But studies show the ecosystems of anchialine pools and lava tubes scattered along the edges of Cape Kinau are being degraded, trampled on, and contaminated with the litter and wastes of visitors trekking through the South Maui reserve.

Historical archaeological features are also being damaged, according to the staff responsible for protecting the 2,000 acres of lava intruding into the ocean between Ahihi Bay and La Perouse Bay.

With a preservation plan to help the natural area recover and to prevent further damage, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing to temporarily restrict access to portions of the popular and heavily used reserve for two years.

The closure will allow reserve personnel to formally establish and mark trails, install educational signs, and prepare baseline measurements of the marine, geological and cultural resources to compare against the condition of the resources after the areas are reopened to the public.

The public was told of the proposed protection plan at a meeting Wednesday night at Lokelani Intermediate School. Another informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the school's cafeteria.

State ranger Matt Ramsey said temporary closure would prevent further damage to resources on Kinau, from Maonakala, commonly known as "Dumps," to La Perouse Bay.

He said three studies showed the reserve is impacted by visitors through the constant flow of foot traffic as well as unintentional and uneducated actions by people who wander off trails, displace rocks and other materials, and leave their waste behind. But sites within the reserve still are in good condition, he said.

Natural area reserves are designated by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to protect biologically rich and geologically unique areas. When Ahihi-Kinau was designated, it was known to be a habitat for a number of rare and endangered plants and animals, most of them so small few observers would even recognize their unique qualities.

Endemic species found in the reserve include an endangered coastal plant, awikiwiki, spiders unique to the lava tubes in Hawaii and shrimps found only in anchialine ponds.

Ramsey said researchers pointed out that degradation is occurring in and around anchialine ponds – brackish pools formed in the lava fields from ocean water seeping through the porous rocks – with people walking in ponds, picking up tiny shrimps and dumping their waste. The rules for natural area reserves prohibit taking materials or damaging the natural habitat, but enforcement is difficult.

Researchers recommended that the state bar people from the ponds and from using trails that come close to the ponds, Ramsey said.

The anchialine ponds in the reserve are considered the premiere examples of the marine feature, with six of eight known rare anchialine species found in the Ahihi-Kinau reserve. Anchialine ponds are unique in that marine species are found in them although the ponds have no direct connection to the ocean.

In a survey of cultural resources, Ramsey said researchers found that high traffic on two trails has resulted in disintegration of archaeological features, with sites being used as toilets. The study recommended rerouting trails, blocking all access to sensitive sites and posting signs.

Overall, he said, most historical structures and features were determined to be in good to excellent condition and can still be preserved.

Another study on coral trampling done last year found that out of 18 surveyed sites, 14 had little or no risk or trampling. Three of the sites had moderate sensitivity to trampling which included the "aquarium cove" a protected section in the lava field that is a popular snorkeling stop.

Only one site had an extremely high vulnerability to trampling – Montipora Pond, at the east end of the reserve.

While no one would oppose protecting the reserve, there are sharp differences on what should be allowed in the natural area.

Beverley Nikora of Kihei said closure would cause the reserve to lose public support for resource protection.

"I personally believe that when you close areas like that, you allow no access, it's kind of counterproductive. Then people don't care about it anymore."

She suggested interim closures such as when the state is working on a trail, while others could remain open to the public.

People visiting the reserve can be eyes and ears for the reserve staff, she said, to report violators such as those illegally fishing in the area. But when people know that everyone else is barred, they might be more prone to come in and do illegal activity, she said.

Nikora, who frequently kayaks around Kinau, said people who love the land are the best stewards. If the popular sites are closed, she said, the effect is that users are being punished for just a few people's actions.

But Makena resident Pat Borge urges closing access and not just temporarily.

"It's a natural area reserve. Reserve first; people second . . . It should be permanent," he said.

Borge brought with him to Wednesday's meeting a petition he said was signed by 500 people in five days in favor of closing the trails running through the lava field. He said the petition was signed by "local people" from across the island including Kahului, Makawao and Haiku.

There are many other beaches around Maui at which people can snorkel, and he said if protection of rare natural resources means closing one coastal area, it is just one of the costs the public must accept. A lifelong resident of Maui, he said he had to give up some of his freedoms, such as camping the beaches at Wailea when hotels were built.

Under the preservation plan, the Aquatics Resources Division would close access to specific sites for two years, during which the state will conduct baseline studies and designate trails for public access.

Baseline studies will target:

Areas along trails to establish future impacts to geology from foot traffic on the lava.

Coastal areas and anchialine ponds, to measure levels of pollution, trampling and illegal fishing.

Archaeological sites.

Currently two studies are being conducted to establish current conditions in coral health and to count fish, coral and invertebrates. State officials said they have not issued a formal request for assistance to help with the baseline studies but recognize that expertise in multiple areas is necessary.

During a two-year closing, the reserve staff will establish and mark trails, with signs to discourage wandering and meandering that could cause damage to natural and cultural resources, officials said.

When the reserve has designated trails, it can set up rules to penalize visitors who wander off a trail.

In their presentation of plans, state officials did not have estimates for costs. But they said the state is pursing grants and other sources of funding and hopes the community will assist with projects.

"The goal of the action is not to keep people out of the reserve," Ramsey said.

He said sections of the reserve will remain open and people can visit the reserve by participating in volunteer service trips. There will be guided hikes for schools, and special interest groups can get access through permits. Citizens familiar with the resources can participate in the trail designation process, while Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners will be assured of a right to traditional access.

Fishing and hiking access to La Perouse Bay will not be affected, Ramsey said.

Areas of the reserve that will be open for public use will include the offshore waters, Ahihi Bay, Waiala Cove and Maonakala, the Dumps surf spot.

Despite degradation from public use, the state officials said the reserve can protect its resource and allow continued public access. It would require limits. "For example, we might determine that access can be had and that impacts can be minimized or mitigated only to a certain point or level," said Ramsey.

He and Maui District natural area reserve specialist Bill Evanson said limits could involve setting a daily carrying capacity for a trail or snorkel spot.

If everyone respected the purpose of the reserve and followed rules, impacts would be minimized and enforcement wouldn't be necessary, they said. That's if everybody followed the rules.

Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.