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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Monday, April 25, 2005

Marshes' importance recognized

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Science Writer

Kailua's Kawai Nui Marsh and adjacent Hamakua Marsh have been designated a Wetland of International Importance, joining such areas as the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay estuaries and the Florida Everglades.

The Kailua wetlands are the first in the state, joining 21 others throughout the nation and more than 1,400 worldwide that have been cited under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty designed to identify and protect the world's most important wetlands.

Kawai Nui is the largest wetland left in the state. Many others have been drained or filled for development, and many estuaries have been similarly damaged, often for harbor development. Kawai Nui Marsh has 1,000 acres, and the Hamakua Marsh, just downstream from it, covers 23 acres.

The area, now along the northwest border of Kailua town, was once an ocean bay. Sandbars closed its entrance to the sea and siltation filled it. Early Hawaiians used parts of the region as a fishpond for growing mullet and other species, and other parts for growing taro.

Today, remnants of the early Hawaiian archaeological features remain, and the marsh is home to endangered native waterbirds and other species. It is also choked with weeds, and a number of community group and government efforts have been under way to improve the habitat.

The combination of rare species and culturally important sites helped gain the Kawai Nui complex the nomination.

"It is our great hope that this international designation will elevate the stature of the former Kawai Nui Hawaiian fishpond and agricultural complex in the minds of local and state planners to the benefit of its aquatic and avian habitats," said Muriel Seto, culture chairwoman for Hawai'i's Thousand Friends.

The designation had strong community support. Hawai'i's Thousands Friends was joined in recommending the designation by the National Audubon Society, The Outdoor Circle, Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club, Hawai'i Federation of Garden Clubs, Kailua Neighborhood Board, 'Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi, Les Jardin Windward O'ahu Academy, Pohai Nani Good Samaritan Retirement Community, Kailua Historical Society and Waihona 'Aina Corp. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Honolulu City Council, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Gov. Linda Lingle, U.S. Rep. Ed Case and others also backed it.

If you have a question or concern about Hawai'i's environment, contact Jan TenBruggencate, The Advertiser's Kaua'i Bureau chief and science and environment writer, at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com, (808) 245-3074 or P.O. Box 524, Lihu'e, HI 96766.