A view of the Hapapa Watershed Axis Deer Damage Mitigation project site looking toward Haleakala. Photo courtesy of Maui Environmental Consulting

The Maui News

KAHULUI–A collaboration aiming to protect against erosion, reduce flood risk, mitigate axis deer damage, and improve water quality is being implemented in an 11-acre area mauka of Kihei as part of The Hapapa Watershed Axis Deer Damage Mitigation Project, according to the Maui Soil & Water Conservation District (CMSWCD).

Funding for the project totals $156,700, which includes $119,900 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and $36,800 in matching contributions from Maui Environmental Consulting and Haleakala Ranch, the CMSWCD stated.

According to the CMSWCD, the endeavor will revegetate and stabilize an area on the leeward flank of Haleakala that has been overgrazed and denuded by axis deer and other feral ungulates. The Hapapa Watershed Axis Deer Damage Mitigation project is a joint effort managed by the CMSWCD in partnership with Haleakala Ranch, Maui Environmental Consulting and the Hawaii Department of Health.

“Lacking vegetative groundcover, exposed landscapes are highly susceptible to soil erosion,” the CMSWCD said of the project aims. “During rain events, sediment can be swept away in stormwaters and deposited on streets, homes, and in critical habitats such as wetlands and coral reefs.

“When there’s been heavy rainfall on the slopes above Kihei, South Maui has been hit by brown water events that are very costly both environmentally and economically,” said Mae Nakahata, CMSWCD chair. “Roadways, bridges and homes get flooded; sensitive ecosystems are smothered by sediment; and coastal water quality is compromised. We’re very excited to move forward with this project, to help reduce those risks by restoring those upslope acres to a healthier state.”

The CMSWCD said The Hapapa Watershed Axis Deer Damage Mitigation Project also aims to improve water quality by re-establishing vegetation in the project area using R-1 recycled water from the Kihei Wastewater Treatment Facility for irrigation.

“Currently, millions of gallons of R-1 water from the Kihei Wastewater Treatment Facility are injected into underground wells each day,” the district said in the project release. “The nutrient rich water percolates through the ground and drains into the ocean, negatively impacting nearshore water quality and degrading important marine habitats. Incorporating R-1 water into the project removes that water from underground injection wells, supports revegetation of the landscape, and contributes toward aquifer recharge and improved water quality. The newly grown groundcover will be managed by cattle grazing.”

The Central Maui Soil and Water Conservation District works to protect and conserve soil and water resources via watershed planning, improving water quality, flood prevention, restoration, runoff control, wildlife habitat restoration and environmental education. For more information, visit www.mauicountysoilandwater.org.