ENVIRONMENTAL IMPERATIVES:

Because it is an island, the Kaho`olawe ecosystem is extremely fragile. Rare plants and animals exist on the island, including several that are on the federal government's threatened and endangered species list. There is even a plant previously known only from 14th and 15th century pollen samples. The key to environmental stabilization of Kaho`olawe is the re-establishment of its vegetative cover, particularly in the hardpan area. Soil is being eroded by wind and water at abnormally enormous rates, and may be the single largest destablizing factor affecting Kaho`olawe. Most of the islands top layer is already gone, and much of the eastern end of the island is completely hardpan. Plants need water to grow, and water is needed for soil conservation and other activities. Rainfall is the major source of fresh water for the island, although ground water and desalinization offer other possibilities. The waters immediately offshore Kaho`olawe are integral to the island environment. Silt deposition, caused by erosion, and human activity, including fishing and diving, are contributing to destabilization in offshore waters. The coral reefs are still in good health, but are considered to be in imminent danger due to silt and sedimentation.