The PCSU and HPI-CESU Technical Reports 1974 - current

Mosses of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Waite, Mashuri — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A checklist of the mosses of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was compiled from species reported from the park in various reports and publications, and from specimens of park origin housed at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Herbarium and the Bernice P. Bishop Museum in Honolulu. Field surveys were conducted in the specialized habitats of geothermal features and lava tube entrances to search for new moss species. Two preliminary surveys were also conducted in the new Kahuku unit. One hundred thirteen taxa (110 species, one subspecies, and two varieties) are on the current checklist based on 111 taxa collected from within the park boundaries and three collected near the park. Six of these species are invasive or potentially invasive species warranting management concern. In total, 43 percent of all moss species in the Hawaiian Islands are represented at the park. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Hawaiian hoary bat inventory in national parks on the islands of Hawai`i, Maui and Moloka`i

Frasher, Heather R; Parker-Geisman, Vanessa; Parish IV, George R — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Because bats are often the only native terrestrial mammals on geographically isolated island systems, they are critical to the biodiversity of mammalian fauna. The endemic Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) is the only extant species of bat found in the Hawaiian Islands. The objectives of the Hawaiian hoary bat inventory were to determine presence/no detection of bats in national parks and adjacent areas on the islands of Hawai`i, Maui, and Moloka`i, assess distribution of bats in these national parks, and make general associations between bats and selected habitats and elevations. We used acoustic detection systems, along with visual observations, to accomplish these objectives. Through repeat surveys of points established in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, we found that bats occupied 33% of study sites from April to July 2005. In addition, we found that bats occupied 44% of sites established on the west side of Hawai`i Island in Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Pu`ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, and Pu`uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. Since we were only able to do a brief survey of Haleakalā National Park and Kalaupapa National Historical Park, we did not calculate site occupancy proportions for these parks. Results of our survey show that from April to June, Hawaiian hoary bats are most active 40-60 minutes after sunset, but they begin to emerge earlier in July. Furthermore, they appear to be opportunistic and forage in a variety of habitats, including native and non-native forests and shrublands, along roads and trails, and over areas of fresh/brackish water and open ocean. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Seabird inventory at Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawai`i

Natividad Bailey, Cathleen S — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We conducted presence or absence and distribution surveys for seabirds throughout Haleakalā National Park from April through August 2005. Results showed the presence of `Ua`u (Hawaiian Petrel, Pterodroma sandwichensis), Koa`e Kea (White-tailed Tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus dorotheae), `Iwa (Great Frigatebird, Fregata minor palmerstoni), and Noio (Hawaiian Noddy, Anous minutus melanogenys). Although `A`o (Newell's Shearwater, Puffinus auricularis newelli) was not detected during the survey, this species is often heard in Kīpahulu Valley. `Ake`ake (Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, Oceanodroma castro) were not detected during the surveys but are likely to occur in Haleakalā National Park. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Forest bird inventory Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Marshall, Susan; Kozar, Kelly — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A survey for forest birds was conducted in Kalaupapa National Historical Park in 2005 to determine presence-absence and abundance. Forest bird surveys were conducted using the variable circular plot method. Survey stations were established 140 m apart along six transects of variable length. Stations were surveyed for birds from March – May 2005. Also included in the analysis are data from a Hawaii Forest Bird Survey in 2004 for two transects located in the park. Of the nine native species that once inhabited the island, only three remain: We detected the Apapane (Himatione sanguinea), Iiwi (Vestiaria coccinea) and Maui Amakihi (Hemignathus virens wilsoni). As on other islands, Molokai now supports a number of non-native birds including: the Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus), Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus), Japanese Bush-warbler (Cettia diphone), Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus), Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura punctulata), Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea), Skylark (Alauda arvensis), Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis), and White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus). The results from the survey will be used to develop comprehensive monitoring and management plans for avian species in Kalaupapa National Historical Park. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

A preliminary list of coral species of the National Park of American Samoa

DiDonato, Eva; Birkeland, Charles; Fenner, Douglas — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

This is a list of 227 coral species recorded in the National Park of American Samoa based primarily on a series of photo images by the principal author and identified by Charles Birkeland and Douglas Fenner. Of the 227 species (five identified only to genus) 108 are documented by the photos and 123 are listed based upon the surveys and transects by Birkeland, Coles, Craig, Fisk, Hunter, Maragos and/or Mundt. This report forms a basis for certifying a list of corals in the National Park of American Samoa for inclusion in the National Park Service’s on-line park biota inventory database (NPSpecies) of the U.S. national parks. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Inventory of vascular plants of the Kahuku Addition, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In 2003, the National Park Service acquired 46,943 ha of Kahuku Ranch, in the Ka’ū district of Hawai`i. This addition to Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park includes a diverse assemblage of vegetation communities. No recent vegetation inventories existed, and since the last vegetation map had been created many vegetation types within the former ranch had undergone changes due to grazing pressure, logging and fire. As a result, little was known about the communities and their floristic composition, and appropriate management practices could not be developed. Surveys conducted between 2004 and 2006 in Kahuku described vegetation communities and located rare, threatened and endangered plants, as well as disruptive alien weeds. Forty-one kilometers of transects and 177 vegetation plots were ground-surveyed, and 6.5 hours of helicopter surveys were conducted. Surveys encountered a total flora of 455 vascular plant species, of which 40% were native. Five endangered, one threatened, one candidate endangered, and seven species of concern were found, as well as 26 locally rare native species. Forty-three disruptive alien plant taxa in and near Kahuku were mapped. Several sites containing high numbers of either rare or invasive plants were identified. Information from this inventory allows managers to identify priority areas of alien plant and ungulate control and rare plant recovery, and serves as a baseline to document future changes in the vegetation. Results from this study will also enable managers to develop a framework for long-term management priorities and strategies in Kahuku. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Survey for ants on the island of Maui, Hawaii, with emphasis on the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata)

Starr, Forest; Starr, Kim; Loope, Lloyd L — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The little fire ant (LFA), Wasmannia auropunctata, is an aggressive pest ant with a painful sting that has spread to many parts of the world through human commerce. In the State of Hawaii, LFA had been intercepted previously as early as 1930, but only recently, in 1999, were established populations found in the Puna District, on the island of Hawaii (Big Island), occupying residential and agricultural sites, such as fruit orchards and plant nurseries. A single population was found on Kauai in 1999, but it has been contained and nearly eradicated. However, on Hawaii island, LFA is now well established in the Puna/Hilo area, with at least 50 sites covering at least several hundred acres. Even though nursery shipments leaving Hilo are checked for LFA by inspectors of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, it is likely that LFA-infested shipments have reached Maui. This study surveyed portions of the island of Maui for ants, with a main goal of finding populations of LFA. Since much of the nursery material sent from Hawaii to Maui is promptly planted in new developments, searches were focused on newly developed/landscaped areas. During the survey, over 18,000 ants were collected on 4,300 peanut butter baited chopsticks at 360 sites, resulting in 823 locations with 23 ant species but no LFA. The big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) was by far the most abundant ant encountered in the survey and present at 55% of the sampling sites. However, since not all ant species are equally attracted to the peanut butter bait used in this survey, the relative abundance of ant species encountered may be biased, and 12 species of ants previously recorded for Maui were not collected in the survey. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Small, non-native mammal inventory in Kalaupapa National Historical Park

Marshall, Susan; Hughes, Guy D; Kozar, Kelly — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A presence/absence survey for small non-native mammals was conducted in Kalaupapa National Historical Park March–May 2005. The survey consisted of seven 500-m transects, each with 11 stations, except for one transect which had nine stations (75 stations total). One large and two small snap traps, a Tomahawk® live trap, a tracking tunnel, and a glue board were set at each station. Small mammal trapping was conducted for three nights in the spring of 2005 along each transect for a total of 215.5 corrected trap nights for cats and mongooses, 430 for rats, and 830 for mice. Results indicate the presence of black rats (Rattus rattus), house mice (Mus musculus), mongooses (Herpestes javanicus), and feral cats (Felis catus) in the park. Trapping indicated average capture rates per 100 trap nights of 3.48 for black rat and 1.2 for mouse. Forty-two mongooses and two feral cats were captured. No evidence of Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans) or Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) was detected in our sample. For mice and rats, the number of tracking tunnel signs was low even on transects where the capture rate by snap or glue traps was high. However, for mongooses and cats the number of tracking tunnel signs was proportionally higher than the overall capture rate. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Surveys for the Pacific sheath-tailed bat in American Samoa

Fraser, Heather R; Miles, Adam C; HaySmith, Leslie — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Because bats are often the only native terrestrial mammals on geographically isolated island systems, they are critical to the biodiversity of mammalian fauna. Emballonura semicaudata was once widespread and relatively common throughout its historic range in Micronesia and Polynesia, however, drastic declines and possible extinctions on some islands have been recorded in recent years. The objectives of the Pacific sheath-tailed bat inventory were to determine and document: (1) the occurrence of Pacific sheath-tailed bats in parks and selected areas of American Samoa; and (2) general habitat characteristics associated with Pacific sheath-tailed bat observations. Acoustic surveys were done in 2006 using Mini-3 bat detectors, while surveys in 2008 were done using Anabat II frequency division bat detectors. Literature reviews, interviews with local residents and park personnel, and discussions with other scientists working with insectivorous bats were also conducted to investigate possible locations of Pacific sheathtailed bats in sample areas. Because E. semicaudata is rare in our survey areas, this inventory was highly exploratory and opportunistic in nature. Although we did not detect any Pacific sheath-tailed bats in American Samoa during acoustic surveys in 2006 and 2008, it is possible that these bats have moved into more remote areas of the islands. Future surveys should focus on use of passive monitoring bat detectors (e.g., Anabat detection systems), which allows for continued, long-term monitoring in the absence of researchers, while operating for long time periods on battery power. We also recommend additional interviews with residents, as well as thorough searches in remote areas of Ta’u, Tutuila, and Ofu/Olosega, particularly focusing on areas where sheath-tailed bats have been previously reported. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Rehabilitation of ‘ōhi’a-swordfern (Metrosideros polymorpha-Nephrolepis multiflora) woodlands following the Kupukupu Fire, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

McDaniel, Sierra; Loh, Rhonda; Dale, Susan; Smith, Kimberly; Vaidya, Maya — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The 2002 Kupukupu Fire burned more than 3,367 acres (1363 hectares) in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Four hundred and fifty-five acres (184 hectares) were in transitionally dry to mesic ‘ōhi’a swordfern woodland of which portions had previously burned in 1972, 1981, and 1992. Based on past studies, the effects of this fire were expected to result in a reduction of abundance and diversity of native species. In contrast, alien swordfern was expected to quickly re-establish. Wildfire was expected to recur in this area given the abundance of fine fuels provided by alien swordfern and grasses, extended dry periods, and continued ignition sources provided by nearby lava flows. Consequently, park managers adopted an aggressive approach to restore native species by a combination of seeding and planting into the burn. Establishment was focused primarily on fire-tolerant species. Restoration efforts began in October 2002 and continued to March 2005. Approximately 1,500 worker days were spent on the project, propagating plants, planting, seeding and monitoring individuals in the field. Thirty-five native plant species were established in the burn area by a combination of direct seeding nearly 400,000 seeds and planting 12,646 individuals that were propagated in temporary greenhouses at HAVO. Average survivorship of planted individuals was greater than 50% and ranged between 10% and 92% by species. Of these, fourteen species had reached reproductive maturity by Fall 2006. Seeds of seven of the thirteen species seeded in the burn area germinated. Five species survived beyond the first year seedling stage. Continued monitoring will determine long term successional outcomes. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Botanical survey of the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Guam, Mariana Islands

Yoshioka, Joan M — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This botanical inventory of War in the Pacific National Historical Park, located in the Territory of Guam, Mariana Islands, documents at least 90% of the plant taxa that occur within the seven units of the park (Asan Beach, Asan Inland, Fonte Plateau, Piti Guns, Agat, Mount Chachao-Mount Tenjo, and Mount Alifan). Documentation involved conducting field surveys, conducting literature searches for plants that occur in the park, vouchering plants and images, and populating the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring biodiversity database (NPSpecies) to create a plant checklist for War in the Pacific National Historical Park. The project lead and assistant conducted the majority of fieldwork in the summer of 2004 and 2005. Surveys consisted of walk-throughs in all major vegetation types found in each of the units. Field surveys totaled 27 field days (224 person hours). In summary, 392 plant taxa were identified in the seven park units. Fortyfour percent (173) of the plants are native to Guam and the Mariana Islands. Of the total plant taxa, four percent (15) are endemic and 40% (158) are indigenous to the Mariana Islands. Uncommon endemic plants observed during the survey included Cerbera dilitata, Maytenus thompsonii, Macaranga thompsonii, Phyllanthus saffordii, Xylosma nelsonii, Tinospora homosepala, and Hedyotis laciniata. One species, Guamia mariannae, is endemic to Guam and locally common in one unit. This report discusses areas of high native plant diversity observed in the park as well as resource management recommendations. During the course of this project, 755 plant specimens were collected as vouchers to create War in the Pacific National Historical Park’s herbarium. In addition, 673 digital images were vouchered, 277 landscape images were archived, and 2,255 new records were added to NPSpecies. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Prevention, early detection and containment of invasive, nonnative plants in the Hawaiian Islands: current efforts and needs

Kueffer, Christoph; Loope, Lloyd — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The threat of invasive plants has long been recognized in Hawaii and is well documented. In many respects, Hawaii may be near the forefront among national and international efforts to address the burgeoning threat of invasive plants, perhaps especially in the field of outreach and education. However, given the scale of the problem many challenges still need to be addressed and gaps in the existing management system need to be identified. In particular, it appears that new non-native plant species are still introduced to the Hawaiian Islands at a high rate with little or no regard for their potential invasiveness. This report documents these achievements and experiences and provides a range of perspectives on how to further develop prevention, early detection and containment of invasive species in Hawaii. The report is based on a symposium and workshop held at the 2008 Hawaii Conservation Conference in Honolulu on 31 July 2008. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park vascular plant inventory, voucher collections, and electronic herbarium

Wysong, Michael L; Hughes, Guy D — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA) includes spectacular geologic and biotic features including sea cliffs, a conic volcanic crater, lava tubes and caves, lush valleys and rain forests, off-shore islands, and coral reefs. These areas also provide habitat for endangered Hawaiian plants and animals. Collections of the flora of this region have been made periodically by various individuals or organizations. From these studies, it is known that there are many rare species present within the park boundaries. However, no comprehensive survey has been made that thoroughly investigated these lands. The purpose of this project was to inventory the flora of Kalaupapa National Historical Park; create a permanent and usable herbarium in the form of physical vouchers and high resolution digital photographs for current and future park service staff, residents, and visitors; and duplicate a set of physical collections for the Bishop Museum in Honolulu for long-term archiving. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Removal of alien red mangrove from Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Fronda, Rizal; Lane-Kamahele, Melia; Harry, Bryan — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In the late 1970s red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, an invasive alien climax tree, invaded the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park saltwater marshes and formed dense closed forest stands. The mangrove impaired nationally significant archeological sites, not only visually but also the physical structures necessitating its removal. The need to protect the physical integrity of the structures complicated any work to control the trees. Beginning in 1988 park maintenance crews carefully began hand-removing the mangrove and systematically controlling reinvading seedling sprouts. By the mid-1990s all mangrove stands on park-owned lands had been removed. Controlling reinvading mangrove sprouts remains a never-ending maintenance endeavor. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Surveys of procellariiform seabirds at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, 2001 - 2005

Swift, Roberta; Burt-Toland, Evana — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This report combines data for procellariiform seabird colony searches conducted in 2005, sporadic surveys for procellariiformes between 2001 and 2005, as well as seabird radar surveys conducted in 2002 at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The objectives of these surveys were to inventory procellariiform species diversity and identify seabird flight corridors and breeding seabird colony sites within park boundaries. Specifically, goals were to locate nesting colonies of Newell’s Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli) which is listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma castro), a candidate species for listing. Radar surveys were intended to provide information to assist in targeted foot searches for seabird colonies. Reports and results of radar surveys are summarized, but no new radar surveys were conducted in 2005. We performed nighttime and daytime auditory and visual surveys at a variety of locations and a range of elevations within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to document Newell’s Shearwater and Band-rumped Storm-Petrel activity. Data from nighttime auditory surveys and incidental reports collected in previous years are also summarized. Seabirds recorded at high elevations included Hawaiian Petrels (Pterodroma sandwichensis), federally listed as endangered, and Band-rumped Storm. We identified one possible Band-rumped Storm-Petrel nest location, but only continued monitoring will confirm nesting. We did not detect any Newell’s Shearwaters at mid-elevation sites. However, based on incidental reports of Newell’s Shearwaters calling repeatedly near the trailhead of the Kalapana trail, the rain forest remaining in the East Rift Zone is likely to be the one location at which this species continues to nest at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. We also documented Newell’s Shearwaters at a coastal location, but the birds were most likely prospecting for or transitting to nesting sites. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Forest bird and non-native mammal inventories at Ka´āpahu, Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawai´i

Natividad Bailey, Cathleen — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Ka'āpahu, Haleakalā National Park was acquired by the National Park Service in 1999. Inventories of vegetation, forest birds, and non-native mammals in this newly acquired area were identified as a priority for the National Park Service. To satisfy the forest bird and non-native mammal inventories, presence or absence and distribution surveys were conducted in 2002. A follow-up forest bird survey was conducted in May 2005. Results of the forest bird surveys showed the presence of four native forest bird species: Maui 'Amakihi (Hemignathus virens wilsoni), Maui 'Alauahio (Paroreomyza montana newtoni), 'I'iwi (Vestiaria coccinea), and 'Apapane (Himatione sanguinea sanguinea). Five alien forest bird species were detected: the Japanese Bush-warbler (Cettia diphone), Hwamei (Garrulax canorus), Red-billed Leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea), Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus), and Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). No endangered bird species were detected. Results suggest that non-native Japanese Bush-warbler, Hwamei and Japanese White-eye may be expanding their range. Results of the non-native mammals survey showed presence of black rats (Rattus rattus), small Indian mongooses (Herpestes auropunctatus), feral pigs (Sus scrofa), axis deer (Axis axis), and feral goats (Capra hircus) throughout the transect. We did not capture or record signs of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans), mice (Mus musculus), dogs (Canis lupus), or feral cats (Felis catus) during the survey. However, based on information in other areas throughout the park and on Maui it is very likely that all of these animals occur in Ka'āpahu. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Herpetelogical inventory in West Hawai`i National Parks: Pu`uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Pu`Ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Bazzano, Jason — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The National Park Service Pacific Island Network initiated an inventory of the species of amphibians and reptiles within the national parks of Hawai`i with the goal of documenting 90% or greater of the species present. This report addresses inventories of herpetofauna at the three coastal national parks in West Hawai`i: Pu`uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (PUHO), Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (KAHO), and Pu`ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE). Work was conducted between 19 July 2004 and 15 September 2004, surveying for all reptile and amphibian species that had established populations on park properties. Throughout this project, special emphasis was placed upon the following three species of herpetofauna: coqui frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui), Jackson’s chameleon (Chamaeleo jacksonii xantholophus), and brown anole (Anolis sagrei); these species were identified as “aliens of concern,” or species that pose the greatest risk to native Hawaiian species or ecosystems. We found nine species of herpetofauna that did not fall into the high-risk category at PUHO, seven species at KAHO, and three species at PUHE. At this time, we suspect that none of the alien species of concern have established breeding populations in any of the three parks investigated. However, there are reports of several populations of some of these species of concern located on adjacent properties that may establish residence within the parks in the immediate future. We recommend close monitoring on behalf of the parks in identifying outbreaks, and initiating containment measures outside the national parks while control remains a viable option. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Inventory of marine vertebrate species and fish-habitat utilization patterns in coastal waters off four national parks in Hawai‘i

Beets, Jim; Brown, Eric; Friedlander, Alan — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Marine vertebrates were investigated at four national parks in Hawai‘i in 2005; Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA) - island of Moloka‘i; Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE), Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (KAHO), Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (PUHO) - island of Hawai‘i. In addition to an inventory of marine vertebrate species, fish-habitat utilization patterns of marine fishes were examined within each park. A total of 178 marine fish species were observed in the marine waters adjacent to all four parks, including 48 endemic species (27% of the total). Although the greatest number of marine fish species was observed for KAHO, the greatest density and biomass of marine fishes were observed at KALA. The highest average values per sample for assemblage characteristics (species richness, density, biomass, diversity) were observed for KALA which is characterized by large (up to three meters in diameter) volcanic rock boulders with high habitat complexity and low (<10%) coral cover. PUHO and KAHO had sequentially lower fish assemblage characteristic values and the habitat consisted of smaller volcanic rock boulders with higher coral cover. PUHE had the lowest assemblage characteristic values observed and most dissimilar species composition, due to a greater proportion of sand and degraded habitats. KAHO and PUHO had the most similar species compositions observed. Marine turtles, particularly the threatened green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), were commonly observed in KAHO and PUHO, and also observed in KALA. Dolphins and whales were commonly observed in park and adjacent waters. The endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) was documented at KALA and has been observed at the other three parks. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Bocconia frutescens distribution on the Island of Hawai`i

Benitez, David M; Saulibio, David — Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Bocconia frutescens, or plume poppy, is a large erect shrub listed as a noxious weed by the State of Hawai`i. Surveying was conducted in 2003 to document the distribution and population densities in Wood Valley (Ka`ū District), Honomolino and Manukā (South Kona District). Ground surveying was conducted along 80 transects in addition to roadside and aerial surveying. Bocconia was distributed across 1,522 ha in Wood Valley, 82 ha in Honomolino, and 34 ha in Manukā. Bocconia was a severe pest within young (5 to 10-m tall) Eucalyptus plantations in Wood Valley, with fruiting individuals observed in all sampled parcels. Lower plant densities were observed in interiors of mature Eucalyptus forest adjacent to severely infested plantations, principally in gaps and streambeds, suggesting an affinity for high light levels and soil disturbance. Cane lands harbored mature Bocconia, although at a much lower density than Eucalyptus plantations, with less than 100 individuals/ha versus greater than 500 individuals/ha. Higher densities were observed along roadsides within cane lands. Bocconia was not observed within native, closed-canopy `ōhi`a and koa forests in the adjacent Ka`ū Forest Reserve, except along one jeep trail. Bocconia populations in Honomolino occur in a mosaic of habitats including rangelands, `ōhi`a forest and woodlands and residential areas. Bocconia at Manukā occurs primarily in `ōhi`a-dominated native mesic forest. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.

Proceedings of workshop on biological control of native ecosystems in Hawai’i

Smith, Clifford W; Denslow, Julie; Hight, Stephen — Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

The importation of alien insects and pathogens to control invasive alien weeds raises justifiable concern among land managers and conservationists. For the Hawaiian archipelago the dangers are particularly acute. Hawai'i has many endemic species, a substantial percentage of which are at risk of extinction. Over 900 nonindigenous plant species have become naturalized in Hawai'i, more than 90 of which constitute substantial problems for conservation because they compete with native species or so alter ecosystem processes that whole communities are changed). There are good reasons for caution in the use of alien insects and pathogens as control agents for invasive weeds. Nevertheless biological control offers one of the most cost-effective and enduring mechanisms for the control of persistent weeds that have become widely invasive in natural habitats. Chemical and mechanical approaches to the control of weed populations require perpetual maintenance, may inflict unwanted side effects on nontarget species and communities and are of limited use in large diverse ecosystems. Extensive infestations in poorly accessible terrain require considerable long-term investment in personnel and resources, expenditures that may be difficult to justify when short-term economic returns are not apparent. Biological control offers the possibility for control (rarely eradication) of invasive weeds over extensive acreage and inaccessible terrain in perpetuity Clearly the challenge to the community of scientists and managers seeking to use biological control agents in Hawaii is to make the most efficient use of limited space, personnel, and financial resources in bringing the safest yet most effective insect and pathogen agents on line. The most productive research strategies for meeting that goal was the topic of the 2000 Conservation Forum of the Hawai'i Secretariat for Conservation Biology: Biological Control of Invasive Plants in Native Hawaiian Ecosystems. Reports were scanned in black and white at a resolution of 600 dots per inch and were converted to text using Adobe Paper Capture Plug-in.