Protecting Coastal Plants within the Beach Parks
Coastal plants are an important functional and biological
resource that is vital to our natural environment. Coastal vegetation and plant
life on state lands and within beach parks are recognized and protected by county
and state law.
The role of coastal plants:
Plants are important because they provide dune
stabilization, soil stabilization, as well as forming a vital part of the
ecosystem, and biodiversity of the island fauna. Plants are also refuge to
native insect species and provide corridors for beneficial insect life.
Individual plants and areas of coastal vegetation are a repository of biological
diversity that are a future supply of key elements such as seeds and other
unique genetic materials. Beach plants also hold together soil and prevent dirt
from reaching the ocean and harming marine species like coral etc. Plants have
a important function in both their utility and their unique biology.
Plants are protected:
Within the parks and on state lands all plants are protected
by law. It is a felony misdemeanor to harm plants or remove plants in a park. In
parks all plants are maintained exclusively by the parks dept.
Tree trimming:
Tree trimming is the sole responsibility of the parks
department. No individual may trim cut or mutilate a tree or plant without
express permission of the department. Private individuals can make a request to
the parks dept to come and trim specific trees.
Volunteer groups, community work day:
There are also several volunteer organizations that have
specific permission to do clean up within the parks and on beaches. Community Work
Day aka "Malama Maui Nui" handles community clean ups to remove
trash, from streams beaches and similar areas. Private individuals wishing to
help can contact CWD.
Trash clean ups are not the same as cutting trees.
When trash clean ups occur they are supervised and
coordinated efforts conducted with the permission of the local authorities.
Trash is collected and then arranged to be picked up from specific locations
etc.
Weed control and invasive species
Weed control and invasive species is a function of different
groups in conjunction with the local authorities. These tasks are done by
qualified persons with the relevant experience and specialty knowledge, who coordinate
and supervise the removal of only the specific harmful species, and only in a
manner that will not harm the native species.
The highest priority is placed on preserving the endemic
plant species, many of which are rare or endangered. If a private individual
wished to be involved in weed control efforts, they should talk to Mike Perry,
or contact Jan Dapitan at CWD.
Reporting Violations:
Preserving our natural resources is a community
responsibility. If you see any individuals cutting or damaging trees, or
removing sand/soil/rocks/wood contact Parks department, Park rangers, or Hawaii Division of Conservation and Resource
Enforcement (DOCARE) and also known as the Hawaii DLNR Police.
Contact Numbers:
Maui County Parks Department: (808) 270-7230
DLNR dept of land and natural Resources: (808) 587-0400
DLNR Enforcement: 643-DLNR
Community Work Day CWD (Malama Maui Nui): (808) 877-2524
