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Feedback Wanted: Ecosystem Restoration Study of Kahalu‘u Bay – Public Invited


A public meeting will be held on December 12 to discuss the ongoing study on how best to restore the delicate coral ecosystems of Kahalu‘u Bay in Hawaii. The bay has suffered from ecological degradation due to human impact and the effects of climate change. The study, conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in collaboration with the Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Kohala Center’s Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center, aims to identify the causes of deterioration and recommend measures to mitigate the damage.

The bay, located south of Kailua-Kona village, is a popular spot for tourists, divers, and fishers due to its coral reef ecosystem, but it is vulnerable to climate-related impacts. In 2015, a mass coral bleaching event caused significant damage to the area’s coral population. Storm runoff brings sediment, toxins, and heavy metals onto the coral reef, posing further threats to marine life.

Despite challenges, there have been success stories in the bay, such as the increase in coral heads from 6 to 47,000 since 2015. However, the restoration efforts have been slow in coming. The study, with a budget of $1.02 million shared between the Army Corps and the county, is currently ongoing. The upcoming meeting will allow residents to provide feedback and suggestions for the restoration plans.

The meeting will be held at the West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona, with virtual attendance options available. It is a crucial opportunity for the community to voice their opinions on the preservation of Kahalu‘u Bay and contribute to the efforts to restore its marine environment.

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Photo credit www.westhawaiitoday.com

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