The Kamalo/Kapualei Watershed Project was voted top priority in the grassroots community-wide strategic planning process that took place in 1998. As a result, in 1999 The Nature Conservancy formed the East Molokai Watershed Partnership (EMoWP). Coming together in a conservation effort, a partnership was built between The Nature Conservancy Kamakou Preserve, Molokai Enterprise Community (EC), Kamehameha School (Kamalo), Kapualei Ranch (Kapualei), the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), Kawela Plantation (Kawela) and John McAfee (Makolelau). The EMoWP became the first Watershed Partnership to have a community group (EC) as a signed partner, with the EC approving $100,000 to the Kamalo/Kapualei Watershed Project.

Reason for Need

Molokai's watershed (native forest) is home to many rare and endangered Native Hawaiian species. The invasion of feral animals and alien species however is the largest contributor to the plight of the native species. With uncontrolled sedimentation pouring into the sea, Molokai's coral reef system below is also feeling the negative impacts that are trampling the forests above. On-the-ground implementation of stewardship is essential to the protection of the Hawaii ecosystem. Community-wide support and the commitment from conservation partners are in place to protect at least 3,000 acres of watershed areas for the preservation of our water and native forest resources.

EC funds have contributed to the construction of a 5.5-mile contour fence that was completed in 2001. The project has yielded dramatic success in the recovery of native vegetation above the fence. The fence denies access to the large goat herds that graze below and a community and aerial hunting program was established to help reduce the large herds below the fence line.