Restoring Ka`ena Point

Ka‘ena Point is a beautiful remote yet accessible coastal area located on the northwestern tip of O‘ahu. Because of its valuable natural and cultural resources, the Point is a Natural Area Reserve managed by the State DLNR. After motorized vehicles were prevented from entering the Reserve in the 1980s, the ecosystem rebounded. It is now home to a growing population of rare and endangered coastal plants and seabirds such as the Laysan Albatross and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters. Hawaiian monk seals and green sea turtles are also regularly found resting along the shoreline. But the special resources at Ka‘ena are under constant threat.

Artwork by Naomi Swenson

The goal of the Ka‘ena Point Ecosystem Restoration project is to assist the natural restoration of the area by eliminating major threats to native plants and animals. In 2006, more than 100 ground-nesting seabirds were killed by dogs and cats. Other predators of seabirds, their chicks, and eggs are rats and mongooses. Rats and mice also eat native plants and seeds. Current management to address these threats is not enough to lead to a healthy, restored ecosystem.

With a long-term solution in mind, the State DLNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Society – Hawai‘i Chapter proposes to erect a predator-proof fence at the Reserve. This type of fencing is utilized in New Zealand with proven success. The approximately 500 m (0.3 mi) long marine-grade stainless steel fence will stand 2 m (6.5’ ft) tall and will run along the base of the mountain away from view of the ocean. It will protect the peninsula from all predators, from dogs to even two-day-old mice, so that existing populations of native species may grow and others would start to return. The predator-proof fence would be the first of its kind in not only in the state but the entire country.

The fence will be designed to allow people to continue using the Reserve. There will be no change to access due to this fence. People will continue to visit Ka‘ena Point for fishing, hiking, bicycling, and other recreational and educational activities, entering through unlocked gates. To reduce visual impact, the fence color will blend into the natural environment.

The State DLNR has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential impacts of the fence. The EA is available on-line, view it here. Mālama Hawai‘i urges your support for this innovative and promising project. If you have any questions, please write to: kaenapoint@yahoo.com. Mahalo.