The United States Navy would like to convey approximately 250 acres of land that it owns on three separate parcels to the Hawaii Community Development Authority, a state agency. The land is located at the Barbers Point Naval Air Station on the island of Oahu. However, a native plant, known as the Ewa Plains akoko (scientific name is Chamaesyce skottsbergii var. kalaeloana) is growing on approximate 150 to 160 acres of this land. The challenge facing the Hawaii Community Development Authority is that the Ewa Plains akoko is an endangered species with only 630 plants known to exist, thus raising the issue on who is responsible for the plants and what should be done to protect them.
The Hawaii Community Development Group had proposed building a solar energy farm on the land that would generate 10 to 15 megawatts of energy on two separate parcels. It is estimated that the solar panels would generate several hundred dollars in revenue for the state agency. However, the Fish and Wildlife Service stated that the HCDA would also be responsible for the ongoing preservation of the Ewa Plains akoko, which would require developing a conservation management plan, putting in fencing and a firebreak road, doing clearing work, and hiring people to maintain the site. The expense for following the Fish and Wildlife Service’s requirements would far outweigh the financial benefit of taking in the property. Anthony Ching, the executive director for the HCDA, stated, “It (the akoko preservation) is a worthy effort. It’s the law. We should protect our endangered species. I have no problem with that. But it can’t be unreasonable. You can’t expect to create an unfunded mandate and expect and then ask for the world and then seemingly create challenges for that to happen.”
The Fish and Wildlife had made efforts to grow the plants elsewhere, but their efforts have failed. The Navy has stated that it still remains their goal to convey the land to the HCDA. However, if the HCDA decides not to move forward, they will consider other options.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 4-21-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
