Saving Ohia Trees--Avoiding Clear-Cutting (Volcano: buying, construction, contractors)

[cynmkolohe]

The Ohia tree and its blossom, the lehua, are central to the forests of many areas of the Big Island. Several species of birds depend on the Ohia trees for food and shelter. Ohia trees are slow-growing, but once mature, are distinctive and majestic. Many local legends are associated with the Ohia (see http://library.thinkquest.org/C0114964/lehua.htm for one example).

The issue of clear-cutting land is a controversial one for many communities. Some property owners believe that clear-cutting is a cost-effective way to prepare for construction. The reality is that clear-cutting can alter water drainage patterns (which at its extreme can be a violation of County Code), can reduce the visual attractiveness of a property, has a negative impact on the environment and, in some cases, will annoy your neighbors.

Property owners are encouraged to seek assistance in identifying valuable plants and trees and protecting them. Many local contractors can recommend bulldozer operators or landscape professionals who understand the "hand-clearing" process and why it is essential to our communities. Much of what looks like vast forests in Puna or the Volcano area are in reality small lots that are, for the moment, still in their natural state. But as development continues, it becomes more vital to educate property owners about the negative impact of clear-cutting. The unique beauty of Hawaii and the desire for a better quality of life is what draws so many new people here each year--and the fragile balance between an increasing population and a healthy environment deserves careful attention.

Many resources exist that can help property owners preserve the natural environment within their area--a good place to start is your local community association.

[leilaniguy]

Thank you for that. It is sickening to see forest trees, Ohia, Ohe and others, some hundreds of years old dozed and replaced with grass and a few fruit and palm trees when there is actually plenty of room between the existing trees to garden if folks just work with or around nature instead of against it.

[cynmkolohe]

http://www.volcanocommunity.org/index.html (broken link)

The Volcano Community Association recently made available two brochures on the VCA website that can be viewed online or downloaded and printed.

Excellent reading for property owners who will be building in Puna or Volcano. The brochures are "Building in the Forest" and a list of "Green Resources".

[GirlinAZ]

That was great info. It has builder info and people who hand clear and everything! Thanks!

[kani-lehua]

just returned from the volcano area and was horrified by the clearing that was done on a lot. it was heart breaking.

[Jonah K]

Originally Posted by kani-lehua

just returned from the volcano area and was horrified by the clearing that was done on a lot. it was heart breaking.

One would think that landowners and developers would know better. Unfortunately, many are clueless. Here's San Diego-based developer J. Carlos Fox's take on what he did to his lots in 'Ohia Estates...
http://hawaiiislandjournal.com/2006/0826a.html (broken link)

[cynmkolohe]

Thanks for that link Jonak K. Clear-cutting may be faster and "cheaper", but, in the end, a price will be paid. I do hope that the community efforts and the education we are providing for those buying in these beautiful places will help promote a more responsible approach to stewardship of the land.

[kani-lehua]

excuses, excuses, excuses! i just read jonahk's post/link. anyone who is thinking of building in the forest/volcano should take a look at www.volcanocommunity.org for more information. the site/organization provides valuable resources!

[cynmkolohe]

Update:

The Volcano Community Association has updated the brochure mentioned above. They have added more service providers who can assist landowners with clearing land in a more environmentally friendly way.

Access the site through the link above, request one by mail from the community association, or DM me and I can mail one to you. I have several in my office that they dropped off today. It is an excellent resource!

[Sorcerer68]

We hand cleared a lot we owned in Hawaiian Shores. The neighbors all thought we were nuts. One of the neighbors made repeated bulldozer offers. For some reason this seems most disturbing in the Volcano area. I watched in horror as several lots at once in Mauna Loa Estates were dozed. Ugh.