The Maui News

WAILUKU–The Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) is pleased to announce the first confirmed discovery, excavation and successful rescue and release of the Hawaiian green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), also known as honu, nesting site on Kaho’olawe.

This historical discovery, made during a routine monthly access, marks a significant milestone in the conservation efforts for this threatened species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is the first time Kaho’olawe has been confirmed as a nesting site for the species.

“The discovery of this nest is not only a win for Kaho’olawe’s ecological restoration but a symbol of hope for the recovery of the Hawaiian green sea turtle population and the island’s remarkable capacity for healing,” said Michael Naho’opi’i, KIRC’s Executive Director. “We have long worked to restore the health of Kaho’olawe, and witnessing this return of life to the island’s shores is a testament to the progress we’ve made.”

Over the last 20 years, one of the KIRC’s Ocean program’s focus has been removing invasive buffelgrass on the Honokanai’a beach and replanting with native ‘aki’aki grass.

When asked about the location of the honu nest found in the ‘aki’aki grass, Dr. Sheldon Plentovich, the Pacific Islands Coastal Program Coordinator with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service stated, “The replacement of invasive bufflegrass with the native ‘aki ‘aki grass, undoubtedly made the area more suitable for nesting honu. Buffelgrass forms mats that would be difficult for a honu to dig through. The native ‘aki ‘aki grass grows more sparsely and honu can easily dig their nest chambers which are usually between 50 and 100cm deep.”

“This is an extraordinary milestone for our conservation efforts on Kaho’olawe,” said Naho’opi’i. This discovery represents a breakthrough in understanding the ecological significance and success of KIRC’s decades long restoration efforts.