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Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Awards

The Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance strives to recognize achievements in the Hawaiian conservation community at all levels, from high school students to seasoned professionals. Each year the HCA presents a variety of awards, the recipients of which are honored at the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference.

Distinguished Service Award

Given to a person who has excelled by reason of exceptional service, personal effort, and unselfish interest, thereby making distinguished contributions beyond the immediate responsibilities of their position. This individual has reached the highest esteem within the conservation community and embodies the spirit of hope, the dedication of purpose, and the tenacity of firm belief that our native ecosystems are a valued component of our heritage and our gift to Hawai‘i’s children.

Chuck Burrows, ‘Ahahui Mālama I Ka Lōkahi

Docburrows_distinguishedserviceawardeeCharles Pe‘ape‘a Makawalu “Doc” Burrows is an exceptional individual in the field of Hawaiian conservation. His enthusiasm for protecting his island home as a Native Hawaiian compelled him to found ‘Ahahui Mālama I Ka Lōkahi, a Native Hawaiian organization whose mission is:

“To develop, promote and practice a native Hawaiian conservation ethic relevant to our times that is responsible to both Hawaiian culture and science. This ethic is protective of native cultural and natural heritage and is expressed through research, education, and active stewardship.”

His significant accomplishments in his many years of service top the conservation community include:

  • Over three decades as a science teacher for the Kamehameha Schools (KS). Here he was a leader in numerous science and environmental projects for students. He instilled an awareness of Hawai’i’s environment and promoted conservation techniques to protect our island home. He was a mentor for students through the Hui Lama Hiking Club and encouraged students to appreciate the environment and the communities they live in. His greatest legacy was inspiring many leaders in conservation today through his class teachings, on his service trips, or hikes. He is a dedicated, committed, thoughtful, passionate, wise, mentor to many.
  • Doc is one of the individuals who led the High School Hikers program, a youth program which influenced many to enter into conservation.
  • He led many cultural exchanges for Kamehameha students abroad, taking them on trips to Rapa Nui (or Easter Island), Aotearoa (or New Zealand), and Alaska.
  • In his retirement he spends many days a week in the field managing habitats, planting native plants, pulling weeds and conserving habitats for Hawai‘i’s plants and animals, especially in and around Kawainui Marsh.
  • He embodies the concept of Aloha‘aina and his enduring stewardship are demonstrated by the care that he provides at Nā Pōhaku o Hauwahine and Ulupō heiau in Kailua.
  • For eight years, Doc served on the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission for and strongly promoted the Hawaiian conservation ethic in all the restoration efforts on Kanaloa (Kaho‘olawe).
  • Doc currently serves on the Ramsar National Committee, and in 2005 he helped in the Ramsar designation for the Kawainui/Hamakua Marsh complex as “a wetland of international importance”.

 

Outstanding Leadership Award

Given to a person who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing environmental conservation in Hawai‘i over the short to medium term (several years to a decade).

Mark Fox, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i

Conservation Innovation Award

Given to the instigators or champions of a procedure that leads to significant advances to the structure or nature of environmental conservation in Hawai’i.

Director of External Affairs at the Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i

Outstandingleadership_markfoxtncThere is no one in Hawai‘i who impacts, from mauka to makai, conservation on so many levels in our state. Whether talking to media about efforts to restore Maunalua Bay on O‘ahu or meeting with U.S. Senators on the effect of invasive species and the need for tighter regulation and more funding, Mark Fox has been instrumental in moving conservation forward in our islands for many years. Though his position is Director of External Affairs at the Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, Mark does not limit his involvement to just TNC but focuses on critical statewide issues which benefit multiple partners and the larger conservation community. He provides insightful leadership defined by collaboration and inclusiveness with an open and friendly manner that invites engagement by a range of people, from a field technician to legislator. Despite his many responsibilities and more than full plate, he is always one of the first to volunteer his expertise and resources to galvanize initiatives for the betterment of conservation. In addition, he is a wonderful father who, despite his hectic work, can often be found dropping off his daughter at school or picking up his son from soccer practice and making dinners together. Some key highlights of how Mark has impacted conservation statewide include:

  • Saving the Natural Area Reserve and Legacy Land Funds from being zeroed out in FY10 and FY11. These funds are the core funding for critical statewide conservation initiatives such as the Watershed Partnerships, Natural Area Partnership Program, Youth Conservation Corp, the Natural Area Reserve, Forest Stewardship, and the Legacy Land Program;
  • Leading a successful campaign to ban gillnet fishing in the state;
  • Shepherding through the federal system the Hawai‘i Restoration and Conservation Initiative, an initiative on par with the Everglades and Chesapeake Bay Restorations, to bring critical federal funding for the restoration of native ecosystems and species to the state;
  • Playing an instrumental role in passing the Legacy Lands Act which established sustainable funding for land acquisition in the state and continuing to help local land trusts at the federal level with advancing Hawai‘i initiatives;
  • Working on streamlining the state regulatory process in order to promote speedy administration of conservation projects;
  • Serving in many leadership capacity roles including Chair of the Hawai‘i Association of Watershed Partnerships, Chair of the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species, serving on the state’s Climate Change Task Force, and speaking at numerous conferences, workshops, and symposia on the need for conserving native ecosystems.

Mark is truly outstanding as he understands the big picture of what actions are required to move conservation forward for all of Hawai‘i (rather than be restricted to what just benefits his organization). His willingness to lend a hand and make time with his characteristic smile, humble demeanor, positive attitude, and open ear are what make him not only an effective leader, but one that is respected, admired, and liked by so many, both inside and outside of conservation.

Originally from the Island of Hawai‘i, Mark received his undergraduate and law degrees from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. Mark practiced law with the Carlsmith law firm in Honolulu. He then joined the Washington staff of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye in handling issues related to the environment, agriculture, rural community development, energy and water development, the Pacific island territories, and justice and the federal judiciary. In 2000, Mark joined The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i.

No one exemplifies exceptional leadership in advancing environmental conservation in Hawai‘i more than Mark Fox. Awarding him the Outstanding Leadership Award is a testament to HCA’s commitment to conservation in Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i Association of Watershed Partnerships (HAWP)

 

Peter Young, former Chairperson of the Department of Land and Natural Resources and recipient of the 2007 HCA Outstanding Leadership Award, often described the Watershed Partnerships as Hawai‘i’s best kept conservation secret that needed to be told. Watershed Partnerships are voluntary alliances of both public and private landowners committed to the common value of protecting forested watersheds for water recharge, conservation, and other ecosystem services through collaborative management. Spanning six islands, involving over 60 public and private partners, working across 1.6 million acres that encompass the last 40% remaining native habitats found in the state, Hawaii’s Watershed Partnerships are a model like no other with respect to impact, scope, and effectiveness in significantly advancing environmental conservation in Hawai‘i. The key to their success is collaboration and dedicated landowners and other partners who recognize that no one can do the work of watershed management alone. By working together and lead by dedicated coordinators and staff, the Watershed Partnerships pool critical resources and expertise to implement on-the-ground management actions that benefit not only landowners and native habitats/species, but the larger community from farmers, residents, schools and children, Native Hawaiians, ocean-users, local businesses, and many others who rely on the services provided by a healthy functioning watershed.

Most management actions are habitat based and revolve around combating the main threats of feral ungulates, invasive species, and forest pest and disease. Actions, which benefit both mauka and makai, include fencing and ungulate removal, invasive species control, rare plant outplanting and native habitat restoration, and outreach and education. Key successes include:

  • 300,000 acres managed for feral ungulates and destructive invasive species;
  • 90,000 native and endangered plants outplanted for forest restoration and enhancement;
  • Protecting areas that produce over 220 billion gallons of water each year for our islands;
  • 6,000 volunteers engaged in projects, including community members, teachers, and school groups;
  • 40 miles of protective forest fence completed;
  • Shorelines and coral reef areas protected from increased sedimentation and runoff;
  • Millions of dollars brought into the state for conservation work through match and fundraised;
  • Developing the conservation workforce by training, nurturing, and matriculating dedicated and passionate staff, many local, which implement targeted management plans;
  • Advancing the model beyond Hawai‘i with successful Watershed Partnerships established in Palau and explored in Central America.

The reach of these partnerships, both in terms of landscapes and engaging numerous partners state-wide, and the ability to advance significant on-the-ground conservation results are what make Hawai‘i’s Watershed Partnerships the most deserving of this award.

Student Awards

Each year at the conference, the HCA awards prizes to the top student oral and poster presenters. Monetary awards were sponsored by the Hawai’i Conservation Alliance and The Wildlife Society-Hawai’i Chapter.

Best Student Oral Presentation:
Katelin Shugart-Schmidt, Reef Watch Waikiki
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Marine Life Conservation District at Waikiki

Katelin Shugart-Schmidt, Jennifer Barrett
Reef Watch Waikiki, United States

The Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District has experienced a significant decline in coral reef health over the past few decades, possibly as a result of reduced populations of herbivorous fish. By exploring the history of the Waikiki area, including ecological and human use changes, the current and potential management options for the reef were evaluated. Presently, the reef falls under three distinct management systems: a Marine Life Conservation District, a Fisheries Managed Area operating on a yearly rotational closure system, and an unmanaged area. Snorkel surveys were conducted in the summer of 2009, recording the fish biomass and algal type and density found along randomly set out transect lines. This study revealed statistically significant differences in algal cover between the three zones but insufficient data were collected to permit statistically significant conclusions to be drawn about fish biomass. The combination of this result and a literature review of research conducted in the area led to the recommendation that the Waikiki MLCD be expanded to include the adjacent Fisheries Management Area. Additionally, recommendations were made for the use of volunteers in surveying.

Runner-up:
Bryce Masuda, University of Otaga, Department of Zoology, New Zealand
Predictors of Translocation Success to a Mainland Reserve: New Zealand South Island Saddlebacks Reintroduced to Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Bryce Masuda, Ian Jamieson
University of Otago, Department of Zoology, New Zealand

Avian translocations to offshore islands are a commonly used conservation tool in New Zealand, and factors influencing their success have been examined since the 1960s. In contrast, translocations to mainland reserves are a recent and increasingly popular management strategy due to advances in predator eradication techniques and predator-resistant fence technology, a growing interest in community-led initiatives, and a desire to make rare species accessible to the public. However, mainland reserves present their own suite of problems, particularly the ease of which birds can disperse from the release site. We monitored a translocated population of South Island saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus) for one year after release to understand the role of individual demographic factors such as age, sex, and previous pairing experience on successful establishment. In 2009, 40 birds were translocated to Orokonui Ecosanctuary, a community-based predator-resistant fenced mainland reserve. Equal sex ratios of fledglings (25%) and adults (75%) were released. Resightings declined over the winter, partly due to birds dispersing from the ecosanctuary. At the start of the breeding season, 35% of the original founders were observed within the sanctuary, including 60% of the released fledglings and 27% of the released adults. Fledglings may be better translocation candidates to mainland sanctuaries as they appear to settle close to the release site. Translocations to mainland reserves are an effective conservation tool, particularly in areas where small, predator-free offshore islands are limited, such as Hawai‘i. However, we suggest demographic factors such as age should be considered to maximize translocation success.

Best Student Poster Presentation:
Noelani Puniwai, University of Hawai’i at Hilo
Mapping Nearshore Currents of the Big Island through Personal Interviews

Noelani Puniwai
University of Hawaii, United States

A significant priority in any data compilation effort is in the access and identification of pertinent data sources. While trying to create a model of near shore oceanographic variables for Hawai‘i Island, I looked at existing ocean current maps, ocean models, and satellite imagery. Yet, no models on current strength and direction exist at the scale of .1 to 10 kilometers near the shores of Hawai‘i Island. These data sources gather more regionally scaled data and lack the necessary and site specific detail needed for near shore locations. Seeing this “data” need, I have attempted to gather the required information through interviewing ocean users and transferring the information into a GIS raster catalog.

Along with addressing a current management data gap, this project is tackling a problem of representation and communication of knowledge and the transfer of this knowledge into a technologically rigorous yet familiar structure. Mapping of recollections, currents, and associated memories is a long and complex process and there are no guidelines on how to accomplish this while ensuring transparency of the source and context in the final raster image. The images presented here are a sample of the on-going process and show different techniques available to represent the information gathered and the different levels of analysis conducted.

Runner Up:
Darcey Iwashita, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Temperature Impacts on Native Wet Forest Structure and Biodiversity in Hawai‘i

Darcey Iwashita 1, Creighton Litton1, Christian Giardina2
1University of Hawaii at Manoa, United States, 2Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service, United States

Native-dominated montane wet forests in Hawai‘i are currently experiencing rising temperatures as a result of global climate change, with unknown effects on forest composition and structure. The objective of this study was to examine how native wet forest biodiversity and structure vary across a 5°C mean annual temperature (MAT; 13-18°C) gradient on the Island of Hawai‘i. It was hypothesized that biodiversity and basal area would increase with MAT due to greater resource availability and productivity at higher temperatures. Density was expected to be negatively correlated with MAT and basal area as a result of resource limitation and stand carrying capacity. Diameter size class distribution was hypothesized to not vary with MAT due to natural species range limits. Trees, saplings, and seedlings were quantified in nine 400 m2 plots in native-dominated forest stands across the MAT gradient. Tree species richness and the Shannon index for tree diversity were significantly and positively related to MAT. Basal area showed a weak positive relationship with MAT, with larger trees contributing to greater basal area at mid-MATs. Stand density and MAT were negatively correlated, although the trend was driven by the two dominant species. In line with density results, diameter size class distribution varied with MAT for the two dominant species, with a broader range of diameter size classes at lower MATs. These results indicate that MAT has a significant impact on biodiversity and forest structure in Hawai‘i and that rising temperatures can be expected to alter native Hawaiian montane wet forest composition and structure.

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