petroglyphs, the Kamala‘i heiau, and pre-contact burial complexes.
• Restoration work is underway on an ancient Hawaiian fishpond, with a permit granted in 2019.

Community Participation:

• The community group Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo (KOOH) is a key partner, uniting the community to preserve the area’s history.
• Since 2021, over 1,300 people have contributed more than $150,000 worth of community service during 60 coastal restoration workdays.
• The restoration enhances a treasured community space used for cultural practices, recreation, and education, ensuring it remains a valuable resource for future generations.

Collaborative Partnerships and Funding (SDG 17)

The project exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through its multi-stakeholder collaboration and diverse funding structure, which has been crucial for its advancement.

Project Partners:

• Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)
• Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo (KOOH)
• Hawaii Wildlife Fund
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Pacific Birds Joint Habitat Venture
• Hawaii County

Funding Sources:

1. $1.5 million from NOAA’s Estuary Protection Fund.
2. $1 million from the Hawaii Legacy Lands Act.
3. $549,000 from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant.
4. $500,000 in Hawaii County capital improvement project funding.
5. $1,700 raised by Kau residents.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The project focuses on restoring a coastal estuary and wetland habitat, which is crucial for marine and coastal ecosystems.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The restoration involves managing inland freshwater ecosystems (wetlands), protecting endangered species, and combating invasive species.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – A significant part of the project is dedicated to preserving the area’s cultural history and archaeological sites.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights the collaboration between government agencies, community groups, non-profits, and federal bodies to fund and execute the project.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Target 14.2: “sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts… and take action for their restoration.”
  • The Honu‘apo Estuary Wetland Restoration Project is a direct action to restore a coastal ecosystem. The article states the goal is to “restore about eight acres of estuary and wetland habitat” to help the “estuary’s ecosystem.”

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.1: “ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular… wetlands.”
  • The project’s primary objective is “wetland restoration,” which directly aligns with this target. The effort aims to “restore the hydrology” and “restore the ecological balance of the wetland.”
• Target 15.5: “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and… protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.”
  • The article specifies that the project will benefit endangered species, including the “orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly,” “Hawaiian monk seals,” “ae‘o (Hawaiian stilts),” and “‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coots).” The installation of a “predator-proof fence” is a direct action to protect these species.
• Target 15.8: “introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems.”
  • A key activity of the restoration is to remove “invasive plants like ‘water-hungry’ kiawe trees” and replace them with native vegetation.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”
  • The project explicitly works to “preserve the archaeological remnants of Native Hawaiian habitation.” The article mentions “88 culturally significant sites with over 200 archaeological features,” including petroglyphs, a heiau, burial complexes, and an ancient fishpond, all of which are being preserved.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.”
  • The article details a multi-stakeholder partnership involving the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (public), community group Ka ‘Ohana O Honu‘apo (civil society), and the Hawaii Wildlife Fund (civil society). Funding partnerships are also evident, with contributions from NOAA (public-federal), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (public-federal), Hawaii County (public-local), and Kau residents (private/community).

Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for Ecosystem Restoration (Targets 14.2, 15.1, 15.8)

• Area of restored habitat: The article specifies the project aims to restore “about eight acres of estuary and wetland habitat.”
• Removal of invasive species: Progress can be measured by the area cleared of invasive plants like “kiawe trees.”
• Establishment of native species: Success can be tracked by the planting and survival rates of “native plants” such as “endangered loulu palms or ‘ohai shrubs.”
• Hydrological function: The “deepening water areas to allow tides to optimally fill the wetlands” serves as a direct indicator of restored hydrology.

Indicators for Biodiversity and Species Protection (Target 15.5)

• Population of endangered species: The return and population growth of species like the “orangeblack Hawaiian damselfly that has been absent,” and the successful “nesting and breeding” of coastal birds like the “ae‘o (Hawaiian stilts) and ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coots)” are key indicators.
• Habitat utilization: The regular presence of “Hawaiian monk seals that regularly visit the estuary” can be monitored as a sign of a healthy habitat.

Indicators for Cultural Heritage Preservation (Target 11.4)

• Number of sites preserved: The project’s success can be measured by the protection of the “88 culturally significant sites” mentioned.
• Restoration of cultural features: The progress of “restoration work on the fishpond” is a specific, measurable activity.

Indicators for Partnerships and Community Engagement (Target 17.17)

• Community participation: The article provides clear metrics, stating that the project has “engaged over 1,300 people” in “60 coastal restoration workdays since 2021.”
• Value of volunteer work: The contribution of the community is quantified as “$150,000 worth of community service work.”
• Financial mobilization: The diverse funding sources mentioned ($1M from Hawaii Legacy Lands Act, $1.5M from NOAA, $500,000 from Hawaii County, etc.) serve as an indicator of successful partnership-based financing.
• Community outreach: The plan to host “five in-depth workshops” and “free community gatherings” is a measurable indicator of ongoing engagement.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: staradvertiser.com