Strategies

Overview

Ecoregional strategies for the Hawaiian High Islands operate at two levels: 1) those applied over the entire ecoregion (multi-area strategies) with variations according to the enabling conditions at each conservation area in the portfolio, and 2) specific strategies planned and implemented for each conservation area in the ecoregion. Both levels are aimed ultimately at addressing the critical threats that erode the viability of conservation targets, allowing viability to stabilize and improve. In Hawai‘i this involves tools such as acquisitions and easements on significant lands, and active prevention and abatement of threats such as invasive alien species and fire, but also includes forging policy changes and building landscape-scale conservation partnerships. 

Multi-Area Strategies

The first iteration ecoregional plan (ERP 1998) established a set of conservation area strategies designed to abate critical threats to biodiversity within each of the large native-dominated landscapes across the archipelago (see Conservation Area Strategies). It also articulated three high priority multi-area strategies to be applied across the ecoregion, benefitting all conservation areas in the portfolio. These strategies have been implemented over the past 7 years with much success. ERA II builds on and continues these multi-area strategies, reported on below. 

Strategy 1.  Watershed Partnerships

Establish public-private land management partnerships in all portfolio conservation areas to implement cooperative landscape-scale management actions (i.e., threat abatement at scale). A watershed partnership map and list of partners is presented in the link below.

Major achievements to date:

»    Nine partnerships formed on all main islands encompassing nearly all portfolio conservation areas;

»    Umbrella entity Hawai‘i Association of Watershed Partnerships (HAWP) established;

»    A total of ~400,000 ha (~1,000,000 acres) contained within partnership boundaries, with ~320,000 ha (~790,000 ac) (79%) overlap with the ERA II portfolio; 

»    A total of 64 public and private partners participating;

»    Conservation management plans developed for all partnerships.

Next steps:

»    Actively participate in HAWP as a mechanism to increase support and effectiveness of landscape partnerships;

»    Through HAWP, develop standards and practices for planning and implementation of landscape management.

Strategy 2. Increased State Funding and Management Capacity

Significantly increase funding/staffing support for management of priority watershed partnership and state-owned lands. Increase capacity for State Natural Area Reserves, Forest Reserves, and State holdings within public-private partnerships.

Major achievements to date:

»    In 2005, the State Legislature approved a major increase in the State conveyance tax rate and allocation of this revenue source for forest conservation programs, including watershed partnerships and State Natural Area Reserves; Act 156, via HB1308, 2005.

»    In 2006, secured legislative approval to enact Act 156 with an increase in State conservation spending authority from $3.3M/year to $8M/year.

 »    In 2006, the State Legislature passed House Concurrent Resolution 200 requesting that "...the DLNR conduct an analysis of local, national, and international incentives...to promote protection of important mauka lands and recognize the public benefits of the ecosystem services provided by those lands."

Next steps:

»    Ensure effective expenditures of increased funding toward priority portfolio conservation areas, working closely with landscape managers, watershed partnerships, and DOFAW leadership;

»    Approach county governments for additional local funding starting with Maui County Administration and County Council;

»    Develop fiscal and other incentives for major landowners to invest in management of native landscapes for sustainable ecosystem services.

Strategy 3.  Prevention of Alien Species

Establish a system to effectively prevent new introductions of invasive alien species, deal with incipient introductions, and contain/control established pests. Build additional capacity in all above areas.

Major achievements to date:

»    In 2003, the State Legislature formed a cabinet-level Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council (modeled after National Invasive Species Council);

»   State funding secured for HISC prevention, early detection/rapid response, control, research, and outreach programs: FY05 $4M; FY06 $4M; FY07 $2M;

»    Five island invasive species committees (ISC) were established, covering early detection, rapid response, and control on all main islands outside boundaries of watershed partnerships;

»    Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture received additional $2.9M and authority to hire 56 new staff positions in FY07 to implement a biosecurity strategy to prevent invasive species introductions through Hawai‘i ports of entry;

»    Hawai‘i Weed Risk Assessment protocol moved from research to demonstration phase to assess invasive potential of new plant introductions;

»    A pilot demonstration of model Codes of Conduct for minimizing noxious weed introductions was initiated with selected nursery and landscape industry leaders;

»    Congressional legislation was introduced to provide Hawai‘i exemption from federal agriculture quarantine preemption on movement of potential pests.

Next steps:

»    Secure dedicated funding for HISC, e.g., user fee authority for State agriculture inspections to generate revenue to enhance quarantine programs;

»    Increase acceptance and use of the Hawai‘i Weed Risk Assessment and Codes of Conduct among landscape and nursery industry and general public;

»    Secure Congressional passage of Hawai‘i exemption from federal preemption on quarantine laws.

Conservation Area Strategies