Coral Reefs

The West Maui Ridge to Reef (R2R) Initiative is an all- encompassing approach across multiple agencies and organizations to address adverse impacts to coral reefs in West Maui. The State recognized that an integrated and comprehensive approach to reduce land-based sources of pollution is one of the most important steps to help restore coral reef ecosystems. The R2R Initiative builds on already established efforts underway and leverages resources across a number of agencies and community groups to implement actions to reduce one of the key sources of reef decline – land-based sources of pollution.

R2R Objective

To restore and enhance the health and resiliency of West Maui coral reefs and near-shore waters through the reduction of land-based pollution threats from the summit of Pu`u Kukui to the outer reef. These efforts will be guided by the values and traditions of West Maui.

Priority Status: The Hawaii Coral Reef Strategy identified the coral reef ecosystem along the West Maui region as a priority management area. The US Coral Reef Task Force designated the West Maui Watershed as a priority partnership in the Pacific in 2011, focusing on Wahikuli and Honokōwai watersheds. The full R2R project area includes 24,000 acres from Kā`anapali northward to Honolua and from the summit of Pu`u Kukui to the outer reef.

Ongoing and future work: The watershed management plan for Wahikuli and Honokōwai was completed in Dec. 2012 and is now in the implementation phase. Planning for Kahana, Honokohua and Honolua watersheds is underway and will be completed by 2015. The draft watershed management plan for the next phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

Click Here for the West Maui Priority Area Overview

Local Advisory Body

The Working Group supports the R2R Initiative by serving as a local body providing community input to the FUnding and Agency Support Team (FAST). Its members represent key interests in West Maui, such as agriculture, land development, resort operation, soil conservation, traditional Native Hawaiian knowledge, non-profit marine conservation, recreational ocean users, Maui County and fishing.

Contact:

West Maui Watershed Coordinator

Tova Callender

[email protected]

These partner agencies and organizations below form the Funding and Agency Support Team (FAST), which is the leadership body for the West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative. The FAST meets monthly to provide oversight in managing funds, prioritize activities and develop strategies to achieve the R2R goals.

More information about the R2R can be found at the website- www.westmauiR2R.com

Contacts:

Project Manager, West Maui Watershed Study:

Athline Clark, US Army Corps of Engineers,  [email protected]

State of Hawaii Contact:  

Emma Anders, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources: [email protected]

West Maui Kumuwai

A Social Marketing Approach to Action West Maui Kumuwai is committed to protecting what we love: the ocean and our way of life here on West Maui. Our focus is on reducing land-based sources of pollution through personal action and community collaboration. We shine a spotlight on the actions of everyday people and community heroes to promote the health of our ocean. We tell stories about what’s happening in our community. We hold events where you can lend a hand alongside your neighbor. But most of all, we offer ways in which you can help curb the amount of pollutants that are harming our ocean—and we try to make those actions easy enough to do. We’re talking about things that you can do at home or in your yard, like the type of fertilizer you use or picking up after your pooch. For more information: www.westmauikumuwai.org