Landowners agree to restoration partnership for leeward Haleakala

By Jan Welda Fleetham
Haleakala Times
June 18 - July 1, 2003

On Monday, June 2, 2003, at 'Ulupalakua Ranch, an event that will be talked about and referred to by people on this and other Hawaiian islands, and perhaps even around the world for many years, unfolded.

Long before the beginning of the celebration at 8:30 AM, Art Medeiros, a USGS biologist who is the Partnership Coordinator, and so many other people, had been working around the clock preparing speeches, setting up tents and tables and chairs, preparing food, oli (chants), hula, presentations, scheduling helicopter rides, making sure there was enough parking space for all the vehicles, and attending to the hundreds of other details that ultimately combined to make this historic event a monumental success.

Ten landowners, - the James Campbell Estate, Haleakala National Park, Haleakala Ranch, Kaonoulu Ranch, Living Indigenous Forest Ecosystems, Nu'u Mauka Ranch, State of Hawai'i Department of Hawaiian Homelands, State of Hawai'i Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 'Ulupalakua Ranch, U.S. Geological Survey, and John Zwaanstra, - representing a combined total of 43,175 acres of land, on this day signed a "Memorandum of Understanding," agreeing to unite as the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership, the 11th such partnership in the state, to work toward the restoration of native ecosystems on Maui, from Ulupalakua to Kaupo, above 3,500 feet in elevation.

According to a brochure given to each person attending the ceremony, "Along with parts of the Big Island of Hawai'i, leeward Haleakala once supported some of the tallest and most extensive koa forests in the islands. Historical sources stated that these regions produced most of the wa'a (canoes) found throughout the islands. Biologically, these regions were clearly some of the richest forests in the archipelago.

"Today these koa forests occupy only about 5 percent of their former ranges on leeward Haleakala and these fragments are rapidly disappearing. This region represents an ideal candidate for restoration.

"Healthy, sustainable koa forests present tremendous possibilities for the renewable use of koa for both canoes and woodworking. The restoration of koa forest will greatly enhance the watershed potential of this region. It will also provide for the long-term survival of many native plants and animals. Compared to the current lack of productive use, this forest restoration provides substantial economic benefits while protecting Maui's unique cultural and biological resources."

From the beginning of the morning's program, with an introduction by Ululani Gouveia, to the kani ka pu (blowing of the conch shells) by Kimokeo Kapahulehua and Halau Maui Nui O Kama, na pule (opening prayers), the hula by Napua Greig and Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka, to the oli (chants) - especially the one by Kaleikoa Ka'eo, who chanted selected portions of the Kumulipo (Hawaiian creation chant) which pertained to the birth of the plants and animals of the koa forest - to the oration by State Senator J. Kalani English, the events of the day flowed smoothly into one another.

I spoke with Senator English later, and he had this to say: "I think on a much deeper level we're coming to the recognition that the ancient land systems are the ones that work best. This is not a new idea; it worked then, and there's no reason why it should not work now. We've discarded so much of the wisdom of the kupuna; so today, I am pleased and grateful to see some of their wisdom acknowledged. This partnership is a big step in the right direction.

"In fifty years there will probably be a gathering of people to commemorate the event occurring here today. I'm hoping that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to come here and say 'what a wonderful gift our ancestors gave us'. There will be water again, and in a hundred years, it will all be green and reforested.

"This is more than a political arrangement; it is spirituality and pragmatism in action. From a Buddhist perspective, this is right thought and right action.

"I was asked earlier about what the landowners have to give up, and really, they don't have to give up anything; they'll actually be gaining enhanced, restored properties, amiable partnerships. People will gain an abundance of water and a healthy ecosystem that belongs here. Unproductive land can be productive again, and be very financially rewarding for the landowners.

"The rain today is a blessing; as the chants were being invoked, the clouds gathered and a light rain began to fall. It is an affirmation from the ancestors, that this is the right thing to be doing.

"I want to thank the landowners, Art Medeiros and all the others for their efforts, because this is visionary action. And without their commitment, it would not happen; so on the behalf of the future generations, I thank them," said English.

After the opening ceremonies, there was a PowerPoint slide show by Art Medeiros, which revealed many different aspects of the whole situation, from the fact that Hawai'i is known as "the extinction capitol of the world," with Maui being known as the island in the Pacific with the greatest number of extinctions, and leeward Haleakala as the "epicenter of extinction in the Hawaiian islands."

To discussion of the incredible resiliency of koa, to the Hakalau koa project on the Big Island of Hawai'i, with 5,000 acres being reforested there since 1989, to the idea of "Made on Maui" products using the native hardwoods grown here to make ukuleles, canoes, sculptures, etc., to making jobs in this area available for local people - forestry jobs, woodworking jobs, ecotourism.

The whole presentation was a real eye-opener for many; Art explained the situation so clearly, and several people I spoke with afterwards said it was something that should be made available as an educational tool for visitors and residents; that information this vital must be shared more widely.

Sumner Erdman was also there, and said, "This is a good event. I give a lot of credit to Art for putting the whole thing together; it's a good deal for everybody, it will create more water for us, and the more water, the more opportunities".

Bob Hobdy said, "The process has begun. The quality of the people here today is a testimony to the vision, the energy, the dream. We have aloha aina that will rise out of the soil, and aloha coming down from the sky today, so let's go. We have big challenges; this is a big dream, it's a big place, but we have people with big hearts. Let's go. Aloha."

After Art's presentation, many people spoke. Betsy Erdman, David Helwig of the USGS, Bernadette Graham and Charlie Keau of Nu'u Mauka Ranch, Richard Silva of Haleakala Ranch, Jimmy Haynes of Kaupo Ranch, Fern Duval from the State Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Bill King of Kaonoulu Ranch, Don Reeser of Haleakala National Park, David Allen of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tony Durso of Ulupalakua Ranch, Charlie Isaacs of the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission, Les Kulolioio, Kathy Baldwin of Pi'iholo Ranch, Kimokea Kapahulehua, and many others spoke eloquently about the importance of this occasion, and what it meant to them; every one of these people wanted to thank the landowners - but most especially Art Medeiros Ð for making the partnership possible.

Lucienne DeNaie, Conservation Chair of the Sierra Club Hawai'i Chapter, said: "This is a very very historic moment. Art Medeiros has been the catalyst to make this happen; we're all working in the same direction as a result." And she added, "I would like to suggest that we consider extending the management area makai. The Hawaiians used ALL the land, from the mountains to the sea. The Sierra Club hopes to continue our tradition of volunteering for long term conservation projects. We'll be there along with everyone else; consider us a friend."

And Maui County Councilmember JoAnne Johnson read a proposed resolution that she had written with Art Medeiros, Emily Fielding, and her staff, in support of these efforts. Called "Supporting the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership," it was presented to the County Council on Friday, June 6, and passed unanimously. JoAnne talked about one of the chants which asked "where are the waters of Kane?" And she commented that "we had beautiful rainfall coming down, it was very significant."

Later, a break was taken for "pupu and talk story." Helicopter rides were provided by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Alexair Helicopters. A wonderful lunch was served, after which the actual signing of the document occurred. The entire time that the documents were being signed by the landowners, oli were being chanted by Kalei Tsuha, Pulama Collier and Kaleikoa Ka'eo.

I have to mention two more conversations; Kalei Tsuha, Andre Perez and Kaleikoa Kaea of the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission wanted to say that "what happens here directly affects what happens on Kahoolawe. Like throwing a pebble in a pond, the ripples from this watershed restoration project will affect everything; it's all connected. Whatever happens in the mountains benefits the ocean; it's all about developing a relationship, understanding the forest. This is for the community, for Maui Nui. We see this as an educational tool for us and for the rest of the world."

Kalei wanted to say "I, personally, want to say mahalo to Art - he jazzed me up about the forest, his enthusiasm has rubbed off on me and I have learned so much", echoing the sentiments of many people.

And later, when I asked Walter Kanamu if he would like to speak about this, he talked to me in fluent Hawaiian for some time; it was absolutely beautiful; here it is:

Ua lohe au i na leo o na kupuna
Kahea la kou ia'u
A ho'i 'oe i Kahikinui
Ka'aina o kou kupuna
Ka'aina o ke aloha a ke Akua
Makemake au i nana i kou maka
Makemake au i pili aku me'oe
A 'ike i kou mana
Makemake au e lohe
I kou pu'owai e kahea ana ia'u
Ma'ane 'i eia au, i keia la!
Ma'ane 'i eia au, i keia la!
E malama wau ia 'oe
E malama mai 'oe ia'u
Ma'ane ia au ua hiki mai!

Roughly translated, it means: "I listen to the voice of my ancestors. They cry out to me. Return to the land of your ancestors, return to the land you love. I want to look into your eyes. I want to stand together in unison with you. I have seen your power. I want to hear you, your heart cries out to me. And my answer is - here I am today. I will take care of you, land of my ancestors, and you take care of me; it works both ways. Here I am today."

According to Art Medeiros, "The restoration of the leeward koa forests of Haleakala offers at least four major benefits. They are:

"1) Value as watershed forests: Increased interception and retention of fogÐdrip, together with hydraulic lift associated with these native forests, will recharge the stressed aquifers protecting and enhancing regional water resources, allowing the return of the 'waters of Kane.'

"2) Value as regions of cultural significance: Koa provides the source material for one of the most important symbols of our Hawaiian culture, that of the canoe. Once, there were thousands of koa canoes; today, approximately 250 remain, many decades old. Without sound management, the few koa trees of sufficient size that are gathered today and in the near future will likely be the last trees ever gathered except from tree farms. Sustainable use of renewable resources from healthy managed forests is one important goal of the Partnership.

"3) Value in Silvaculture: Koa is one of the world's finest hardwoods, valued as high as $45/board foot and represents about 90 percent of the State's $30 million timber industry. Some State foresters believe that with its increasing rarity and unavailability it is now almost of mineral status. Its great value is fueling an unsustainable black market in areas of the Big Island. Silvaculture can support rural lifestyles and assist in the economic diversification of Maui's economy.

"4) Value as biological reserves: Fossil evidence suggests that many of the endangered native birds of Maui, like the po'oÐuli (three bird surviving) and the Maui parrot-bill (about 500 birds remaining) which are now restricted to remote northern Haleakala rain forests, were once common in forests near 'Ulupalakua and Kahikinui. Much of upland leeward Haleakala has been designated critical habitat for these birds, potentially assisting in securing funding. Many rare native plants are found only in these regions, with no other suitable habitat elsewhere. Without secured habitat on leeward Haleakala, these forests will be gone forever as well as the native plants and animals they sustain."

He also said, "If this Partnership is successful, it has the potential to shape Maui's future, an attribute often cited but rarely achieved.

One of the most important aspects of this project is its potential for promoting rural, culturally appropriate, economically feasible lifestyles." And he went on to say that "currently, the most talented of our local children think they have to go to the mainland to have a better lifestyle; things like Batu have become pervasive in our culture, partially because of a lack of hope in young people for a bright, productive future. To me, this partnership may help provide an infrastructure that can, even just a little bit, support sustainable rural lifestyles.

"I want to send out a most sincere Mahalo pau'ole to all the landowners and support agencies willing to trust in this community building process."

And Art added one last thought, from a book by Geoff Park called "Nga Uruora - the Groves of Life", published in 1995: "Whatever our fantasy, the survivors are in our hands. We can heed those who say it is our destiny as a country to continually revisit the past. And keep alive a sense of native plants, soils, climactic cycles and life forces as necessary ingredients of how we actually live - rediscovery will need to turn into re-enchantment. The last emblems of the verdant country that drew our first comers ashore must lead us toward a concept of survival for ourselves: that we must live with the rest of nature or die with the rest of nature."

If you'd like to learn more about volunteer projects, or want to contribute to this in any way, you can contact Art Medeiros or the Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership at 572Ð4471, or eÐmail acm@aloha.net.

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