Kihei life

Yesterday’s post had views of Kaho’olawe from Kealia Pond.  These photos were taken from the Ocean Walkway in Wailea.

Kaho’olawe is uninhabited.

Zoom In!  It is very unusual to have rain.  (Profile of Molokini in the foreground).

I learned from reading Paul Wood’s story “Kaho’olawe Legacy” for Maui No Ka ‘Oi magazine Nov-Dec 2015 that US bombing practice started there in the 1920’s.  (I thought it was in the WWII era.)  The environmental problems started with goats in the 1790s.  Native vegetation was destroyed.  Planting mesquite trees required too much water.  Failed cattle ranching yielded to US Navy target practice.

http://www.mauimagazine.net/Maui-Magazine/November-December-2015/Kahoolawes-Legacy/

After seven years of effort to clear munitions (completed 75% of surface and 10% of subsurface) a ceremony was held late 2003 to transfer ownership from the Navy to the State of Hawaii.  To say Kaho’olawe is hazardous is an understatement.  Paul’s article has wonderful photos, details the needs going forward and ways to get involved.

Next day, better view of topography