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The South Kohala Coastal Partnership was established through the guidance and collaboration of community members, associations, organizations, resource managers, state and federal agencies and is guided by the
South Kohala Coastal Action Plan |
The Problem
The South Kohala reef ecosystem is part of a semi contiguous fringing reef that extends from Keahole Point to Kawaihae with no natural or artificial interruptions, making it one of the longest reefs in the State of Hawai'i. These coral reefs are among the healthiest and most productive in the state and represent a vital and irreplaceable cultural, social, recreational, and economic resource.
Unfortunately, there are several factors threatening the quality of coral reef ecosystems in South Kohala such as anthropogenic threats including land-based sources of pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices.
To try and find solutions to these problems the kupuna, residents, biologists, resource managers, educators, cultural practitioners, students, navigators, teachers and developers came together to discuss and develop a shared vision and an action plan.
Unfortunately, there are several factors threatening the quality of coral reef ecosystems in South Kohala such as anthropogenic threats including land-based sources of pollution, climate change, and unsustainable fishing practices.
To try and find solutions to these problems the kupuna, residents, biologists, resource managers, educators, cultural practitioners, students, navigators, teachers and developers came together to discuss and develop a shared vision and an action plan.
The vision: A
restored, healthy, abundant and resilient South Kohala coastal system cared for
and cherished by an island community guided by the values and traditions of
South Kohala.
The planThe State Division of Aquatic Resources and Coral Reef Working Group identified South Kohala as a priority area for the Hawaii Coral Reef Strategy to implement action to reduce anthropogenic impacts to the reef. As a result, partners worked together to develop the South Kohala Conservation Action Plan (SKCAP) with ridge-to-reef management strategies for the South Kohala priority area that extends from the northern boundary of the Kawaihae ahupua'a to the southern end of 'Anaeho'omalu Bay. This plan recognizes that the lands in the 15 ahupua’a located upland of the site are ecologically and culturally connected to the coastal waters and incorporates implementing projects from watershed management plans to reduce threats to the area.
The SKCAP is used to help guide conservation work to protect and restore the coastal and marine food resources, coastal wetlands, coral reef ecosystems, native reef herbivores, native reef predators, and community kinship and stewardship. Over 70 participants and experts from over 30 agencies and organizations contributed to the development of the SKCAP. The participants of the planning process identified the following six strategies: community partnerships, community co-managed areas, fisheries management, sediment reduction, invasive species, and additional threat analysis to help reduce impacts to the conservation targets. These participants are part of the South Kohala Coastal Partnership and are committed to helping with the implementation of the South Kohala Conservation Action Plan. Click here to read more about the plan. |
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The Partners
This partnership emphasizes the importance of collaboration and working community partnerships to identify target resources, develop strategies and promote stewardship activities to address threats to the coastal and marine ecosystems.
'A'ohe hana nui ke alu 'ia
No task it too big when shared by all.
Join us and get involved.
Mahalo for visiting our site!
If you are interested in supporting the South Kohala Coastal Partnership, or for more information, please contact the South Kohala Coastal Partnership Coordinator Lauren Kurpita at lauren.kurpita@tnc.org
If you are interested in supporting the South Kohala Coastal Partnership, or for more information, please contact the South Kohala Coastal Partnership Coordinator Lauren Kurpita at lauren.kurpita@tnc.org