• The following "protocols" for trail use are based upon agency standards of the Department of Land and Natural Resources-Division of Forestry and Wildlife (Nä Ala Hele) and State Historic Preservation Division, and suggestions from interview/consultation participants in the Puna trails study for Nä Ala Hele (May 1999):

   

· The historic resources need to be respected, people should be informed that entering the sites is inappropriate (exceptions being lineal descendants, cultural practitioners, and those performing preservation tasks).

· All trail users should be informed that damaging the historic resources is inappropriate and punishable by State Law (HRS 6E-11).

· Any trail restoration should be done in a manner consistent with the historic and natural qualities of the existing landscape.

· If any work occurs on or near the cultural-historic resources, prior approval should be obtained from DLNR-SHPD, a plan developed, and work should be monitored. (Stones should not be harvested from one site for use on another site or trail repair.)

· Trail use should be limited to non-motorized transportation.

· The trail and adjoining sites should be periodically monitored by Na Ala Hele-DLNR-SHPD to ensure that no activities impact the sites, and weekly maintenance schedules should be established to care for sites, grounds, litter, and interpretive needs.

· Interpretive signs should be set in appropriate, unobtrusive locations, to inform the public about: (a) the history and nature of the Puna Trail and adjoining sites; and (b) to inform trail users about the responsibilities that each traveler has for use of the trail - such as remaining on trail (not trespassing onto private property), and staying off of cultural and archaeological sites.

· Develop an educational program agreement (including field visits) with the Kea'au and larger Puna District schools to help foster awareness and appreciation of the historic trail and natural resources of Puna.

· Sensitive sites (for example-caves and possible burial features) should be avoided, and such sites should not be identified on public documents. (The privacy of confidential information will be protected.)

· If inadvertently discovered, burial remains are to be protected in place (if not immediately threatened with damage from natural or man-made causes). Final disposition of remains should be determined in consultation with DLNR-SHPD, and native Hawaiian descendants of the families of Kea'au-Maku'u. If any burial remains should be discovered, they are to be treated on a case-by-case basis in concurrence with Chapter 6E-43 (as amended by Act 306).

Concerns for Special Natural and Cultural Resources

and Private Property

 

· Honu (sea turtles), 'ïlio holo kai (monk seals), and nënë (endemic geese) are endangered species; the honu and 'ïlio holo kai are known to haul out along the shoreline of the Puna Trail, and the Shipman Estate (Kea'au Bay) is home to the oldest nënë breeding program-established by 1918-in the world (without which it is likely that the nënë would have become extinct).

Dogs and other animals should be kept on leashes at all times, and they should be kept away from these unique forms of Hawaiian wildlife. Likewise, people should stay away from them as well - make no move to approach these animals.

· The Shipman Estate is private property. The loko i'a (fishpond) has been maintained by the Shipman family for well over 100 years; trail users and visitors to Kea'au Beach should be asked to respect the private property rights of the Shipman family.

· While inviting, the grounds around the Shipman family residences are not a public park facility. All trail users should be asked to refrain from trespassing (trail signage and other interpretive materials will be developed with the necessary messages).