Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Ecosystem Restoration Management Plan MIP Year 16-20, Oct. 2019 – Sept. 2024 MU: Keaau Hibiscus

Overall MIP Management Goals: • Form a stable, native-dominated matrix of communities which support stable populations of IP taxa. • Control threats from ungulates and weeds in the next five years to allow for stabilization of IP taxa. Background Information Location: Leeward Waianae Mountains between Ohikilolo and Makaha Land Owner: State of Land Managers: The Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and Army Natural Resources Program (OANRP) Acreage: 8 Acres Elevation Range: 550ft-1000ft Description: The Keaau Hibiscus MU is located on the leeward Side of Oahu in the Keaau Forest Reserve and is accessed via St. Francis Our Lady of Keaau spiritual retreat center. The valley is adjacent to Makua valley with Ohikilolo Ridge separating the two. The terrain consists of stepped rock outcrops and boulders punctuated by some deeper soil pockets, generally dominated by grass. The MU enclosure around wild and reintroduced Hibiscus brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus is located south of the Keaau Valley road, along the slope of a dividing ridge between Keaau and Waikomo. The Keaau Hibiscus fence encompasses part of a remnant Erythrina sandwicensis and Dodonaea viscosa shrub land currently dominated by Urochloa maximua and Leucaena leucocephala. In Keaau valley, there has been documentation of other rare plant taxa including Abutilon sandwicense, Alectryon macrococcus var. macrococcus, Chrysodracon forbesii, Dubautia herbstobatae, Flueggea neowawraea, Melanthera tenuifolia, Nototrichium humile, Sanicula mariversa, Tetramolopium filiforme and Viola chamissoniana subsp. chamissoniana. Adjacent to the Keaau Hibiscus enclosure is a small enclosure around a wild population Gouania vitifolia.

Native Vegetation Types Waianae Vegetation Types Canopy includes: Erythrina sandwicensis, Psydrax odorata, Diospyros sandwicensis, Myoporum Lowland sandwicense, Dodonaea viscosa, Santalum ellipticum, and Hibiscus brackenridgei subsp. Dry mokuleianus. Shrubland/ Understory includes: Sida fallax, Doryopteris decora, Waltheria indica, Abutilon incanum, Grassland Plectranthus parvifloris, Pepperomia blanda, Chenopodium oahuensis and Cocculus orbiculatus.

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Terrain and Vegetation Types at Keaau Hibiscus MU

The view from Keaau looking west.

Staff packing up tools that were used to build the Keaau Ilima LZ in 2019. Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Staff weed whacking grass around the Hibiscus brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus reintroduction site. MIP Rare Resources at Keaau Hibiscus Organism Species Pop. Ref. Population Units Management Wild/ Type Code Designation Reintroduction Plant Gouania vitifolia KEA-A Keaau MFS Both (adjacent to Hibiscus fence), B† Plant Hibiscus KEA-A, C Keaau MFS Both brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus MFS= Manage for Stability *= Population Dead GSC= Genetic Storage Collection †=Reintroduction not yet done

Other Rare Taxa at Keaau Hibiscus Organism Type Species Status Plant Lobelia niihauensis Unknown Plant Korthalsella degeneri Endangered Plant sandwicense Unknown Plant Spermolepis hawaiiensis Endangered

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Rare Resources at Keaau Hibiscus MU

Wild H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus (KEA-A)

Immature H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus post fire (KEA-A)

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Map of Rare Resources at Keaau Hibiscus MU

Threats to MIP/OIP MFS Taxa Threat Rare Taxa Affected Management Strategy Current Status, 2019 Fire ALL Extensive grass control Continue to reduce fuels in a buffer around around the Hibiscus the wild and reintroduced rare . brackenridgei subsp. Continue to control fuels along the entire mokuleianus fence perimeter. Respond quickly to any fire event by coordinating with HFD, State, and Army/contract heli support. Goats ALL Maintain ungulate free No animals within fence. fence unit Weeds ALL Rare taxa sites primarily, Regular maintenance required several fuel control across MU. times per year. Black Rat H. brackenridgei subsp. Monitor plants for Staff observed caches of H. brackenridgei mokuleianus damage subsp. mokuleianus capsules in the reintroduction zone in 2019. No control necessary at this time unless more rodent impacts are observed. Downy H. brackenridgei subsp. No control Some minor occurrences during wet Mildew mokuleianus season. No viable tools to control in the field. Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Threats to MIP/OIP MFS Taxa (continued) Threat Rare Taxa Affected Management Strategy Current Status, 2019 Ants H. brackenridgei subsp. Monitor Survey annual possible points of entry for mokuleianus ants i.e. Ilima LZ. Also, monitor any ant impacts to rare taxa as they are known to tend aphids and mealy bugs, which inhibit growth on plants and can lead to poor vigor or death.

Management History • 2003: Gouania vitifolia, thought to be extinct was rediscovered in the wild in lower Keaau by botanists. • 2004: Botanical surveys of Keaau valley identifies resources in upper portions and some cliff areas including: G. vitifolia, Dubautia herbstobatae, Melanthera tenuifolia, Abutilon sandwicense, and Viola chamissoniana subsp. chamissoniana. • 2009: Hikers discover a small population of H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus along small rocky ledge in lower Keaau on the ridgeline that divides Keaau and Waikomo valleys. • 2010: A fence is proposed to capture population of H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus and the bulk of the G. vitifolia population north of the hibiscus on the slope facing Ohikilolo ridge. • 2014: The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) decided that the H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus and the G. vitifolia should be fenced as separate, smaller units. OANRP would be managing the proposed Keaau Hibiscus enclosure, while DLNR would focus only on the G. vitifolia fence. • August 2014: The Keaau Hibiscus fence was completed by OANRP. With the fence complete, staff begin snaring to ensure all goats removed from unit. • October 2015: OANRP staff discovered goat scat and browsing inside the fence. • December 2015: The low spots in the fence where goats may have entered were identified and snaring continues. • 2016: To address the goat ingress, additional panels were added to the low spots, raising the fence height. After the addition of panels, no ungulate activity was observed and snares were discontinued and removed from the MU as of August 2016. • 2016: The first wave of H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus reintroductions was planted (KEA- C) about 200 m above wild population (KEA-A) in the upper, southeast corner of the enclosure. • January 2017: Staff planted 23 more H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus plants to supplement the reintroduction population KEA-C. • October 2017: As a part of the first restoration action in Keaau Hibiscus, over 500 common native plants, including E. sandwincensis, D. viscosa and M. sandwicense were planted around KEA-C to reduce potential fire fuel loads and grass control. • August 2018: An intentionally set fire burned over the ridge from Makaha and down into Keaau, impacting E. sandwicensis dominated areas including H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus reintroduction and wild sites, also decimating G. vitifolia population. At H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus reintroduction KEA-C, 10 plants were impacted by the fire while two immatures were burned at the wild site KEA-A. Grass control by staff seems to have been factor in reducing Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

severity of burn directly around wild and reintroduced plants. The fence’s integrity was unaffected by the fire, however there were a few holes under the fence, where dead vegetation burned, that were reported and fixed. • September 2018: After the fire, staff observed many seedlings within a band about 10 meters below the original core of the wild population, over 50 total. • January 2019: The “Ilima” LZ was built ~75 m above fence to facilitate future resource management work and for any emergencies. • February 2019: To expand infrastructure in Keaau Hibiscus, a water catchment was built near H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus reintroduction zone to support grass control and reintroductions. • March- April 2019: To compensate for plants lost to fire, 20 more H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus were planted along with another round of over 400 common native reintroductions. • May 2019: A census of wild H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus site KEA-A finds ~40 immatures; cuttings from eight new founders were collected over two trips. There were additional immatures and seedlings observed on the second trip. • June 2019: With the discovery of Myoporum thrips on Oahu, staff began to map and inspect M. sandwicensis for thrips, and collect seed for genetic storage. Per recommendations from Oahu Invasive Species Committee and DOFAW, the decision was made to halt all outplantings of M. sandwicensis, including at Keaau Hibiscus. No thrips have been detected so far from these surveys. • August 2019: The “Ilima” LZ was finally completed with gravel. An additional catchment was installed near the wild site for grass control and reintroductions. Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Ungulate Control Species: Capra hircus (goats), Bos tarus (cows), Sus scrofa (pigs) Threat Level: Goats (High), Cows (Medium), Pigs (Low) Management Objectives: • Maintain ungulate free fence. Strategy and Control Methods: • Conduct quarterly fence checks • Monitor for signs of ungulates within unit as well as gauge pressure surrounding unit when accessing and working in the MU. • Should anecdotal observations point to elevated pressure or a fence breach happen, discussion about further control including snaring on perimeter of fence outside the unit should occur with DLNR staff. Discussion: The Keaau Hibiscus fence is relatively free from forces that are likely to cause a breach. Erosion is not a major factor, the slope is not extreme and the underlying rock is solid. There is a low risk of any tree-fall situations that would lead to a breach as the canopy is very sparse and trees are short. Places where goats could possibly jump from elevated rocks into the unit have been retrofitted with higher panels to prevent such a situation. While goats are often heard while in the MU, they remain in the cliffs above and there have been few instances of sign near the fence. “Silva’s ranch” and “Ohikilolo Adventure Tours” are located below the forestry area. Cows and horses have not been seen on the state land above the ranch in some time and it seems that holes that may have given them access to the Forest Reserve have been fixed. In the past cows have been observed throughout the area now fenced with no damage to H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus observed during the period prior to fence construction. The threat from pigs has been deemed low due to the absence of water and other attractants within the MU, there have not been any reported sign of presence or observation of damage to resources. Quarterly checks (including maintenance) of fence integrity will be conducted, as well as monitoring for ungulate sign during the course of other field activities. Given the small sizes of the fence, it is especially important that ungulates do not enter and become trapped in the fence as extensive damage can occur quickly. Weed Control Weed Control actions are divided into 3 subcategories: 1) Vegetation Monitoring 2) Surveys 3) Ecosystem Management Weed Control and Restoration Actions (Weed Control Areas - WCAs) These designations facilitate different aspects of MIP/OIP requirements.

Vegetation Monitoring Keaau has not had belt plot vegetation monitoring performed and is not a likely candidate because of the small size of the MU. There have been Gigapan and UAV images taken of restoration efforts, the first imaging done coincided with the October 2017 common planting, then again in January 2018, and finally Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

post fire in September 2018. These images will be compiled and analyzed to evaluate efficacy of restoration efforts in: 1) increasing native plant cover, and 2) reducing weeding effort required to prevent alien vegetation cover levels from exceeding 25%. This trial will help direct future management efforts in Keaau. Surveys Potential Vectors: OANRP activity, hikers/hunters, goats, alien birds, wind Management Objective: • Prevent the establishment of any new invasive alien plant or animal species through regular surveys along roads, landing zones, camp sites, fence lines, trails, and other high traffic areas. Strategy and Control Methods: • Note unusual, significant, or incipient alien taxa during the course of regular field work. Map and complete Target Species form to document sighting. • Survey LZs used in the course of field work, not to exceed once per quarter. Discussion: Surveys are designed to be the first line of defense in locating and identifying potential new weed species. At Keaau, “Ilima” and “Keaau Baseball Field” LZs will be surveyed when used in the course of field work, not to exceed once per quarter. Due to Keaau’s small size, incidental observations during regular field management will suffice to detect any unusual, significant, or incipient alien taxa present. Due to the proximity to Cenchrus setaceous ICAs along Ohikilolo ridge, this species in particular is a high priority for detection due to its ability to colonize dry, rocky habitat and because of its high fire tolerance.

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Survey Locations Map

Ecosystem Management Weed Control All weed control geared towards general habitat improvement is tracked in geographic units called Weed Control areas, or WCAs. The goals, strategies, and techniques used vary between WCAs, depending on terrain, quality of native habitat, and presence or absence of rare taxa. MIP Goals: • Within 2m of rare taxa: 0% alien vegetation cover except where removal causes harm. • Within 50m of rare taxa: 25% or less alien vegetation cover • Throughout the remainder of the MU: 50% or less alien vegetation cover Management Objectives: • Reduce alien cover and increase native cover in both understory and canopy across the MU, working towards a goal of 50% or more native vegetation cover. Discussion: Due to the high fire threat to this MU, grass control comprises the bulk of the weeding effort in Keaau. Keeping both wild and reintroduced H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus sites as grass free as possible is the primary goal of weed management. Removing grass within both Hibiscus sites helped reduce the impact of the 2018 fire, resulting in moderate rather than catastrophic loss. Creating and maintaining a larger buffer is an ongoing effort during the wetter seasons due to the aggressive growth of Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Urochloa maxima. In the summer, sporadic rain events can cause bursts of growth of U. maxima when otherwise growth would be limited. The grass control strategy is comprised of 1) handpulling/cutting/mulching directly around rare taxa, 2) spraying with a light solution of Ranger Pro (1%) outside 1 meter from rare taxa and 3) using herbicide with pre-emergent qualities along fences and trails for more persistent control. Weed whacking has also been employed to knock back large clumps of U. maxima, and reduce fuel loads. Apart from grass control, Leucaena leucocephala and Vachellia farnesiana have also been targeted for removal within the Hibiscus sites. Kalanchoe crenata and Stapelia gigantea are also targeted when in close proximity to Hibiscus due to their ability to act as pest reservoirs for mealy bugs which can infest Hibiscus. These herbaceous weeds also prefer rocky habitat, limiting H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus recruitment in these sites. Weed Control Areas Map

The table below summarizes invasive weeds found at Keaau. While the list is by no means exhaustive, it includes the species targeted/prioritized for control. The distribution of each taxon is estimated as: Widespread (moderate to high densities of individuals, common across MU), Scattered (low densities across all or much of the MU), or Restricted (low or high densities, all in one discrete location).

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Summary of Target Taxa: Taxa Distribution Notes Cenchrus ciliaris Scattered Smaller in stature than U. maxima but fire adapted and favoring shallower soil/rockier areas. Treat when grass spraying around Hibiscus sites, fences, and trails. Cenchrus Adjacent Not in the MU, however it is found along the Ohikilolo ridge. Thrives in setaceous ridge open rocky areas, less ideal for Urochloa maxima. If C. setaceous were to (Ohikilolo) establish throughout the Keaau valley, there will be a more threat for severe fires. Survey areas when hiking and flying by the MU to better understand the extant of C. setaceous in Keaau. Kalanchoe crenata Scattered Grows in similar areas as S. gigantea, also serves as a pest reservoir and competes with native shrubs. Staff should control while weeding around the Hibiscus zones. Leucaena Widespread While much of the mature L. leucocephala have been removed from directly leucocephala around both Hibiscus sites, there is a persistent seed bank and the surrounding areas are infested with L. leucocephala. Staff observe seedlings and saplings every time they work in the sites. Small immature L. leucocephala can be hand-pulled. Effective control on larger L. leucocephala consists of either using the IPA technique with Milestone or clip & drip with a 40% Garlon4. Effective method also depends on how large the tree is and whether or not it has developed a “brain”. Macroptilium Scattered Often grows directly adjacent to Hibiscus and can get thick. Staff should lathyroides control while weeding around the Hibiscus zones. Mesosphaerum Widespread Usually diminutive in stature but sometimes larger in deeper soil pockets; pectinatum can form a dense carpet of seedlings in wet season and suppress native recruitment. Staff should control while weeding around the Hibiscus zones. Melinus repens Scattered Grows in open areas often too rocky or shallow-soiled for Urochloa maxima. Treat when grass spraying around Hibiscus sites. Prosopis pallida Scattered Not as common as L. leucocephala but controlled when encountered during weeding as the seed pods can increase fuel load. Trees can be treated by a cut stump and 40% Garlon4 application. Stapelia gigantea Scattered Occurs in rocky areas among the Hibiscus and throughout the MU. This plant can act as a pest reservoir for mealy bugs, etc. Plants can also displace native plants that prefer rocky areas, such as P. parviflorus. Staff should control while weeding around the Hibiscus zones. Urochloa maxima Widespread U. maxima is the main fuel source in the area. Target in WCAs as needed by foliar spray and weed-whacking. Priority to control along the fence lines and in/around the rare plant zones. Vachellia Scattered Not as common as L. leucocephala but controlled when encountered during farnsiana weeding as the seed pods can increase fuel load. Trees can be treated by a cut stump and 40% Garlon4 application. Restoration activities are discussed in the notes section for each WCA. The table below contains specific notes on what native taxa and what type of stock may be appropriate for projects at Keaau.

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Taxa Considerations for Restoration Actions: Native Taxon Outplant? Seed sow/ Division/ Notes Transplant? Argemone glauca Yes Seed sow Small shrub. Immature plants observed in area, need to collect. Grows easily from seed. Argemone glauca to be used primarily for species diversity. Artemesia australis Yes Seed sow Small shrub. Grows from cuttings and seeds. Artemesia australis to be used primarily for species diversity. Bidens cervicata Yes Seed sow Small shrub. Grows from seed. Possible use of Kahua as a seed source, but need to collect from wild plants first. Also, need to observe how it performs at Lower Ohikilolo first before using B. cervicata at Keaau. Bidens cervicata to be used primarily for species diversity. Chenopodium oahuensis Yes Seed sow Small shrub. Grows easily from seed. Produces copious seed. Used for restoration efforts especially around rock outcroppings. Diospyros sandwicensis Yes No Tree. Important component tree, extremely slow grower. Can be propagated by seed. Used for restoration efforts. Dodonea viscosa Yes Seed sow Small tree. Widespread recruitment but reintros may have better survivorship and should be included in restoration. Easy to propagate from seed. Fast growing and is mainly used for restoration efforts. Erythrina sandwicensis Yes Transplant Tough tree, seed availability may limit planting. Easily propagated via seed. Slow growing, but good to outplant once it fills in quart size tree pot. Used for restoration efforts. Euphorbia celastroides Yes No Shrub. Appropriate source needed, plants exist on cliffs in Keaau. Euphorbia celastroides would be used to diversify native plant species. Eragrostis variabilis Maybe Seed sow Grass, could contribute to fire risk. If used, it would be to increase native diversity. Heteropogon contortus Maybe Seed sow Grass, could contribute to fire risk. If used, it would be to increase native diversity. Myoporum sandwicensis No No Common in Keaau before fire, cuttings/seed. No more M. sandwicensis will be planted unless interagency group decides otherwise due to concern around Myoporum thrips. Polyscias sandwicensis Yes No Trees in back of Keaau candidates for collection. Grows from seed. Can be used for improving native habitat. Psydrax odorata Yes No Widespread tree, seed predated by native moth larvae, very difficult to collect. Grows from seed. Extremely slow growing in dry habitat. Used for restoration efforts. Rauvolfia sandwicensis Yes No Tree found formerly in G. vitifolia area and above Hibiscus fence. Grows from seed. Used for restoration efforts.

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Taxa Considerations for Restoration Actions: (continued) Native Taxon Outplant? Seed sow/ Division/ Notes Transplant? Santalum ellipticum Yes No Tree. Recruits seen after fire, sporadic seed availability. Grows from seed. Used for restoration efforts. Scaevola taccada Yes No Sprawling shrub, used in Lower Ohikilolo to reclaim space from U. maxima, results underwhelming. However, worth a try at Keaau to replace M. sandwicensis in restoration efforts. Sida fallax Yes Seed sow Small shrub. Augment with planting/seed-sows. Propagated by seed. Can be used for restoration efforts especially in areas that are too rocky to outplant in. Senna gaudichaudii Yes No Small tree/shrub. Grows from seed. Planted in reintroduction zone already. Collect from reintros for future plantings and keep look out for additional founders (only known founder dead). Can be used to improve native habitat. Cordia subcordata Maybe No Indigenous, could be hearty and fast-growing enough to reduce grass along the Makai fenceline. Propagated by seed. Can be used for restoration efforts. Thespesia populnea Maybe No Not native but could be hearty and fast-growing enough to provide cover to reduce grass in areas along the fenceline. Propagated by seed. Can be used for restoration efforts. Plumbago zeylanica Yes No Sparsely distributed throughout MU. It can be propagated by cuttings. Can be used for restoration efforts.

WCAs: KeaauHibiscus-01 Veg Type: Open dry forest/Dodonaea shrubland MIP Goal: Within 2 m of rare taxa: 0% alien vegetation cover except where removal causes harm. Targets: Alien grasses especially U. maxima, and woody species Leucaena leucocephala and Vachellia farnesiana. Notes: Grass control is highest priority because of fire threat. Due to the loss of much of the existing canopy within the unit to the August 2018 fire, common reintroductions should be a priority to replace E. sandwicensis and other canopy trees lost across the MU. Continue to plant common natives to improve habitat for IP taxa both H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus KEA-A (wild) and KEA-C (reintroduction). Due to the large number of H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus that have appeared post-fire at the wild site, habitat improvement through common plantings and grass control should be focused there in the near term. Around the reintroduction, emphasis should be on maintenance of planted areas with an eye on expansion to suitable adjacent areas. In the coming 5 years, plantings will be dictated by the ability to open and maintain planting areas around both H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus sites, with the focus in the next two years around the wild site. Thereafter, plantings could either be split each season or alternate between the two sites with the overall goal being to connect the sites. The fence line surrounding this WCA should be maintained as grass free as possible for ease of access, to buffer against potential fire ingress, and ease of fence monitoring and maintenance.

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

WCAs: KeaauHibiscusNoMU-01 “Main trail to HibBra fence” Veg Type: Open dry forest/Dodonaea shrubland MIP Goal: NA Targets: U. maxima Notes: The trail to the fence should be kept as grass-free as possible for staff safety while accessing the unit from the parking area. Use herbicide with pre-emergent qualities for extended control of U. maxima and other weeds.

WCAs: KeaauHibiscusNoMU-02 “Trail from HibBra fence to Ilima LZ” Veg Type: Open dry forest/Dodonaea shrubland MIP Goal: NA Targets: U. maxima, Leucaena leucocephala and Vachellia farnesiana. Notes: The trail to the fence should be kept as grass-free as possible for staff safety while accessing the unit from Ilima LZ. Use herbicide with pre-emergent qualities for extended control of U. maxima and other weeds. Also, ensuring brush is maintained to a minimum at the LZ to safely facilitate helicopter operations.

Small Vertebrate Control Species: Rattus rattus (Black rat), Rattus exulans (Polynesian rat) and Mus musculus (House mouse) Threat Level: Medium for rat/mouse predation of H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus seeds. Management Objectives: • Ensure rodent activity does not impact rare taxa Strategy and Control Methods: • Monitor to evaluate whether rodent control is required Discussion: In April 2019 during monitoring, a cache of hibiscus fruit was found within the KEA-C reintroduction site, however extensive damage to plants was not noted and many immature/mature fruit were observed on plants. Crews should continue to look for and note any additional caches or damage to plants. Only if further damage is noted and/or ripe fruit unavailable for collection, should control be considered. Should rodent control become necessary in Keaau, a relatively small grid (<15 A24s) could provide protection for the H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus. There could also be a benefit to common natives both naturally occurring and reintroduced species. Rat damage has been observed on M. sandwicensis during the dry season and caches of rodent damaged E. sandwicensis have been also been observed elsewhere in Keaau valley.

Ant Control Species: no ant sampling has yet been conducted at the MU; no significant signs of ant damage/infestation have been observed anecdotally. Threat Level: Low Management Objectives: Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

• Prevent spread of ant species into areas where not already established. Conduct annual surveys during the summer to determine what ant taxa are present in the MU. • Detect incursions of new ant species prior to establishment. Strategy and Control Methods: • Sample ants at human entry points using the standard survey protocol a minimum of once a year. Use samples to track changes in ant densities and to alert OANRP to any new introductions. . • If incipient species are found and deemed to be a high threat and/or easily eradicated locally (<0.5 acre infestation), begin control. • Sample ants at water catchments and the “Ilima” LZ to track changes in existing ant densities and to alert OANRP to any new introductions. • Look for evidence of ant tending of aphids or scales on rare plants during annual rare plant monitoring. Ant Survey Site Table Site description Reason for survey Ilima LZ High risk of accidental ant introduction Reintro water catchment High risk of accidental ant introduction Discussion: No ant sampling conducted as of report. Ant sampling using standard methods will be conducted in the future. Staff will remain vigilant in observation of infestation or damage to rare resources due to ant tending. Vials are baited with SPAM, peanut butter and honey. We remove the caps and space vials along the edges of, or throughout, the area to be sampled. Vials are spaced at least 5 meters from each other. A minimum of 10 baited vials are deployed at each site, in a shaded area for at least 1 hour. Ant baiting takes place no earlier than 8:00 am in the morning no sampling occurs on rainy, blustery or cold days as both rain and low temperatures reduce ant activity. Ants collected in this manner are returned for later identification. Standardized surveys have not yet taken place.

Fire Control Threat Level: High Seasonality/Potential Ignition Sources: Fire may occur whenever vegetation is dry. Generally this happens in summer, but may occur at other times of the year, depending on variations in weather patterns. Urochloa maxima has a high fire index, and is the dominant vegetation across the MU. This site has burned recently by an intentionally set fire that started in lower Makaha. Management Objectives: • To prevent fire from burning any portion of the MU at any time. • To prevent fire from damaging any rare taxa locations. Strategy and Control Methods: • Establish fire break around two populations of H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus as well as about a 2.5m buffer on both sides of the entire fence. Priority should be placed on the fence lines nearest to H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus to try to prevent fire entry at those points. Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

• Planting of Scaevola taccada or other vegetation with low burn indices at strategic locations in the MU where grass tends to quickly invade to act as vegetated firebreaks. • Reduce fuel loads directly around both the wild (KEA-A) and reintroduced (KEA-C) H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus sites. • Quick communication is needed to help mitigate fires as they arise. Establishment of a point of contact at Our Lady of Keaau should be put in place so OANRP can be notified of fire in the area immediately. Army POC would then be notified quickly to begin a response. • After a fire occurs, conduct a post-fire survey. Map the perimeter of the fire and document damage via photos. If possible, rehabilitate the two H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus with native species.

Fire Management Map

Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

Fire damage at H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus KEA-A Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

August 2018 fire burning across Keaau; view from the north.

Discussion: Fire is the single greatest threat to managed taxa and their associated species in Keaau. In August 2018, an intentionally set fire spread from northwest Makaha into Keaau. This fire was a hugely detrimental event to a large portion of lower Keaau which, until the fire, had large stands of E. sandwicensis along with scattered Diospyros spp., P. odorata, P. sandwichensis, M. sandwicense, R. sandwicensis, and other dry forest canopy remnants. Due to the presence of the remnant dry forest components, it is likely that fire had not burned in these areas for an extremely long time, if ever. Due to the ranching history in Keaau, it is possible that grazing kept the fuel load low enough to prevent catastrophic fire. Firefighting efforts directed at this fire were feeble at best as resources were stretched because of a simultaneous fire in Waianae Kai. Mortality seems to have been extremely high for E. sandwicense, which was one of the main canopy components within the MU. The loss of even this diffuse and sparse canopy in the MU has allowed even more of the large stature U. maxima to invade near both the wild and reintroduction sites and across the shallow bowl to the northwest. This has created potential for more destructive fire events in the future. Current control of grass is difficult due to the terrain and inhospitable environment. Aerial sprays along the fence to create a firebreak around the MU have been discussed internally and should be considered in consultation with DOFAW as a possible option. There has also been discussion of using a power sprayer to aid in larger grass sprays. Using herbicides with pre-emergent qualities could be expanded from the perimeter of the MU into strategic fuel breaks using the rocky landscape within the fence. The threat of fire in Keaau is ever present and cannot be completely ruled out at any time in the foreseeable future. Staff can, however, take steps to mitigate some risks of fire in managed sites: • Due to the nature of fire and how quickly it can spread across our MU, it is crucial to communicate and respond rapidly to the situation. A direct line of communication between OANRP and the staff of Our Lady of Keaau should be maintained to notify HFD and OANRP immediately, should they see any sign of smoke or fire in the area. After which a response from the proper firefighting authorities can begin. Appendix 3-2 Keaau Ecosystem Restoration Management Unit Plan

• Reducing the fuel load in the area is one of the best ways to help reduce the risk of damage to rare taxa and common reintroductions should another fire occur within the Keaau fence. Grass suppression is vital in order to accomplish this as U. maxima, which has a high fire index, is the most prevalent plant in the MU. Regular spraying of grass along the perimeter fence with a buffer of 2.5 m on each side of the fence should be done as often as possible to reduce fuel near the fence. This could help prevent damage to infrastructure in the event of a fire. This will not create a sufficient buffer to prevent fire, it can only serve to lessen the severity of the burn. Spraying and weed whacking around the in-situ and reintroduction populations of H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus is also important as was observed after the 2018 fire. The severity of the fire seemed to be much less in the areas where grass control was conducted, even though not all the grass was eliminated, there was still high survivorship among H. brackenridgei subsp. mokuleianus. • The planting of common native plants is helpful in reducing fuel loads as well. Given time, common natives such as D. viscosa, P. odorata and E. sandwicensis can form canopy cover and shade out grasses such as U. maxima. “Passive” grass control in this manner is a longer term strategy; the time it takes for these plants to reach canopy height in Keaau is at least several years. Apart from outplantings of common natives inside the fence, there are plans to use plantings and grass control strategically in conjunction with rocky areas to limit areas fire can propagate.

Action Table Appendix 3 The table below is a comprehensive list of threat control actions planned for the MU for the next five years. Actions are grouped by type; for example, Ungulate Control or Ant Control. Weed control actions are grouped into the following categories: General Survey, ICA code, or WCA - code. Cells with X denote the quarters in which an action is scheduled. IP years run from October of one year through September of the next. 2 Therefore, Quarter 4 (October-December) is listed first for each report year, followed by Quarter 1 (January-March), Quarter 2 (April-June), and Q3 (July-September). Species names are written as six-digit abbreviations, such as ‘CenSet’ instead of Cenchrus setaceus, for brevity.

Taxo Action Action Action MIP Year 16 MIP Year 17 MIP Year 18 MIP Year 19 MIP Year 20 n Actions ID Type Site Code Oct 2019- Oct 2020- Oct 2021- Oct 2022- Oct 2023- Code Sept2020 Sept2021 Sept2022 Sept2023 Sept2024 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 Common native restoration actions in Keaau: Scoping, Planting MU re-veg 7455 None KeaauHibiscus-01 (outplant, sows, X X X X X X projects divisions/transplants), Monitoring (plant Keaau monitoring, watering).

All fence monitoring and maintenance actions. Plan Unit Management Restoration Ecosystem Fence Maintenance is defined 5451 Monitor/ None KEA-B X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X as any minor repair work Maintenance or that is LESS THAN 100m. Conduct weed control directly around Weed reintroduced HibBraMok 7048 None KeaauHibiscus-01 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Control plants, quarterly. Remove all weeds within a 1m buffer of HibBraMok.

Action Table (continued) Appendix 3 -

Action Action Taxon Action MIP Year 16 MIP Year 17 MIP Year 18 MIP Year 19 MIP Year 20 2

Actions ID Type Code Site Code Oct 2019- Oct 2020- Oct 2021- Oct 2022- Oct 2023- Sept2020 Sept2021 Sept2022 Sept2023 Sept2024 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 Control weedy grasses across the rare and common reintroduction zone at the mauka (SE) corner of the MU. Expand Weed 7768 None KeaauHibiscus-01 the zone as needed to X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Control accommodate additional restoration area. Exercise care when spraying herbicide around reintroductions. Control woody weeds across the rare and

common reintroduction Keaau zone at the mauka (SE) Weed 8108 None KeaauHibiscus-01 corner of the MU, X X X X X

Control annually or as needed. Plan Unit Management Restoration Ecosystem Expand the zone as needed to accommodate additional restoration area. Control grasses around the wild HibBraMok site, Weed 8109 None KeaauHibiscus-01 quarterly. Exercise care X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Control when spraying herbicide around rare taxa. Control woody weeds Weed across the wild Hibiscus 8110 None KeaauHibiscus-01 X X X X X Control zone, annually or as needed. Control grasses and brush along the fenceline, Weed quarterly or as needed. 8111 Control - None X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X This is important to Infrastr. protect the fence in case of

fire.