Hanalei River
The Hanalei River was recently selected as one of 14 American Heritage Rivers.
Eleven federal agencies are slated to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with
the Hanalei River Hui (represented by the University of Hawaii) pledging their
commitment to support community-based planning and projects.
The Hanalei River is approximately 16 miles long from its source to the ocean.
It is among the five largest rivers in Hawaii. It is a free-flowing river terminating
in an estuarine bay, the third largest and most pristine in Hawaii. Together with
its estuarine bay it is outstanding in Hawaii and in the Pacific for the abundance
and quality of natural, cultural, and scenic resources.
Community Vision
The principal community partner is the Hanalei River Hui, a community group
whose stated vision is as follows: The community vision for the Hanalei River and
Bay is to enhance and perpetuate the health of the river, wetland, ocean, and
cultural resources through ongoing cooperative efforts for the entire Hanalei
community. The partners are committed to bringing the community back to an
accessible river, effectively accommodating private ownership with public
purposes and monitoring water quality, quantity, and other environmentally sensitive concerns.
The Hanalei River Hui is committed to the perpetuation of taro farming in
Hanalei, much of which takes place in the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge. In response
to the farmers' request, the HRH has approved a project to: "Coordinate efforts
to resolve the urgent water supply and irrigation concerns on the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge,
in a manner that meets the needs of the taro farmers and is compatible with the instream
resources of the Hanalei River." That process is ongoing.
Watershed Coordinators
At the request of the river community, there is no river navigator, rather part-time
coordinators. The Hanalei Heritage River program now has an office and three part-time
staff members. The staff is Carol Wilcox, watershed coordinator; Makaala Kaaumoana,
community programs coordinator; and Johanna Ventura Gomez, administrative assistant.
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