The City and County of Honolulu, the local community and the state have come together to prevent vehicular activity and illegal off-roading from destroying habitats on the Kaiwi Coast.
The plan will use boulders and traffic barriers to protect Wāwāmalu, Patch reported. Wāwāmalu is located between Sandy Beach Park's windward driveway and the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline.
"The area is a coastal ecosystem containing native plants, sand dunes, beach, rocky volcanic coastline and ample space for public access. These features serve as a critical wildlife habitat and natural resource for the cultural, recreational and resiliency needs of our community. Historically, Wāwāmalu is recognized as a former Native Hawaiian farming & fishing village, sandalwood forest, trading route, and ranch where archaeological evidence exists of human burials. Native species found in this area include: Beach naupaka, naio, sea turtles, sea birds and endangered species such as the Hawaiian yellow-faced bee and Hawaiian monk seal," Patch reported.
The Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board resolution started the initiative.
"It is always encouraging to see the will to protect our natural environment, and actionable solutions to realize that goal, initiated by the community," Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Deputy Director Michele Nekota told Patch. "A big mahalo to the many groups, nonprofits and the state for all working together to find the best solution to give this coastline a better chance of thriving. We believe it is truly everyone's responsibility to help care for the land."
The project will start with boulders being transported.
"This initiative is the culmination of a dedicated effort by the Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board, multiple community non-profit organizations (like Livable Hawai'i Kai Hui, the Sierra Club O'ahu and the Surfrider Foundation), as well as community members-at-large to ensure that we can preserve this place for our keiki and future generations," Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters told Patch. "This plan will still allow surfers, fishermen and other beachgoers to park in two dedicated areas along Wāwāmalu, while accomplishing the key objective of preventing the off-roading of vehicles across the dunes and beach."