Managed uder a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Navy, Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1972 as mitigation for construction of the Honolulu International Airport Reef Runway. Through cooperative efforts, the Federal Aviation Administration, the State of Hawai`i, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the refuge a reality. This refuge is composed of two units, the 37-acre Honouliuli Unit which borders West Loch and the 25-acre Waiawa Unit bordering Middle Loch of the famous Pearl Harbor. Honouliuli, also a fresh water wetland, is extensively managed for a variety of waterbirds including Hawaii's endangered waterbirds and migrant waterfowl. It serves as the site of the Hawai`i Nature Center's Third Grade Wetlands Education Program. During the fall semester, thousands of students learn about the recovery of Hawai`i's waterbirds and the value of wetlands. Waiawa is composed of two ponds, one of which is primarily managed for the endangered Hawaiian stilt (ae`o). However, its estuarine environment is ideal for establishing a host of food resources for all four endangered waterbird species (Hawaiian coot (`alae ke`oke`o), moorhen (`alae `ula), and duck (koloa maoli)). Fresh water is pumped into the refuge from a nearby stream and empties into Pearl Harbor. Because of access difficulties, public use is restricted at both units of Pearl Harbor NWR and prohibited during the stilt nesting season (February through July). Through organized efforts, volunteer groups enjoy periodic clean-up days at the refuge to help remove exotic vegetation, clear outlet ditches, and repair fences. Contact the refuge office at (808) 637-6330 for more information. Volunteers Make the Difference! Volunteers contribute significantly to our work force and enable us to accomplish our mission, "working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people." Special partners on this day included Leeward Community College, the Navy, The Nature Conservancy and the Hawaii Nature Center. Margo Stahl, Assistant Refuge Manager, directs native plantings at the Honouliuli Unit of the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Pearl Harbor Remembered Volunteers from Leeward Community College, the Navy, The Nature Conservancy and the Hawaii Nature Center helped remove vegetation, by hand, to create habitat for native Hawaiian waterbirds at the Honouliuli Unit of the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Kalaeloa Unit Areas once part of the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station have been added to the Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge to protect native plants. Known as Kalaeloa Unit (long point), this area of raised limestone coral reef has the last remaining ancient coastal dryland plant communities that were once widespread throughout the `Ewa plain. Native coastal plants can still flourish here, including some endangered species. Two endangered plants including the largest population of `akoko on O`ahu, and the second largest population of endangered `Ewa hina hina survive here. Other native plants the night blooming Maiapilo with beautiful fragrant flowers, the hinahina, a very dense, soft, and silky-looking plant, and Naio, one of the few natives that is a strong competitor against alien grasses. Volunteers have been working to remove the non-native community and help stabilize the native natural vegetation. Volunteers and potential docents are welcome to contact the office for opportunities to help at the refuge.   Make a Difference Day Hosted at our Kalaeloa Unit, over 70 volunteers from the community and our partners from the Leeward Community College, The Nature Conservancy, Ka`ala Farms Inc., and the Navy, turned out for this annual event celebrating volunteerism.   For more information: Sylvia Pelizza, Refuge Manager O`ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex 66-590 Kam Highway, Room 2C Haleiwa, Hawai`i 96712 (808) 637-6330 (808) 637-3578 Fax E-mail: sylvia_pelizza@fws.gov O`ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex James Campbell Oahu Forest Main Hawaiian Islands NWRs Top of Page