77 Hookele St., Suite 202

Kahului, HI 96732

Maui Soil & Water Conservation Districts

2015

Annual Report

DLNR– Division of Water & Land Management

USDA– Natural Resource Conservation Service

Serving

Olinda– Kula SWCD

Hana SWCD

West Maui SWCD

Central Maui SWCD

Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts

Island of Maui VP Message

The Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are legally constituted, self governing

units under the Hawaii Soil and Water Conservation Law, Chapter 180, Hawaii Revised

Statutes. We were organized for the protection and conservation of soil and water re-

sources.

The SWCDs exist under the State Department of Land and Natural Resources. Its board of

directors consists of five voting directors, and associates. SWCD Directors are volunteer

citizens from their respective communities, working to provide a healthy natural resources

environment for the people by coordinating technical, financial, and educational resources.

All of the programs involving SWCDs are community based. SWCD directors welcome community input toward

identifying natural resource problems. The SWCD Program carries out its activities in partnership with County,

State, and Federal agencies.

We truly appreciate the ongoing support we receive from DLNR, USDA-NRCS, U.H. Cooperative Extension Ser-

vice, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Maui County Council Members, Maui County Dept. of Public Works and Environ-

mental Management, Office of Economic Development, State Dept. of Agriculture, Department of Health, Coastal

Zone Management, Maui County Farm Bureau, and Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development.

Sincerely,

JoLoyce Kaia

USDA NRCS

District Conservationist Message

The cooperative efforts between the USDA-Natural Resources Conser-

vation Service, Kahului Field Office and the Maui Soil Water Conser-

vation District personnel are reaching out to the community to provide

conservation technical assistance and Farm Bill Programs. The Farm

Bill not only provides tools and resources to make a major difference in

improving Maui’s natural resources, but also provides working lands

for production for the lives of farming and ranching families and the

communities in which they live.

The 2014 Farm Bill Programs address soil, water, air, plants and ani-

mals at various levels of resource treatments on grassland, non-industrial forest land, organic and conventional cropland

through financial and technical assistance for the following programs; 1) Environmental Quality Incentives Program; 2)

Conservation Stewardship; 3) Agricultural Management Assistance; 4) Regional Conservation Partnership Program; 5)

Agriculture Conservation Easement Program-Wetland Reserve Easements; and 6) Healthy Forest Reserve Program.

Maui County has a very diverse base of agriculturists; we are currently working with more than thirty operators under

the 2014 Farm Bill programs. Currently the NRCS Kahului Field office has obligated more than $313,000 to operators

who have resource concerns on their land. At the Kahului Field Office Service Center we encourage producers and indi-

viduals wanting to know more about the 2014 Farm Bill to please contact our office at 871-5500 Ext 107

Mahalo Nui Loa to our partners for their continued support throughout the years. NRCS Kahului Field Office recog-

nizes and appreciates the support and efforts of the Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Hawaii Association of

Conservation Districts, Maui County Farm Bureau, Mayor Alan Arakawa, Maui County Council Members, Department

of Public Works and Environmental Management, Department of Health, Department of Land and Natural Resources,

Maui Conservation Alliance, Maui Axis Deer Program, UH Cooperative Extension Service, Maui Invasive Species

Committee, East Maui Watershed Partnership, West Maui Mountains Watershed Partnership, West Maui Watershed Co-

ordinator, Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA- Farm Service Agency and the Tri-

Isle Resource Conservation & Development.

Ranae Ganske-Cerizo

District Conservationist

Maggie Kramp

Maui SWCDs

Administrative Assistant

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Kahului Field Office Staff

Ranae Ganske-Cerizo

USDA NRCS

District Conservationist

Carl Hashimoto

USDA NRCS

Soil Conservation Technician

Kahana Stone

USDA NRCS

Soil Conservationist

Ryan Woolbright

USDA NRCS

Civil Engineer

Kylie Wong

Maui SWCDs

Conservation Specialist

Jason Hew

Maui SWCDs

Conservation Specialist

Breakfast with Bruce Petersen

Good Food, Great Conversation

The new NRCS Pacific Islands Area Director, Bruce Petersen visited

the Kahului Field Office to become more familiar with the agriculture

on Maui. On his short visit, the Maui SWCDs and NRCS Kahului

field office hosted a breakfast where the Directors were able to talk

story with Bruce and have a round table discussion about the

SWCD and NRCS partnership.

The Maui Soil & Water Conservation Districts Welcome

Bruce Peterson, USDA-NRCS Pacific Islands Area Director

Buddy Nobriga, former West Maui SWCD Chairman/HACD President and Jay Nobriga, WMSWCD Chair greet Bruce Peterson

Mae Nakahata, Central Maui SWCD Director; Jason Peel, NRCS; Donna Hopwood, NRCS; and Warren Watanabe meet with Bruce Peterson, Buddy Nobriga, and Jay Nobriga to discuss the history of SWCDs and watershed projects.

Whenever you meet Buddy Nobri-ga, you‘re in for a treat of Rose-lani Ice Cream

(L-R) Maggie Kramp, Maui SWCDs; Buddy Nobriga, former West Maui

SWCD Chair/HACD President; Jason Peel, NRCS; Warren Watanabe, Maui

County Farm Bureau; Cindy Peterson; Mae Nakahata, Central Maui SWCD

Director; Bruce Peterson; NRCS PIA Director; Jay Nobriga; West Maui

SWCD Chairman; and Donna Hopwood, NRCS

Maui County Councilmember Gladys Baisa with Bruce Peterson, Donna Hopwood, and Jason Peel at Archie’s

Annual Conservation Awareness Program -

Land Judging Contest Helps Students to:

Understand basic soil differences.

Know how soil properties affect crop growth.

Know why soils respond differently to man-

agement practices.

Realize the influence of land features on

production and land protection.

Select suitable soil and water conservation

practices.

Determine land capability class.

Determine proper use and treatment. Students from Baldwin, Kamehameha, King Kekaulike, Maui, Seabury Hall, and St. Anthony High Schools testing their knowledge through competition

2014 Island of Maui Contest Winners - Top Individual Score

1st Place Michah Leval St. Anthony

2nd Place Brian Lavongtheung

4-H Dirt Devils

3rd Place Jesse Amaral Kamehameha

4th Place Kiarra Burkitt

4-H Dirt Devils

Mahalo for your participation in the 2014 Conservation Awareness Program—Maui Land Judging Contest

The contest would not have been possible without you and we truly appreciate it!

The Maui Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Cooperation with the UH Cooperative Extension Service and USDA-NRCS

Baldwin High School Kamehameha School King Kekaulike Maui High St. Anthony Seabury 4-H Dirt Devils

Leo Tomita Duane Iwamura Andrew Wolski David Rostetter Joyce Lanigan Daryl Yamada

James Ino Art Fellazar

Maui Tropical Plantation

Mike Atherton

Glenn Fujimoto

Proctors

Norman Nagata

Kahana Stone . Kylie Wong

Doug MacCluer

Mel Hipolito . Kyle Onaga

Score Keepers

Robin Shimabuku

Lorraine Brooks . Cindy Reeves

Carl Hashimoto . Ryan Woolbright

Brian Hashiro . Patrick Ornellas

Edna Abe . Brett Fahnestock

Pamela Kantarova . Richard Sylva

Coordinators

Ranae Ganske-Cerizo

Maggie Kramp

Food and Beverage

Jay Nobriga and Buddy Nobriga

Nobriga Ranch

Maui Soda & Ice Works

Roselani Ice Cream

L-R: Kylie Wong, Maui SWCDs Conservation Specialist with 1st Place Team - Seabury Hall 4-H Dirt Devils Brian Lavongtheung, Kirra Burkitt, Kaitlyn Yamada, Corin Nishimoto, and West Maui SWCD Chairman Jay Nobriga

If you would like to make a donation towards the Maui Soil & Water Conservation Districts’

education program and other conservation efforts, contact the Maui SWCDs at 808-871-5500 ext. 3

http://www.mauicountysoilandwater.org/

Pollinators

Pollinator types: Butterflies, flies, moths,

wasps, beetles, and bees. Bees are considered to be the

most important of the pollinators, partly due to the fact

that they are the only group to actively collect pollen

to feed their young.

Approximately 85% of flowering plants rely on an

animal pollinator (mostly insects) to reproduce.

35% of crop production worldwide either depends up-

on or benefits directly from pollination by insects. The

value of these crops is over $18 billion in the US, and

up to $217 billion worldwide.

Scientist estimate that every 1 in 3 mouthfuls of food

& drink we consume can be traced back to a pollinator.

Some crops are entirely dependent on pollinators to

produce a yield include: alfalfa ($7 billion/year), ber-

ries ($2.5 billion/year), apples ($1.5 billion/year), and

almonds ($1.1 billion/year).

Canola, soy beans, and cotton show an increased yield

when pollinators are present.

Canola growers in Canada can produce more yields

(which means more profit) if about 30% of their field

is left uncultivated for pollinators natural habitat. This

is due to a higher pollination rate which outweighs the

lesser amount of farmed acres in the long run.

Managed Honey bee hives are experiencing an annual

loss: from 1995-2006- 15%-22% loss of hive per year,

and from 2006-2011- 29%-36% loss of hive per year.

This can be mostly attributed to Colony Collapse Dis-

order (CCD).

Feral unmanaged honey bee colonies have declined by

70%-99% in most areas of the US.

In North America there are ≈ 4,000 species of wild

bees and worldwide there are at least 20,000 species of

wild bees.

Wild bees are critical for the pollination of crops val-

ued at ≈ $3 billion annually in the US (which may be

an underestimation) and $900 million-$2.4b billion

annually in the state of California.

Main causes of pollinator decline: Habitat destruction

associated with conversion of crop land/ natural areas

into urban land uses, use of pesticides without appro-

priate precaution, and diseases.

Pollinators not only increase the yields in crops, they

also help to stabilize the world’s ecosystems. A dollar

amount can be calculated for how beneficial pollina-

tors are in agriculture, but it is impossible to estimate

the worth of a healthy ecosystem.

Blueberry growers in Michigan produced a 12% in-

crease in yields in fields that were adjacent to wild-

flower plantings. Increased yields paid off the initial

cost of establishing wildflower plantings within the first 3-4 years.

Installing pollinator habitat can achieve multiple con-

servation goals such as soil and water quality, pesticide

protection, establishing a conservation buffer, weed

control, and wind and snow protection while directly

benefiting farmers.

ALEXANDER & BALDWIN,

INC.

ANDY FULLER

BILL and KAREN HANISCH BRIAN HASHIRO

CARVER WILSON, MAUI

FLORAL

CENTRAL MAUI SWCD

COUNCIL MEMBER ELLE

COCHRAN

DARON and DAWN

NISHIMOTO

DARYL and JOYCE

YAMADA

DOUG and MAGGIE

KRAMP

THE DUNES AT MAUI

LANI

DR. CHERYL AYABE

EAST and WEST KAUAI

SWCD

FAITH UMETSU

FEDERICK KUDO

HALEAKALA RANCH

HANA SWCD

HAWAIIAN COMMERCIAL & SUGAR COMPANY

JAMES INO

JAMES ROBELLO

KAANAPALI BEACH

HOTEL

JERRY PANG

KAANAPALI LAND

MANAGEMENT CORP.

KAHANA STONE

KAREN FUKUSHIMA

KIMO FALCONER, MAUI GROWN COFFEE

KIMO’S RESTAURANT

KONA SWCD

KONG ‘OHANA

L. TOMA LYNETTE VIELA

MAE NAKAHATA

MALEK ‘OHANA

MATTHEW HO

MAUI COUNTY FARM

BUREAU

MAUI OCEAN CENTER

MAUI ZIPLINE

MAUNA KEA SWCD

MICHAEL FERNANDES

MISTY FUKUSHIMA

MONKEYPOD KITCHEN

BY MERRIMAN

OLINDA-KULA SWCD

PAMELA UMETSU

PEILING LIN

R.A. MARTIN

RAELENE KLEEMAN

REED and DYAN ARIYOSHI

RIMFIRE IMPORTS

SANOE KANESHIRO

SEABURY HALL SHAUN T. WRIGHT DDS,

LLC

STEPHEN and DENISE

GIMA

TOKYO TEI RESTAURANT

VINEYARD FOOD CO. by

CATERING FROM SOUP

TO NUTS

WARREN WATANABE

WES NOHARA, PU’U KANE

FARMS WEST MAUI SWCD

Mahalo to the following people, SWCDs, and businesses for your

generous support for the Land Judging Contest. Your contribu-

tion made it possible for the 4-H Dirt Devils to represent Hawaii

at the National Land Judging Contest in Oklahoma

Benefit Dinner at

Vineyard Food Company

4-H Dirt Devils Advisor Dr. Daryl Yama-

da, Brian Lavongtheung, Kaitlyn Yamada,

Kiarra Burkitt, and Corin Nishimoto on

their way to Oklahoma with Maui Floral

flowers, Maui Grown Coffee, HC&S Sug-

ar, Maui County Farm Bureau T-Shirts,

and snacks from Mae Nakahata

2015 National Contest Results

4-H Dirt Devils placed 3rd overall

for homesite, Kaitlyn Yamada 5th

place Homesite Top Individual Score,

and Corin Nishimoto 10th place

Homesite Top Individual Score

Conservation Education

Aside from conservation planning, Conservation Specialists also participate in conservation education and outreach for the Districts. In preparation for the 2014 Maui County Conservation Awareness Contest, Kylie trained approximately 131 students from four Maui high schools. Trainings were adapted to suit each group of students by using both hands on and traditional teaching methods.

Outreach and Community Events

Over the last year, the Maui Conservation

Specialists also conducted outreach in the community.

Kylie gave a short talk at a Native Hawaiian Plant So-

ciety lecture to share information about the NRCS

Farm Bill programs and Conservation Technical Assis-

tance plans, which generated a lot of interest among

attendees who were unfamiliar. At the Maui Agricultur-

al Festival we shared a

table with our partner

agency, NRCS, to spread

awareness about the Dis-

tricts, and our conserva-

tion planning services.

Conservation Specialists are

also given opportunities to be

involved at community

events. Kylie volunteered at

the horticultural section of the

2014 Maui County Fair to

help with check-in, judging,

and clean up. Jason represented the SWCD’s at the

Upcountry/Central Maui Community Wildfire Protection

Plan meeting to discuss concerns surrounding wild-

fires and future goals for fire protection.

The Maui SWCDs have two full-time Conservation Specialists—Kylie Wong, hired in July 2014, and Jason Hew, hired in January 2015. As Conservation Specialists for Maui, they serve all four Districts and are responsible for Conservation Technical Assistance plans in our Districts.

Kylie Wong was born and raised in San Francisco, but grew up

visiting her family throughout Hawaii. After graduating from high school, Ky-

lie moved to Honolulu to attend UH Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture

and Human Resources. In her junior year,

Kylie participated in the UH STEM Fellowship

Program through which she was exposed to

conservation planning by working in the

NRCS Aiea Field Office. The culmination of

her internship with NRCS, specialization in

soil and water conservation, and newfound

interest in agriculture propelled Kylie to seek

a career within the NRCS and SWCD partnership. Shortly after receiving a

degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management Kylie accept-

ed her position as Conservation Specialist, and has since been learning

about Maui while helping to conserve natural resources.

Maui Conservation Specialists’ Update

Jason Hew was born and raised

on the island of Maui. He grew up on his

family ranch helping his father mend fenc-

es, brand cows, and pulling wattle trees for

a nickel per tree. Jason also was exposed

to farming by his gung gung (Chinese

grandfather) who grew mostly onions and

tomatoes on a small farm. As a youth he

experienced all that Maui had to offer, but

one thing that Maui couldn’t provide was a

winter climate. This led Jason to attended

Montana State University in Bozeman,

Montana where his love for the outdoors

matured. In Montana, Jason was an avid

snowboarder, loved to hike especially sum-

miting mountain peaks, and an all-around

outdoor enthusiast. Through spending

time in nature, he yearned to learn more of

the science behind what made this planet

so unique. Jason earned his degree in

Earth Sciences with a focus in Geology, and received a minor in

Geographic Information Systems (GIS). After spending almost a

decade away from home, he moved back to Maui with his newly

wed wife. Jason was very pleased to have to opportunity to work

with the Soil & Water Conservation Districts and is enjoying as-

sisting farmers, ranchers, and land owners to achieve their re-

source conservation goals.

Conservation Technical Assistance is provided at no cost by the Soil and

Water Conservation Districts under the supervision of the Natural Resources Conservation

Service and its technical resources and standards. This assistance is offered in the form of

a conservation plan, developed by working closely with a cooperator to reach their agricul-

tural objectives while addressing on site resource concerns relating to soil, water, air,

plants, animals, and humans. These resource concerns include:

To accomplish the resource conservation and agricultural objectives of a conserva-

tion plan, conservation practices are implemented to NRCS standards. Although the CTA

conservation plans do not provide financial assistance, they serve as a springboard for

those interested in receiving federal assistance through Farm Bill programs.

Five conservation plans have been written this year for cooperators who plan to

apply for the Farm Bill EQIP program in fiscal year 2016. These potential contracts amount

to an approximate total of $71,000.

Soil erosion

Soil quality degradation

Excess water

Inadequate water

Water quality degradation

Degraded plant condition

Inadequate fish and wildlife habitat

Livestock production limitation

Inefficient energy use

Air quality impacts

The 9 Step Conservation Planning

Process

Soil and Water

Conservation

District

Active CTA Plans Completed CTA Plans

Existing Plans New Plans

By acres By plans By $ By acres By

plans By $ By acres By Plans By $

West Maui 24.4 2 $ 116,841 20.4 3 $ 23,363 N/A N/A N/A

Central Maui 15.3 4 $64,780 179 4 $ 86,073 417.1 3 $368,712

Olinda-Kula 16 2 $9,977 34.4 6 $ 134,394 2.5 1 $14,803

Hana 15.8 1 $22,812 6.9 1 $1500 2.8 1 $ 4,793

Windbreak Establishment Before and After

News from U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service 300 Ala Moana Blvd., #4-118, Honolulu, HI 96850

Soil health, a farmer’s story from Maui

HONOLULU, March 6, 2015--Bobby Pahia, a long

time taro farmer from Hawaiian Homes Kula, always

looks for ways to improve his taro production. In the

summer of 2012, Mr. Pahia consulted with the Natural

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Cen-

tral Maui Soil and Water Conservation District

(SWCD) for technical assistance. Bobby's objective

was basic and simple at first: rejuvenate soils, be sus-

tainable, and “malama `aina” or take care of the land.

As time progressed, his objective changed to improv-

ing taro quality by using traditional conservation meth-

ods.

Bobby, a member of Hawaii Taro Farm LLC., farms

60 acres on the foothills of Waikapu, just behind the

Maui Tropical Plantation, where his main crop is taro.

Having been farmed sugar cane for decades, the farm

experiences soil erosion, organic matter depletion,

wind damage to crops, as well as water quality and quantity problems.

As these resource concerns were identified, Bobby realized he needed to go back to his original objective and

start from there. Bobby’s objective adjusted to address healthy sustainable soils before farming.

Bobby decided

to choose a

simple agro-

nomic plan

that does not

impact his

farming busi-

ness. The plan

consists of

cover crops,

conservation

crop rotation

and mulching.

The planned

mulching practice allowed Bobby to lay plastic mulch to retain moisture and control weeds. Sunn Hemp was

the preferred and selected cover crop species to increase biomass and soil health, improve water quality issues,

and reduce soil erosion.

"We are so pleased to see how farmers like Bobby are making soil health a top priority," said Craig Derickson,

NRCS Acting Director for the Pacific Islands Area.

The planned mulching practice allowed the client to lay plastic

mulch to retain moisture in the soils and control weeds.

Taro crop is damaged from strong

winds & insufficient moisture.

Since working with Bobby on cover

crop planting, his objective has gone

innovative, yet still within scope of

soil health. NRCS Soil health experts

David Lamm and Ray Archuleta

came to Maui in the Fall of 2014 for

a one-day training session. The invi-

tation to all farmers and ranchers

brought Bobby to attend and the

knowledge he gained from the train-

ing has broadened his horizon on the

relationship of soils and cover crops.

Since December 2013, Bobby plant-

ed over 20 acres of Sunn Hemp.

Some blocks in the fields are on their second planting of cover crop. Initially, NRCS and Bobby came up with

a plan to incorporate the Sunn Hemp back into the soil. Bobby was to mow the Sunn Hemp at 50-60 days or

before flowering, whichever came first. After mowing, the disk implement would incorporate the cover crop

into the soil, preparing the field for planting taro.

However, Bobby started to see things differently. His farming operation started to become test trials to see the

best results in the soil and in crop yields. The following incorporation methods are all between 50-60 days af-

ter planting seed:

1. Mow, and then incorporate into soil with a disk implement 3-5days after mowing. Plant day after disk in-

corporation.

2. Use the crimp-roller implement, then plant crop within given row leaving biomass on surface.

3. Use the crimp-roller implement, then install plastic mulch/drip irrigation. Plant crop within given row leav-

ing biomass on surface.

4. Leave Sunn Hemp in the ground 6-8 months after planting for seed harvesting. Although Sunn Hemp is

stringent, Bobby will then roller crimp the Sunn Hemp after seed harvesting and leave residue on surface. Taro

crop to be planted at the end of the year.

*Note: As other methods are being formulated on the ideal or preferred methods to incorporate the Sunn Hemp

cover crop, Bobby knows that continuous cover cropping is the key to increase quality results. We are unable

quantify results for the taro at the moment.

Bobby found positive and negative attributes to cover cropping Sunn Hemp on his farm. He found that when

he uses the no-till method in roller crimping the Sunn Hemp (before it flowers), the taro grows slower after the

first 2-3 months of being planted compared to his normal growing method. On the other hand, the biomass that

Sunn Hemp creates at a seeding rate of 40lbs per acre on the surface using the roller crimp has been satisfying

for Bobby. Additionally, the aphid population has been reduced significantly on the taro where Bobby does not

need to control his cover cropped fields. Bobby is also finding a vast germination of guinea grass within the

cover crop fields instead of the common weeds of Spiny amaranth, Spanish needle and cheese weed.

With all the different incorporation methods that Bobby is trying, he knows one thing is for sure. The continual

building of soil health through annual plantings of cover crops will allow his fields to flourish. Bobby is look-

ing forward to the on-going soil health building process for his farm. As we celebrate International Year of

Soils, we recognize Bobby and other farmers and ranchers like him that place significant value on our natural

resource. To learn more about soil health in the Pacific Islands Area, visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov. USDA is an

equal opportunity provider and employer.

Sunn Hemp was the preferred and selected species to increase biomass

& soil health, improve water quality issues, and reduce soil erosion.

Olinda-Kula SWCD, Est. 1948

West Maui SWCD, Est. 1954

Clark Hashimoto

Chairman

Garret Hew

Vice Chairman

Neil Nakamura

Secretary-Treasurer

Alan Nago

Director

Koa Chang

Director

Jacob Tavares

Director

Robin Shimabuku

Associate Director

James J Nobriga

Chairman

Daniel Pomaika’i

Kauniaupio-Crozier

Vice Chairman

Kimo Falconer

Treasurer

Jeff Rebugio

Secretary

Wes Nohara

Associate Director

Brian Hashiro

Associate Director

Daniel Ornellas

Associate Director

Missing Photos of

Associate Directors:

Ian Swezey

Dave Minami

Central SWCD, Est. 1957

Hana SWCD, Est. 1953

Doug MacCluer

Chairman

Mae Nakahata

Director

Scott Meidell

Treasurer

Sumner Erdman

Director

Darren Strand

Director

Associate Directors (l-r):

Richard Sylva, Randal Moore, and Wes Nohara.

JoLoyce Kaia

Chairwoman

Susan Cuffe

Treasurer

Annette Smith

Secretary

Scott Crawford

Director Frank Oliveira

Director

Dan Clegg

Vice Chairman

Goal: To improve coastal water quality and coral reef

ecosystem function and health by reducing land-

based pollution.

Objective: Reduce pollutant load to surface water

and groundwater through site-specific actions and

best management practices (BMPs) on two sec-

tions of eroding agricultural roads.

Specifically;

1. Solidify the relationships and build local equip-

ment operator capacity in maintaining road

BMPs.

2. Reduce the amount of sediment generated off

two earthen access road surfaces and associat-

ed terraces

3. Reduce sediment loads carried by the road net-

work to the near-shore ocean waters.

Wahikuli-Honokowai Agricultural Road Drainage Improvement Project

This pilot project, led by the West Maui SWCD, worked on two stretches of agricultural roads in Wahikuli and

Honokōwai watersheds that were identified as problem areas for sediment erosion leading to stress on coastal ecosys-

tems. Working with landowners and an engineer, specifications were created for where the construction contractors

should put water bars, and reestablish terraces. Improvements were made to 3.2 miles of road and have resulted in more

functional water diversion systems that will slow and divert run-off and sediment accumulated in rain fall events, preventing

it from continuing into the gulches and down to coastal waters where it stresses reefs. The capacity of two local contrac-

tors has been increased, and this pilot scale project has facilitated an understanding of the steps that will be required for

the larger-scale Phase II project.

Results: Improvements were made on 3.2 miles of erod-

ing agricultural road.

On Puka Camp Road, in the Department of Hawai-ian Homelands property, 1.7 miles of road improve-ments were made and ~6,000 linear feet of terraces were opened and modified from their traditional design to a reef-friendly design by preventing hy-

drologic connectivity to gulches.

1.5 miles of General Finance Road was improved by grading, and through the addition of water bars at specified intervals to allow the energy of water and accumulated sediment to dissipate into the fields.

Management Outcomes

1. Capacity of local contractors to install and maintain

earthen road BMPS was increased

2. Project steps were piloted to inform larger scale effort to follow funded by EPA/DOH which will be able to address the majority of eroding earthen

roads in Wahikuli and Honokowai.

Photo: Wes Nohara, WMSWCD Associate Director and Morris Haole, Council Member Bob Carroll’s Executive Assistant at Ag Road Project site.

Lahaina Watershed Project

First proposed to NRCS by the West Maui SWCD in 1981, the Lahaina Watershed Project was given the highest priority because of its impact on public safety, property and livelihood protection, and environmental benefits. Since 1879, 26 major floods hit Lahaina—averaging one flood event every 5 years. The largest occurred in 1960, when 21.7 inches of rain fell in the Kahoma Watershed, in one day—causing floodwaters to overtop Front Street and Honoapiilani Highway and produced an estimated $320,000 in flood damages—roughly $4 million in today’s dollars. Given the level of develop-ment since 1960, a similar storm in 2015 would likely cause damages in the range of $10 million to $15 million. In order to provide full protection of Lahaina, we are seeking $22.6 million to complete the two remaining phases of the Lahaina

Flood Control Project.

Project Phase Design

Completion

Construction

Completion

Construction

Contractor

To-Date

Construction

Required

Design

Required

Construction

Phase 1 Diversion Channel 2005 2011 Kiewit Pacific Co. $9,214,766 - -

Phase 2B Diversion Channel 2011 2013 Hawaiian Dredging

Construction Co.

$2,972,822 - -

Phase 3A Hokiokio Place 2013 2014 Maui Master Builders $3,244,465 - -

Phase 3B Debris Basin 2014 Pending funding - $124,000 - $12,600,000

Phases 4-5 Diversion Channel Pending funding

Pending funding - - $250,000 $9,683,000

$15,556,053 $250,000 $22,283,000 Project Total

Photos: Field inspection of Phase 3A—included inspection of the Conspan units by Alex Niwa of Aecom, Ranae Ganske-Cerizo of NRCS, and Bill Curtis of Maui Master Builders.

Agriculture Awareness Day at the Capitol

Sponsored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation

Maggie Kramp, Maui SWCDs; Representative Ryan Yamane,

WAL Chair; Ian Cabatingan, HC&S; and Warren Watanabe,

Maui County Farm Bureau

Representative Calvin Say, Central Maui SWCD Director—

HC&S Ag Research and Crop Control Director Mae Nakahata,

and Representative Justin Woodson

Upcountry Maui Waterline Project

To address Maui’s growing population and increasing demand for water, this project was proposed to NRCS by the Olinda-Kula SWCD in 1982. Upcountry Maui farmers currently use domestic drinking water for their operations and pay one of the highest rates for agricultural water in the nation ($1.19 per thousand gallons). During times of drought, Upcountry farmers are asked to reduce their water usage, which has caused crop losses and lowered yields. As Maui’s population and demand for water increases, the importance of this project becomes more evident for the Upcountry agricultural community and to all residents. To complete this ongo-ing project, the SWCDs are seeking $8.5 million in Federal funds for planning and construction of a critical section of this waterline.

The Olinda-Kula SWCD held a field trip to the Up-

country Maui Waterline Project to show Washington, D.C. lob-

byist, Marie Blanco, this unfinished project to educate her

about the difficulties associated with completing this waterline.

The Olinda-Kula SWCD board, SWCD staff, DLNR, NRCS,

Department of Agriculture, and the Maui County Farm Bureau

attended this field trip. This group of organizations represents

the partnerships necessary to undertake a project of this mag-

nitude.

Since the inception of this project, many challeng-

es have been encountered including pipeline construction

in rugged terrain, difficult access to construction sites, and

difficulties obtaining easements and County right-of-ways.

Additionally, obtaining funding for the Upcountry Maui Wa-

terline Project has been a difficult task. We are hopeful

that Marie Blanco will be able to lobby for this project to

support Maui’s agriculture.

Project Sections

Federal Funds State Funds Status

Phases 1-5 $6.0 million $6.0 million Completed

Phases 6-7 $3.8 million $8.9 million 2015-2017

Planning $1.15 million - Not Funded

Construction $7.35 million $7.35 million Not Funded

Project map

Tour group viewing rugged terrain of Hapapa Gulch

Curtis Power discusses project phases with Sharon Sawdey, Clark

Hashimoto, Garret Hew, Marie Blanco, and Ranae Ganske-Cerizo

NACD Conference and Washington, D.C.

Wes Nohara

(WMSWCD)

and Mae

Nakahata

(CMSWCD)

attended the

National Asso-

ciation of Con-

servation Districts Conference in New Orleans, Louisi-

ana this past February. As representatives of the Hawaii

Association of Conservation Districts, they attended

workshops about the various NACD resources and other

state conservation district projects and services currently

being implemented. Wes and Mae also met with SWCD

representatives from the Pacific Islands Area to share

regional concerns, and met with NRCS Directors Bruce

Petersen and Craig Dickerson.

While there, it was announced that President

Obama’s budget allotted $200 million to watershed pro-

jects that impact climate change. However, this failed to

include unfinished projects, such as the Upcountry Maui

Waterline and Lahaina Flood Control Projects.

From New Orleans, Mae made her way to Washing-

ton D.C., to meet with Hawaii’s congressional leaders.

The next challenge for our legislative representatives is

to work to include Hawaii’s unfinished watershed pro-

jects in the President’s budget. Congresswoman Mazie

Hirono has requested an amendment to include unfin-

ished projects.

West Maui SWCD Field Trip Maui County officials were invited to join the West Maui SWCD on a field trip to tour their completed and in-progress projects. The purpose of this tour was to raise awareness of what the West Maui SWCD does and explain the

significance of their projects to conservation and the surrounding communities.

Participants included representatives from the Maui County Council, the Mayor’s Office, the County Department of Public Works, the Bureau of Land and Natural Resources, Tri-Isle RC&D, the West Maui Ridge 2 Reef Initiative, NRCS, and Maui SWCDs board members and staff. Past and current challenges with funding, construction, and maintenance

were discussed while highlighting the benefits and significance of each project for the West Maui community.

The West Maui SWCD projects shown were:

Thank you to all who joined the West Maui SWCD on this field trip. A similar tour is planned for State of Hawaii officials to

see West Maui’s projects, as it is important to share achievements, challenges, and goals with our governmental partners.

Lahaina Watershed Project Lahaina Temporary Flood Control Project Lahainaluna Diversion Project

Napili 4-5 Basin Wahikuli– Honokowai Agricultural Road Project Honolua Ditch

Pomaika’i Kaniaupio-Crozier explains the importance of managing

the upper watershed of Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains)

Site Visit at Napili 4-5 Basin

Wes Nohara addresses the group about the importance of flood control measures

Who We Are

The Tri-isle RC&D Council is a community-based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. A 12-member volunteer

Board of Directors, representing all of Maui County governs the Tri-Isle RC&D Council.

History

In 1962, Congress established a unique program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that empowered rural

communities to improve themselves while protecting and developing their natural resources. The focus on local

direction and control made Resource Conservation and Development one of the most successful rural development

programs of the Federal Government. Currently there are three hundred seventy-five approved RC&D areas.

T R I - I S L E R E S O U R C E C O N S E R V A T I O N A N D

D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L, I N C.

SERVICING ALL OF MAUI COUNTY

The mission of Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development is to protect,

preserve, and develop island communities with a focus on Maui County

through the implementation, management and fiscal sponsorship of innova-

tive agricultural, civic, cultural, economic and environmental projects.

http://tri-isle.org

What We Do

TIRCD provides a mechanism for

local residents and community leaders to

work together and actively address com-

munity, economic, environmental, and

agricultural needs. We help utilize the

abilities, knowledge and energy of local

volunteers to get projects done. Interest-

ed groups may approach TIRCD for pro-

ject sponsorship by submitting a project

for consideration by the TIRCD Council.

The Council has taken a strong leader-

ship role in community economic devel-

opment, water quality issues, and envi-

ronmental projects. TIRCD has over 150

projects that over the years have brought

in over $13 million in grants to Maui

County. The projects include protecting

and promoting wise use of the is-

lands’ natural resources, providing op-

portunities for locally led community

improvement measures, and assisting

sustainable agricultural and alternative

energy initiatives.

Contact Us or Donate to:

Tri-Isle RC&D, P.O. Box 338, Kahului, HI 96733

244 Papa Place, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732

Phone: (808) 871-1010, Email: Tri-Isle@Tri-Isle.org

Tri-Isle RC&D Staff

Tri-isle staff, John A.H. Tomoso, Executive Director; Sharon Rarick, General

Office Clerk; Tema Watson, Financial & Human Resources Consultant; Judy

Anderson, Accounting Assistant; and Evelyn Peterson, Office Coordinator

wish Audrey Tamashiro Kamii continued success in grant administration as she

leaves Tri-isle RC&D for another position. We also welcomed our new Project

Coordinator, Barry Gay (The real tall guy in the picture!!)

Maui Middle School Interns

Graduate From Park Program By Maui Now Staff

Eight middle school students on Maui graduated

from Haleakalā National Park’s Kupukupu ʻĀina in-

ternship program during a ceremony held over a

weekend.

The students worked over their spring break to re-

move more than 600 invasive plants and assist park

staff with trail maintenance.

The internship also provided students with an op-

portunity to explore the diverse habitats of Haleakalā

by hiking several trails where they helped

park resource managers work with endangered spe-

cies.

Interns also learned about national park law en-

forcement and practiced emergency medical skills via

mock scenarios.

As part of the program, students received job and career counseling through workshops offered by staff from the

Maui County Human Resources office and the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s CareerLink office.

Funding for the program was provided by non-profit partners Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation, Tri-Isle Resource

Conservation & Development Council, and the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.

MS interns with Ranger Katelyn Thomson.

Photo courtesy Haleakalā National Park.

Participants from RC&D, FSA, and NRCS at the Historically

Underserved Populations Workshop that was held at the USDA

NRCS Hilo Field Office

The Board and Staff of Tri-Isle RC&D wishing retiring President Wes Nohara a fond and "happy farming" farewell at the end

of his term in January 2015.

Tri-Isle RC&D has several

current and proposed projects

on Lana'i!

Planting

Project

We are fortunate to have legislators who believe farming is the backbone of our community, and that the soil

and water conservation program will preserve our resources for future generations. They have helped our

program with financial aid both locally and statewide

The Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the people of Maui want to express our thanks and ap-

preciation to the following Senators and Representatives for their active support of the SWCDs in Maui Coun-

ty. Due to their efforts, the Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been able to accomplish their ob-

jectives.

Senator

Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran

District 5

Wailuku, Waihee, Kahului

Representative

Kaniela Ing

District 11

Kihei, Wailea, Makena

Representative Mele D. Carroll District 13 Term of Office Ended: 2/1/2015

Representative

Kyle T. Yamashita

District 12

Sprecklesville, Pukalani, Maka-

wao, Kula, Keokea, Ulupalakua,

Kahului

Representative

Angus L.K. McKelvey

District 10

West Maui, Maalaea, North Kihei

Representative

Joseph M. Souki

District 8

Kahakuloa, Waihe'e, Waiehu,

Puuohala, Wailuku, Kahului

Senator

Rosalyn H. Baker

District 6

South and West Maui

Senator

J. Kalani English

District 7

Hana, East and Upcountry

Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Ka-

Representative

Justin Woodson

District 9

Kahului, Puunene, Old Sand Hills,

Maui Lani

Representative Lynn DeCoite

District 13 Haiku, Hana, Kaupo,

Kipahulu, Nahiku, Paia, Kahoolawe,

Molokini, Lanai, Mo-lokai, Molokini

The Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts sincerely appreciate and thank the Maui County Council

Members for their active support for the SWCD program in Maui County.

The Maui County Council Members are our strongest unifying factor in the soil and water conservation move-

ment. They help our program with financial aid and believe the soil and water conservation district program

will preserve our community for future generations.

Mike White

Council Chair

Makawao-Haiku-Paia

Don S. Guzman

Council Vice Chair

Kahului

Stacy Crivello

Council Member

Molokai

Elle Cochran

Council Member

West Maui

Robert Carroll

Council Member

East Maui

Don Couch

Council Member

South Maui

Michael P. Victorino

Council Member

Wailuku,

Waihe'e, Waikapu

Gladys C. Baisa

Council Member

Upcountry

Riki Hokama

Council Member

Lanai

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