A new reality is being highlighted in Hawaii as a wildfire rages on in a remote rainforest, a stark contrast to the normally verdant state. This comes just months after a devastating blaze on a neighboring island wiped out an entire town and claimed the lives of at least 99 people.
The recent fire that took place in Oahu did not result in any injuries or damaged homes. However, it did cause irreparable harm to the native forestland that is home to nearly twenty fragile species. This incident serves as another reminder of the catastrophic effects of climate change, which has led to severe droughts in Hawaii, resulting in wildfires where they were once rare, as was the case in Maui’s Lahaina town.
JC Watson, manager of the Koolau Mountains Watershed Partnership, fondly remembers the stunning native forest. The forest was adorned with uluhe ferns, which are often found in Hawaii’s rainforests, and koa trees. The wood from koa trees has traditionally been used to craft canoes, surfboards, and ukuleles.
Watson commented that the current state of the area is not a complete clean burn, but rather reminiscent of a moonscape.
According to Sam ‘Ohu Gon III, senior scientist and cultural adviser at The Nature Conservancy in Hawaii, the location of the fire on Oahu’s windward side, which is typically wetter, is a cause for concern. He believes that it indicates a shift in the environment and serves as a warning for all of us.
The flames primarily ravaged the Oahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge, which serves as a habitat to 22 endangered or threatened species recognized by the U.S. government. Among these creatures are the iiwi and elepaio birds, the pupu kani oe tree snail, and the opeapea, also known as the Hawaiian hoary bat. Kristen Oleyte-Velasco, a spokesperson from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stated that they are still uncertain about the extent of damage that the fire may have caused to the plants and wildlife within the refuge.
As of Friday, the fire that was first spotted on October 30 has destroyed 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers) and is now 90% contained. The authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which occurred approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Honolulu.
Amidst a thick green blanket, there were gaping, dark bald spots left by the flames where the fire didn’t burn. The landscape was charred, and the skeletons of blackened trees were visible, poking out from the ashes.
Although the burn area in Hawaii may appear small when compared to wildfires on the U.S. mainland that can destroy hundreds of square miles, it is important to note that Hawaii’s native ecosystems are not very extensive, especially on smaller islands like Oahu. Hence, even small-scale fires can have significant and far-reaching consequences on the ecosystem.
The substitution of the native forest with other plants is a major cause for concern.
Native plants in Hawaii have not evolved to cope with fires as they are not a regular part of their natural life cycle. The aftermath of a fire is often dominated by faster-growing non-native plants which produce more seeds, leading to the displacement of native species.
According to Watson, the forest in Oahu, located near the most recent fire, used to have an abundance of uluhe ferns, koa trees, and ohia trees. However, in 2015, a fire burned less than a square mile of this land, resulting in the growth of invasive grasses that are highly susceptible to fires. Additionally, some of the koa trees in the area are now slow-growing.
According to Gon, a rare tree gardenia population was destroyed during a massive fire in the Waianae mountains on the opposite side of Oahu back in 2016.
When a native forest burns, it results in cultural losses as well. Gon shared an old Central Oahu story about a warrior who was in the middle of a battle with an enemy chief. The warrior was thrown off a cliff, but his fall was halted by an ohia tree, which is another plant commonly found in the area that was affected by the fire. In the past, feathers from Hawaii’s forest birds were utilized to create cloaks and helmets that were worn by chiefs.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is collaborating with Watson’s organization to carry out preliminary assessments of the impacted area. A restoration strategy will be formulated, which involves managing invasive species and introducing indigenous species. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there are constraints to the extent of rehabilitation that can be accomplished.
According to Watson, the current state of affairs is irreversible and will remain so for the rest of our lives. “Regrettably, it has been altered forever,” he stated.
The fire that occurred in Mililani Mauka, which is named after the nearby area where it originated, ravaged the Koolau mountains. These mountains are located on the windward side of Oahu, which is known for its wetter climate. The Koolau mountains trap moisture and rain that move across the island from the northeast, making them susceptible to fires.
According to Gon, prolonged and repeated droughts are causing the Koolaus to become drier. As a result, he anticipates an increase in the frequency of Koolau fires in the coming years.
Gon reported that there has been a significant increase in wildfires over the past decade, primarily in the Waianae range, which is located in the western and drier part of the island. However, he also noted that there has been a recent emergence of fires in the wetter section of the island, an area that has historically been free from such incidents.
According to Gon, Hawaii fires are primarily caused by human activity, which highlights the need for increased efforts to raise awareness about prevention. He suggests that creating buffer zones around native forests by planting non-flammable vegetation in former sugarcane and pineapple plantation lands located at lower elevations could offer additional protection.
The dry, invasive grasses that have taken over many fallow fields in Lahaina have become a serious hazard, as evidenced by the devastating fire that swept through the area in August. Although the cause of the fire is still under investigation, it’s believed that downed power lines may have ignited the dry grass. The blaze was further exacerbated by powerful winds associated with a nearby hurricane, causing it to spread rapidly and ultimately destroy over 2,000 buildings and homes, leaving approximately 8,000 people displaced.
It is difficult to determine the exact impact of the fire on Oahu’s fresh water supply. With a population of 1 million residents and visitors, Oahu relies on aquifers for drinking water. However, these aquifers require decades for rainwater to seep through the ground and recharge them. The disappearance of high-quality forest, which is the most effective at absorbing rainwater, is expected to have some effect on the island’s fresh water supply, according to Watson.
State officials are requesting more funding from the Legislature in the coming year to upgrade their firefighting equipment, create firebreaks, establish new water sources for fire suppression, replant indigenous trees and plants, and store seeds. Last week, the Oahu blaze was finally brought under control by firefighters and rain. However, Gon emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent the occurrence of yearly fires that could erode the source of our water supply.
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