Maha‘ulepu access an evolving process

[Wayne Harrison]

by Adam Harju - THE GARDEN ISLAND

• Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of a three-part series on the future of Maha‘ulepu on South Shore land owned by Grove Farm. Part 1 discussed the effects man has had on the area and the efforts of Malama Maha‘ulepu, a resident group dedicated to preserving the area.

Conservation group Malama Maha‘ulepu is working to protect the area between Poipu and Kipu Kai and is becoming increasingly savvy at negotiating with different groups, both in and out of the public eye.

Increased restraints on access to Maha‘ulepu by Grove Farm worries the group and adds urgency to the need to have discussions on the future of the area.

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One change in the last several years added momentum to the conservation effort in the Maha‘ulepu.

The area’s limestone sinkhole was designated critical habitat for two endangered species in 2003. The eyeless wolf spider and one of its prey, a shrimp-like eyeless amphipod, were discovered to exist only on Kaua‘i, and specifically in the cave system at the sinkhole.

Some 272 acres in the Koloa area were designated critical habitat in 2003. The original proposal in 2002 for thousands of acres to be set aside for the two species was challenged by private property rights advocates.

<A HREF="http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2006/07/24/news/news01.txt">Full Story</a>