Nui news on Maui

Great news for both TNC & Maui!

DLNR announced on Monday that they will officially be including a recent 3,721-acre addition to The Nature Conservancy Waikamoi Preserve into the state’s Natural Area Partnership Program, a program that encourages innovative partnerships across landowner boundaries.

Last April, the East Maui Irrigation Company, Ltd. granted TNC a conservation easement over the 3,741-acre plot that was adjacent to TNC’s existing Waikamoi Preserve.  Combined, these two parcels add up to be the largest natural preserve at almost 9,000 acres.

Boardwalk, Waikamoi Preserve, Maui
PC: Grady Timmons

The new extension spans from 3,600 to 9,500 feet above sea level, consisting of undeveloped rainforests; ʻōhiʻa forests that are home to 20 threatened or endangered plant and animal species including ʻākohekohe and kiwikiu.

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Last week, DLNR announced that Wailuku Water Company would be releasing 10 million gallons of water per day into the ʻIao stream, starting Monday, October 13, 2014.   This is the first time in more than a century that there will be continuous water flow through ʻIao stream; the diversion of this stream dates back to the 1800’s.   This is not just good news for Maui, but provides an example for what can happen in the future.  The fight wasn’t easy for Wailuku and it took over 10 years to get to where they are today, but the water that is flowing means a lot to those who have fought for this for so long.

A lot of conservation doesn’t happen overnight but hard work and dedication truly pays off in the long end.  Congratulations to everyone that was involved in both of these great accomplishments!