Vegetation map and resource management recommendations for Kipahulu Valley (below 700 metres), Haleakala National Park

Abstract

A vegetation map (Scale 1:6,000) of Kipahulu Valley below 700m is presented. The vegetation has two principal components, pastureland and alien secondary forest. The vegetation in the study area has been disturbed for several centuries but the last two centuries have been the most devastating on the native ecosystems. Consequently, the vegetation is extremely fragmented and has been classified into 105 structural-floristic communities, an extremely high number for such a small area. Sizeable areas are essentially monotypic stands of bamboo or guava yet a significant number of native species persist in many of these areas. The significance of this pool of alien species on the native ecosystems higher up the valley is discussed. Several resource management recommendations are made with the objective of halting the further spread of aliens into the valley. Zones where resource managers can make significant headway in restoring or protecting various native species or ecosystems are presented. However, all resource management activity is dependent on their being an adequate staff to carry out the necessary activities for extended periods of time; a situation which does not currently exist. This report recommends that two permanent and five seasonal resource managers are employed in Kipahulu Valley. The most critical resource management action is the eradication of feral pigs from the valley ecosystem. Except for a few cosmetic actions, all other management activities are dependent on the removal of this highly disruptive influence. Some future research is recommended particularly on the autecology of Hilo grass and strawberry guava.