Marsh Allies Preparing For Historic Step
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Del.icio.usLovers of Kawai Nui Marsh didn’t wait 6,000 years for the rebirth of the Windward wetland, it just seems like that long.
But on June 30, Gov. Linda Lingle and Mayor Mufi Hannemann will come to the ancient marsh and officially sign House Bill 1899 into law. It mandates a land transfer and funding that should revitalize Kailua’s largest natural resource and put teeth into some long-dormant improvement projects.
“It provides funding for two years not only for resource management but for educational activities as well,” said Chuck Burrows, a retired Kamehameha Schools science teacher who heads much of the restoration work already under way.“We are hoping the DLNR and Corps of Engineers could begin construction of the 70 acres of Kawai Nui Wetland Bird Restoration Ponds and for our congressional leaders to advocate for increased federal funding to restore the entire wildlife habitat of Kawai Nui Marsh.”
Burrows said a steering committee, which includes Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, is already finalizing plans for the historic signing ceremonies, which are set for 9:30 a.m. to noon June 30 at Kaha Park.
To that end, volunteers had planned to clear mangrove themselves this weekend from the marsh estuary. But the city crew stepped in to tackle the fast-growing, invasive, alien trees, which have gained a foothold in the marsh. “They obstruct the view from Kaha Park across the levee and into the panoramic view of the Kailua ahupua’a,” Burrows explained.
He still welcomes volunteers, however, for a service project from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday at Na Pokahu O Hauwahine. For details, call 589-2963.
Hundreds of area schoolchildren, women’s prison inmates, visiting mainland students and volunteers from groups like the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club, Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi and Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation all contribute help, even while the decades-old city-state dispute over responsibility stalled the bigger plan.
The citizen effort to preserve and enhance the 830-acre wetland has already brought native plants back to life, set the stage for inviting bird habitats, and re-introduced taro lo’i to Ulupo heiau.
“As long as my health and being physically able at age 74 permits me,” Burrows added, “I will continue to commit and dedicate my life to the conservation and restoration of the natural and cultural resources of Kawai Nui Marsh and the Kailua ahupua’a.”
He also seeks more school groups for various projects in the wetland. Kamehameha Schools has been involved for more than 15 years, conducting field studies. More recent help has come from students at Kailua High School, Punahou and Hakipuu Learning Center.
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