The small wetland whose filling is imminent was overlooked in the initial surveys of the area proposed for the Haleiwa Bypass Road. Still, it has received what amounts to a moving eulogy from the consultants hired by the Department of Transportation to prepare the plan for its demise.
What follow are excerpts from the “Wetland Mitigation Plan,” prepared by ESH Engineers Surveyors Hawai`i, Inc. (January 12, 1994):
A small, approximately six-tenths of an acre, wetland (herein referred to as the By-Pass Road wetland) is located in the path of the By-Pass roadway. This wetland is a spur, or arm, of Ukoa Pond wetland and is separated from the main pond by a small ridge of uplifted coral and limestone boulders.
The limestone coral ridge which separates the By-Pass Road wetland from Ukoa Pond is quite porous. There are small above-ground water ways between the boulders and below-ground seepages from the main pond which provide the water that sustains this small wetland. The wetland consists of some open water ponds surrounded by large, white coral boulder. Within the ponds are patches of kaluha (Schoenoplectus californicus). On the slightly higher, wet ground surrounding the open water ponds, the most common plant is sourbush (Pluchia indica) and distributed throughout the area there are date palm trees (Archonophenis alexandrae). On the limestone ridges, along the northern and southern edges of the wetland, Christmasberry (Schinus terebinthifolius) which has developed a tree-like form, and at least two species of ficus trees are common. Although most of the vegetation of the area can be described as introduced weeds, there are at least two species of native plants, `Ae`ae 24 (Bacopa monnieri) and `Akulikuli (Sesuvium portulacastrum), which are present in very low numbers.
In its present condition the By-Pass Road wetland provides several wetland values. First among these are flood and storm damage protection. During storms, when Ukoa Pond and Ukoa Stream overflow, excess water can pass through the By-Pass Road wetland. This essentially broadens Ukoa Stream and slows the flow of the runoff. If all of the runoff were confined to Ukoa Stream, the flow rate would increase and the resulting scouring would lower the stream bed. The long-term consequences may be detrimental to Ukoa Pond because, as the stream bed is lowered, the water level of the pond will drop and Ukoa Pond wetland will be reduced in size.
The By-Pass Road wetland serves in the recharge of the ground water by slowing and retaining the flow of water from Ukoa Pond which passes through this site. This slowing of the runoff also helps in removing silt and excess vegetative debris from the stream.
Aesthetically, the By-Pass Road wetland is quite pleasing. There is open water with tall, straight reeds growing in places. It is surrounded by large, white boulders interspersed with date palm trees. Fish can be seen leaping in the ponds and birds such as the night heron come to feed on the fish. Together, these features make it a very pleasant place to visit, to take pictures, or to picnic.
This small wetland also functions, in a limited way, as wildlife habitat. There are fish in the ponds and wetland birds come to feed on the fish.
— Patricia Tummons
Volume 5, Number 7 January 1995
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