Its that time of year again, people from all over the world, Swimming, Biking, Running around Kona ! Its been a great boost for the economy every year - especially after 9-11, there was just a handful of people that didn't make it that year, mostly because they were called to duty. So THANK YOU Ironman. Enough said about that, the reality of living here, and having to deal with - basically shutting down Kona on race day - Well its just easier to get out of town - EARLY that day!
So I just wanted to pass on a really cool thing to do that day - Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refugeopen House. They only open the gates to the public once a year, and believe me - I went last year - I questioned my wife on her sanity - the last thing I wanted to do, was to drive up that mountain and spend the afternoon with a bunch of TREE HUGGERS! She assured me she was not insane and convinced me to go along with her. I thought about bringing my dirt bike - then I said - Dirt Bike - tree huggers - no - not going to mix. So I dragged my butt up there. And you know what, We had a GREAT time - what a beautiful part of the island, fenced off from all the cattle, pigs, goats, - just old Hawaii, Old growth forest, Birds that you only find in this one place - no where else in the world will you find what you will see up there. Its a great way to spend any Saturday afternoon - let alone Ironman weekend. I will post a few outtakes from todays newspaper.
The public can explore this national wildlife refuge during its 15th annual open house Oct. 13.
"Every year, we look forward to sharing the beauty and value of a native Hawaiian forest with its owners, the American people," said Dick Wass, the refuge's manager and first employee. "This is a wonderful opportunity to see our unique and colorful Hawaiian forest birds, especially the endangered ones."
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists and staff will guide outdoor enthusiasts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on hikes through the Pua Akala Tract, which harbors a high-elevation rainforest. It is also a hot spot for viewing birds, such as the iiwi, elepaio, Hawaii creeper and Hawaii akepa.
The Pua Akala Tract leads to a historic 115-year-old koa cabin, built by brothers D.H. and E.G. Hitchcock, owners of Hitchcock and Co. Sugar Plantation. Vacationers, cattle hunters, surveyors and guests traveled from Hilo to visit the cabin. Visitors in 1901 carved their names next to the front door. The cabin will be open for viewing.
Trekkers will also receive a briefing about plants, animals, the forest restoration program, the refuge's management objects, tree-planting efforts, cultural resource protection, weed control projects and the University of Hawaii's field station.
Established in 1985, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge was set aside to protect and manage endangered forest birds and their habitat, said Jack Jeffrey, refuge wildlife biologist.
Prior more than a quarter of its acres was open pasture, which was grazed and rooted by sheep, pigs and cattle. Since its establishment, the refuge has expanded and feral ungulates have been removed from 12,000 acres, said James Glynn, deputy refuge manager.
To restore the habitat, staff and volunteers removed invasive species as well as planted native trees, mainly koa and ohia. A natural regeneration of the habitat is taking place. Native birds are now reclaiming forests that were destroyed and damaged. For instance, the akiapolaau is utilizing the planted woodlands. This rare bird with its chisel-and-probe bill is moving in to tap the bark of new koa in search of insects, Jeffrey said.
Another success is the captive nene-breeding program. Nene were first released at refuge in 1996. The initial flock included a mother, father and eight goslings. Over the years, about a dozen birds were raised at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and released. Now close to 200 nene exist at the wildlife haven. Last breeding season, there were 63 goslings, Jeffrey said.
During the open house, the public can tour the refuge's greenhouse. More than 382,000 seedlings have propagated there since 1987, Glynn said.
Inside participants will see haha, Cyanea shipmanii, an extremely rare plant found only on Hawaii Island. Less than five haha are known to exist in the wild. The staff is propagating this species and has planted more than 200 individuals at the refuge, Jeffrey said.
If you would like more information about this - just send me an email
Aloha, and have a great day
Lance Owens (RS)
(808) 936-8383
Aloha Kona Realty Inc.
78-6740 Alii Drive
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