Planned marsh project would use private money

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KAILUA — An ad hoc committee is proposing to acquire private money to build an interpretive center in Kawainui Marsh, one of many key elements found in the wetland's master plan.

With the state economy scraping bottom and the prospects of new government-financed projects in the marsh close to zero, the committee hopes to develop plans for the center, raise money to build it and hire an operator.

"(The center) was one piece that we could probably get in place without linking it to an arduous process," said committee member Linda Goldstein, with Ameron Hawaii. "It certainly doesn't look like the state, city or feds are going to have any money to do any brand new projects in the next year or two. It's going to be up to private citizens."

Goldstein estimated the building would cost between $500,000 and $750,000. But it could be less depending on material donations the community will seek, she said.

"They won't be paying much for concrete," Goldstein said. Ameron, in the Islands for 100 years, provides ready-mixed concrete and aggregate for construction projects.

The 830-acre marsh is the largest wetland remaining in Hawai'i and is home to four endemic Hawaiian water birds — the Hawaiian duck, coot, moorhen and stilt. The city and state share ownership, and eventually the city expects to turn the property over to the state.

A 1994 marsh master plan calls for a visitor center at the corner of Kapa'a Quarry Road and Kalaniana'ole Highway, a cultural park, ethnobotanical garden, agricultural area, increased bird habitat, a maintenance area, increased park space and a trail system.

Forming a private/public partnership to build the center is the ideal solution, said David Smith, O'ahu wildlife manager with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. And obtaining nongovernment financing won't be as big an obstacle as might be expected, Smith said.

"The hardest part will be finding someone to run it," he said, adding that the facility would have to be self-sustaining because the state has no money for an interpretive center.

Projects in the marsh with private/public partnerships are common, and many of the concepts in the master plan are being implemented because of these partnerships, Smith said. The projects include a park across the street from Kalaheo High, a perimeter trail, restoration and improvements at Na Pohaku O Hauwahine, improvements at Ulupo Heiau and pond restoration.

Smith said the community should take the lead and government can help with expertise and maybe matching money.

"If it's a community-led effort, I think it will fly," he said.

The committee, which doesn't have a name, has drafted a mission statement for the interpretive center and hopes to meet with various organizations and groups to review the statement, gather input and revise it if necessary, Goldstein said.

The committee is an outgrowth of the Ameron Community Focus Group that Ameron formed to examine how it could become a better neighbor.

Susan Miller, with the Kawai Nui Heritage Foundation and committee member, said the panel must be expanded to include greater participation. Miller also expressed concerned that no one has done an interpretive plan, which she said was necessary before building a facility.

"There needs to be definite time spent on what this is about and why you're doing it," she said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at 234-5266 or eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.