for generations, Comment on Estanary Kau was a place where life gathered—a place where children learned to swim, where families fished for dinner, and where neighbors watched the tides shift across the landscape shaped by their ancestors. Now, after nearly two decades of planning, one of the state’s most important ecological and cultural restoration efforts is about to become a real breakthrough.
as Hawaii Tribune Herald The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has reportedly advanced a long-awaited plan to revive about eight acres of wetland habitat along Kau’s southeast coast.
A newly submitted environmental assessment outlines the first phase of work, which will remove invasive plants, plant native species, deepen water channels, and install predator-resistant fencing and public walkways. The goal is to bring the wetlands back to life while respecting their cultural history.
“Although we wish it had happened sooner, we are grateful that a wetland restoration project we have dreamed of for more than two decades is finally able to move forward.” He said Megan Lamson, director of the Hawaii Wildlife Fund.
The state purchased the same land in 2006 for $3.2 million, less than its estimated value of $3.675 million, a discount that project leaders believe reflects a shared desire to protect the area from luxury development. Funding came from several channels, including $1.5 million from NOAA’s Estuarine Conservation Fund, a $1 million grant from Hawaiian Heritage Lands, $500,000 from the County of Hawaii, and $1,700 raised by Kau residents.
Partnerships have been key from the beginning. Ka ‘Ohana O Honu’apo, a community group deeply involved in these efforts, worked with the DLNR in 2011 to secure a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wetland conservation grant that brought in $549,000. This funding has supported the environmental assessment and will cover the first phase of restoration work on the land.
“We are excited,” said DLNR project representative Afshin Siddiqui He said. “We’re getting to the part where we might be able to do some good work on the ground.”
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Preserving the culture is equally important to the project. The area contains 88 sites of historical interest and more than 200 archaeological monuments, including petroglyphs, burial areas, pre-contact ceremonies, and archaeological remains. Suggestions. A nearby fish pond that was used centuries ago is being restored, and community members have contributed countless hours over the 60 working days since 2021.
“Restoring the estuary will not only benefit wildlife, but will enhance natural and cultural resources that the community can use,” KOOH Director Judy Rosam told the Tribune-Herald.
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