Increased Protection Sought for Molokaʻi’s Pāpōhaku Dunes

By Wendy Osher

The state hosts a public hearing on Molokaʻi tonight, May 10, to discuss a proposed increase in the level of protection for the Pāpōhaku Dune system in west Molokaʻi.

The proposed subzone amendment seeks to change the classification of the conservation district from a “general” subzone to a “protective” subzone, for a higher level of preservation protection.

Officials with the state DLNR say a preservation plan for the area, “suggests that the current subzone designation is insufficient to provide for the effective preservation of the dune system and its culturally significant shrines, burial sites, fragile ecosystem and unique geomorphology.”

“Hawaiʻi’s dune systems harbor important native plant and animal species and serve as storm buffers from normal seasonal high waves and episodic high tide events,” said state officials in a press release.

The hearing, hosted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, begins at 6 p.m. at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center in Kaunakakai.

***Supporting information courtesy Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources.