State buys Kalauao Valley land from Bishop Museum to preserve native forest

In an effort to protect and manage a native forest and trail system on Oahu, the state has purchased 635 acres in Kalauao Valley from Bishop Museum, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced last week.

The land includes portions of the Aiea Loop and Ridge trails and is home to native vegetation and a bird that is endangered on Oahu, the elepaio. State officials say the goal of acquiring the valley is to preserve the area as part of the Ewa Forest Reserve.

The $760,000 purchase by DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife was funded by a $192,750 grant from the state’s Legacy Land Conservation Program and a $567,250 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The addition of Kalauao to the Ewa Forest Reserve will enable DLNR to protect this area in perpetuity, manage compatible recreational and educational opportunities, and facilitate management actions for the recovery of threatened and endangered species and critical habitats,” DLNR Director Suzanne Case said in a statement.

The Kalauao Valley, identified as sensitive watershed land in the 1900s, is part of the Koolau Mountains Watershed Partnership. The valley serves as a vital water catchment and filtration system for Honolulu’s groundwater supply, according to DLNR. Adjacent land is also zoned conservation, forming a large open corridor for native birds and plants.

The forestry division is holding a meeting for the public to provide feedback on the proposed addition of Kalauao Valley to the Ewa Forest Reserve. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Kalani­moku Building, 1151 Punchbowl St.

Division Administrator David Smith pointed out that thousands of visitors and local residents hike the Aiea Loop and Ridge trails every year. He added in a statement that “these popular trails are also one of the few places on Oahu to see quality native forests and endemic forest birds in their native habitat.”