MVP does not mean most valuable player — at least not in the parlance of scientists concerned with saving endangered species. To them, the initials stand for minimum viable population, or the number of members of a given species absolutely … Continued
One of the most heated aspects of the debate over saving the `alala has centered on the perception of a conflict between property rights and federal and state laws protecting endangered species. Constitutional protections against illegal searches and seizures of … Continued
McCandless Ranch is vast, extending from the coast land south of Kailua-Kona to well up the slopes of Mauna Loa. Altogether, it covers more than 90,000 acres — nearly 150 square miles – and includes land owned in fee by … Continued
Despite a long record of non-cooperation on the `alala program, McCandless Ranch recently signed an agreement with the state that will provide the ranch with a federal subsidy of about $122,000. The agreement calls for the ranch to plant some … Continued
On June 11, 1988, Ho`oku hatched at the Olinda Endangered Species Facility. The chick is the offspring of Lu`ukia, an 11-year-old female, and Kalani, a 7-year-old male. Kalani is also the son of Lu`ukia, making Lu`ukia both mother and grandmother … Continued
In 1976, the same year that `alala were transferred to Pohakuloa, one Barbara Churchill began working at the facility as a volunteer. By January 1977, she had begun to assist in their feeding. Her ties to the captive propagation program … Continued
When it comes to information on the early years of the captive `alala program, there is a virtual black hole in the official record. When Barbara Lee was dismissed by the Board, she took with her all the daily log … Continued
Kawao Park is no more. The site it once occupied, high on the western wall of Palolo Valley, has been irreparably scarred by a contractor hired by a developer required by the City and County of Honolulu to build a … Continued
In this issue of Environment Hawai`i, the operations of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at two of its sites are examined in some detail. Work at one site, Salt Lake, involves the construction of … Continued
Aliapa`akai, the Hawaiians called it – “salt pond.” Legend has it that the lake, which lay within the leeward O’ahu district Moanalua, was dug by Pele and the salt was from her tears. In 1822, missionaries visiting the site limned … Continued