Division of Forestry and Wildlife

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

For Immediate News Release May 28, 2015      

RESTORATION & HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
AT KAWAINUI MARSH RECOGNIZED
Preservation Honor Award from Historic Hawaii Foundation

Honolulu – Restoration work at Kawainui Marsh on Windward Oahu is being recognized tomorrow during the Historic Hawaii Foundation’s (HHF) 2015 Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony at Dole Cannery in Honolulu.

The wetlands and uplands of Kawainui are repositories of cultural tradition and historical resources spanning centuries. The marsh has had an overgrowth of alien (non-native) and invasive vegetation which has resulted in reduced wetland habitat to support endangered Hawaiian waterbirds. Lisa Hadway, administrator of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) said, “Our restoration work in partnership with numerous community groups, organizations and individuals has resulted in what HHF has described as an exemplary preservation effort.”

The Preservation Honor Award is for work on 80 acres at Kawainui which included:

1. Wetland restoration and erosion control
2. Habitat restoration for native Hawaiian waterbirds, migratory shorebirds, waterfowl and native fish species
3. Improvements to support DOFAW’s maintenance operations

The manual used to guide the restoration, according to HHF, sets a precedent and framework for DOFAW to continue restoration efforts beyond the 80 acres at Kawainui.  It also serves as a guide for restoration work at other wetlands managed by the State.  Kiersten Faulkner, executive director of HHF commented, “Implementation of restoration improvements at Kawainui will create opportunities for people to view the marsh, learn about its important role as a resource, and appreciate its history and cultural importance.  It also supports the desire of native Hawaiian organizations to re-establish a permanent Hawaiian presence at Kawainui, including participation in cultural practices, education and stewardship opportunities.”

The Annual Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 at the Pomaikai Ballrooms at Dole Cannery in Iwilei from 5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Dan Dennison                            
Senior Communications Manager                
Office of the Chair
Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 130
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Tel    808-587-0407
Cell   808-295-8749
Fax   808-587-0390
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