Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 28, Number 5, 1 May 2011 — Kaʻena Point gets first predator-proof fence [ARTICLE]

Kaʻena Point gets first predator-proof fence

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it has completed construction of the first predator-proof fence in the Hawaiian Islands at the Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve, a wilderness area at the northwestern tip of O'ahu that DLNR manages as a natural area reserve and state park. The fence spans 700 yards and encloses more than 59 acres to provide a habitat for native plant and aninial life safe from predators such as cats, dogs, mongooses, rats and niiee. The area is home to 1 1 known endangered plant species, ground nesting native seabirds and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, among others. "We will continue to work with the Ka'ena Point Advisory Group and others on an integrated management plan and education effort to protect, preserve and restore the native environment of Ka'ena," Wilham I. Aila, DLNR Chairperson, said in a statement. "We appreciate the comniunity's respecting the disassembled boulder barricade while the fence was under construction. The protective barricade has since been rebuilt in plaee." The U.S. Lish and Wildlife Service provided funding for the project, whieh Loyal Mehrhoff, Lield Supervisor of the Pacific Islands Lish and Wildlife Office, said would "serve as a model for future conservation efforts throughout the Pacific." The protected area is close to being predator-free thanks to baiting and trapping efforts since fence construction began, and scientific monitoring will track the results of the fence over time, DLNR said. Unlocked double-door gates have been installed at major entryways to allow the public to have continued use of the reserve seven days a week for hiking, bird-watching, fishing, cultural practices, and volunteer work. "While

an overwhehning majority of people who have been to Ka'ena Point have been in strong support of the project, modifications to the design have been made to address concerns, including the installation of a thhd walkthrough gate midway between the Wai'anae and Mokulē'ia enhances," DLNR said. Native plants and aninial habitat is expected to recover in a few years. There are currently 65 nesting pairs of Laysan albatrosses including 35 chicks. DLNR said that number is expected to double in next five years as young chicks return to breed and it is hoped that more native bhd species will use Ka'ena Point as a nesting area. Volunteers interested in helping at Ka'ena Point may contact the Lriends of Ka'ena at info@friendsofkaena. org. Lor infomiation on the project, visit www.restorekaena.org.