Draft Action Plan for Coral Reef Restoration in the Main Hawaiian Islands

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

November 2021, Updated August 2022

Contributors

Zac Forsman, Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB)

Kira Hughes, HIMB

Kim Hum, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Luna Kekoa, Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)

Lindsey Kramer, DAR/ Hawai‘i Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI)

Paulo Maurin, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Ryan Okano, DAR

Julia Rose, TNC

Shannon Ruseborn, NOAA

Bert Weeks, DAR

Acknowledgments

The Draft Action Plan benefited from input and feedback from the members of the

Advisory Committee that was established during the planning process: Gerry Davis

(NOAA), Alan Friedlander (National Geographic), Mark Hixon (University of Hawaiʻi,

UH), Brian Neilson (DAR), Bob Richmond (UH), and David Sakoda (DAR). Jeff

Maynard, of Symbioseas, led a climate vulnerability assessment and other analyses

used to guide the selection of geographic focus areas. The climate vulnerability

assessment was funded by the Lenfest Ocean Program (a Pew Charitable Trust) and

NOAA. We would also like to thank the following for their review of content through each

step of the planning process: Kitty Courtney (Tetratech), Tom Moore (NOAA), and

Jordan West (EPA). In addition, we would like to thank Elizabeth Shaver (Reef

Resilience Network, RRN), Cherie Wagner (RRN), and Lani Watson (NOAA) for their

guidance.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Project Description

In early 2020, the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) selected a planning team of

managers and scientists to follow the process in the Reef Resilience Network’s

Manager’s Guide to Coral Restoration Planning and Design. The planning team

developed this draft action plan with guidance and input from a coach and an advisor.

The team also received input and feedback on each of the four steps in the planning

process from an advisory committee of technical experts and resource managers, in

addition to mentors and Reef Resilience Network staff.

This draft Coral Restoration Action Plan fits within the State of Hawai‘i 2020-2030

Hawai‘i Coral Strategy, in particular the Makai Restoration Pillar, which is to “increase

the ecological function and integrity of coral reefs by: 1) developing DAR’s role in coral

reef ecosystem management for restoration projects statewide; and, 2) supporting

effective restoration projects, especially those that are led by public and private

partners” (State of Hawai‘i, 2020). The planning team also coordinated development of

a restoration permitting framework process, which is being led by the State.

To identify priority goals, the planning team considered the ecosystem services that

coral reefs provide as well as the stressors they are facing. Coral reef ecosystems are

important to the people of Hawai‘i and provide substantial economic value through

coastal fisheries and tourism. Other important services that coral reefs provide include

cultural value, coastal protection, and recreational uses. Additionally, as active coral

reef restoration is relatively new in the Pacific, the importance of developing and testing

methods was identified as critically important. Stressors include climate change impacts

(e.g., bleaching and ocean acidification), land-based sources of pollution, overfishing,

and intensive human uses in some areas.

This led to the following priority goals:

1. Build capacity to develop, test, and apply restoration methods that enhance the

resistance and recovery of coral reefs impacted by bleaching.

2. Develop and test restoration methods to enhance coastal protection.

3. Develop and test restoration methods to enhance fisheries habitat.

After further discussion, including input from the advisory committee, mentors, and

coaches, the planning team decided that the highest priority was the need to restore

corals lost during recent bleaching events, which have resulted in severe coral cover

declines in some areas. In 2014-2015, Hawai‘i experienced its first back-to-back mass-

bleaching event. Significant coral cover (up to 40%) was lost in some areas of the state,

in particular in West Hawai‘i and Maui. Hawai‘i experienced its second major bleaching

event in 2019, and coral mortality caused by this event is still being determined.

Importantly, these periodic marine heatwaves are projected to become more frequent

and severe as climate change intensifies, with some models predicting annual

bleaching by 2040. Additionally, the importance of building capacity and developing and

testing methods was determined as crucial to effectively implementing and scaling-up

restoration across Hawai‘i.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Priority Restoration Goal

The priority goal selected for this restoration action plan is: Build capacity to develop,

test, and apply restoration methods that enhance the resistance and recovery of

coral reefs impacted by bleaching.

Rationale for selecting geographic focus areas

Fourteen candidate regions for restoration were identified based on known areas that

had experienced severe impacts to coral communities during the recent bleaching

events. The candidate restoration regions are depicted in Figure 1. These regions were

analyzed using a climate vulnerability assessment (Appendix 1) as a proxy for coral

survivorship. Three of the 14 proposed regions (all on the north coast of Kaua’i) were

not considered, as the data underpinning the assessments were not available for these

areas.

Figure 1. Candidate regions for consideration.

Climate vulnerability is the output of combining projected future exposure to

disturbances with reef resilience and human impacts. The assessments identified areas

within the regions that have the lowest vulnerability and hence highest relative

restoration priority (in this analysis). The selection of geographic focus areas involved

numerous planning team meetings and two meetings with the advisory committee,

which included, (1) a discussion with Jeff Maynard (Symbioseas) to present the

vulnerability modelling process and candidate geographic area ranking results, and (2)

a presentation of the synthesis of top candidate geographic focus areas developed by

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

the planning team with feasibility and support integrated into the selection. The DAR

30x30 team and other DAR staff outside the planning team were also consulted for

responses to specific area questions and ground-truthing throughout the completion of

this step. Comments and feedback from these meetings and individual discussions

were integrated into contextual notes for each candidate area and ultimately guided the

selection of 11 candidate geographic focus areas from within the candidate regions.

Oʻahu, two regions were selected with priority candidate restoration geographic focus

areas: 1) the Kāne'ohe Bay region included Heʻeia NERRS (includes Moku o Loʻe/

Coconut Island), HIMB, and South Kāne'ohe Bay, and 2) South shore including

Waialae/Kahala and the reef area adjacent to the Waikīkī.

Hawaiʻi Island, geographic focus areas were selected from two regions: 1) the South

Kona region included priority areas in the Kealakekua Bay MLCD and the Keauhou/

Kahaluʻu area, and 2) the South Kohala/North Kona region included areas at

Kaʻūpūlehu/ Kiholo Bay and the Mauna Lani resort area including Honokaʻope Beach

and Makaʻiwa Bay.

Maui, all selected geographic focus areas were within the Leeward region: Olowalu,

Maʻalaea, and Kealia (Sugar Beach). Geographic focus area options were also

discussed for Kaua‘i, Molokaʻi and Lana‘i, and were determined to have relatively lower

priority due to low feasibility, infrastructure, and capacity, as well as unknown

community support. These areas may be revisited in future planning discussions.

Hanauma Bay was then added by DAR for consideration. Data were then compiled

about the geographic focus areas (Figure 3) and were the focus of discussions with the

planning team and the advisory committee.

Five areas (Figure 2) were then selected as focus areas for restoration, based on a

combination of: recent bleaching impacts, climate vulnerability (Appendix 1), restoration

feasibility, existing management, local knowledge (e.g., site characteristic ground-

truthing), water quality, ability to source corals nearby, collaboration opportunities,

current community support and outreach needs (Table 1). Areas were also prioritized

based on the goal of “building capacity to develop and test methods.” The focus areas

are: Waikīkī and Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu, Olowalu on Maui, and Kaʻūpūlehu and

Kealakekua Bay on Hawaiʻi. Specific restoration sites within these geographic focus

areas will be selected as part of the implementation process, which will include site

specific planning.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Table 1. Dashboard of information that was considered during planning discussions that

narrowed the 11 candidate areas to the 5 geographic focus areas. Color-coded bins

represent a qualitative assessment conducted by the planning team, scientific advisors,

and other experts.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Figure 2. Map of the 5 priority geographic focus areas.

Summary of Geographic Focus Areas Prioritized for Restoration

Below is a brief description of the priority geographic focus areas prioritized for active

restoration interventions. For each focus area (Figure 2), information is provided on

relevance to restoration goal, potential to improve condition, climate vulnerability,

human impacts, and any other notes.

1. Waikīkī

• Relevance to Restoration Goal:

This area has recently undergone thermal stress, with varying levels of coral cover loss

documented in recent bleaching events.

• Potential to Improve Condition:

The Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District prohibits take of marine life. The Waikīkī-

Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area closes fishing every other year.

In addition, this area currently has several complementary efforts to control invasive

macroalgae, and DAR has begun outplanting native urchins.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Extensive baseline data exist for this area, including historical studies (e.g., coral

surveys; Edmondson 1946, benthic surveys for beach sand replenishment projects;

Forsman et al. 2013, alien algal removal; Celia Smith & Cindy Hunter). These existing

data can provide context for future restoration activities and can help gauge improved

conditions.

The area has excellent available infrastructure and collaborative opportunities (Waikīkī,

University of Hawaiʻi, Kewalo Marine Lab, DAR Coral Nursery, NOAA airport coral

nursery, Sea Grant). This area is unique in the potential partnership with sectors of the

hospitality industry; Waikīkī is internationally renowned with a thriving tourism industry

and has the potential for public/private partnerships. There may be interest in supporting

coral restoration through ecotours and other endeavors with local businesses (e.g.

Atlantis Adventures, local dive operators, Waikīkī hotels).

• Climate vulnerability

Climate vulnerability of coral reefs near the Waikīkī MLCD is high relative to all sites

assessed (using 2019 NOAA NCMRP survey data) in the Main Hawaiian Islands.

Relative climate vulnerability is also high for this area when compared only to reef sites

around Oahu.

• Human Impacts:

Coral restoration activities in this area may be challenged by human impacts, including

high levels of visitation and usage, possible water quality issues, frequent boat strikes,

and the presence of invasive macroalgae and possibly other invasive species.

• Other Notes:

This area is relatively easily accessible via Honolulu boat harbors.

Coral restoration activities in this area may also be beneficial to the secondary and

tertiary goals of enhancing fisheries habitat and controlling coastal erosion. There are

also unique public education opportunities because Waikīkī is world famous.

There is currently experimental restoration research occurring in this area offshore of

the Halekulani Hotel (Mark Hixon, UH Mānoa, Coral Resilience Module Experiment).

This area has frequent summer swell events, the larger of which are known to dislodge

larger colonies of branching coral. Nearby sourcing potential for corals of opportunity is

high due to human impacts such as boat strikes and occasionally very high swell

events.

There is a need to consider beach replenishment areas within sand channels when

siting restoration activities.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

2. Hanauma Bay

• Relevance to Restoration Goal:

This area has recently undergone thermal stress and resultant coral bleaching events,

with minor levels of coral cover loss documented.

• Potential to Improve Condition:

Hanauma Bay is one of the most famous and popular snorkeling spots in the state.

Hanauma Bay was the first MLCD designated in the State of Hawaiʻi with high levels of

enforcement and compliance. Baseline coral cover and fish abundance and biomass

data exist for both fixed and randomized areas in this area (CRAMP data, UH Mānoa

HIMB (Dr. Kuulei Rogers), and UH Mānoa Life Sciences (Dr. Mark Hixon)). These

existing data provide context for future restoration activities and can help gauge

improved conditions.

There is also a unique amount of action and collaboration between community groups in

the area, including the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant Program’s Hanauma Bay

Education Program, Friends of Hanauma Bay, Mālama Maunalua, the Hixon Lab at the

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and the DLNR DAR Hawai‘i Coral Restoration Nursery

(HCRN).

• Climate vulnerability

Climate vulnerability of coral reefs within Hanauma Bay is medium-high relative to all

sites assessed (using 2019 NOAA NCMRP survey data) in the Main Hawaiian Islands.

However, climate vulnerability is medium-low and low for this area when compared only

to reef sites around Oʻahu. The presence of a robust herbivore assemblage may help

support existing coral assemblages and future coral restoration activities by helping to

mitigate surrounding algal growth.

• Human Impacts:

This area is heavily utilized for recreational purposes and for diving and snorkel tourism.

An extensive outreach program is established at this area to help minimize visitor

impacts and visitation is somewhat controlled. Relatively few people visit the outer bay.

• Other Notes:

Regular access to this area could be limited due to MLCD rules.

Nearby sourcing potential for corals of opportunity at this area may be low, but may be

available due to occasional diver or visitor damage and swell events.

There are currently other on-going coral restoration activities in the area, conducted by

the DAR Coral Nursery and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (Dr. Mark Hixon).

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

3. Olowalu (Leeward Maui)

• Relevance to Restoration Goal:

This area has recently undergone thermal stress and resultant coral bleaching events,

with varying levels of coral cover loss documented in each event. Large massive corals

were impacted during recent bleaching events.

• Potential to Improve Condition:

The 939-acre Olowalu reef has been identified as one of the most essential reefs on the

island of Maui and was declared a Mission Blue Hope Spot in 2017. Research has

shown that this large reef is an important source of larvae for other reefs in Maui Nui.

This area is regulated by statewide rules established by DAR. In addition, this area

currently has several complementary efforts to control erosion and sedimentation in the

adjacent watershed area (the Olowalu ahupuaʻa). TNC will be initiating multi-

stakeholder planning for sediment mitigation in the adjacent watersheds. DOFAW is

proposing to do large-scale watershed restoration projects including building fencing

and removing pigs that may impact sediment export to the reef.

Somewhat limited baseline coral cover and fish abundance and biomass data exist for

survey sites in this area (CRAMP, DAR, NOAA CRED). Sedimentation data may also

be available for specific subsites. These existing data can provide context for future

restoration activities and can help gauge improved conditions. An NCRMP Class III

monitoring super site will be established at Olowalu, including CO

/ocean acidification

buoy plus NCRMP fish, benthic, SfM, and climate monitoring, cetacean acoustic

monitoring, and water quality measurements (nutrients, total suspended solids, etc.).

Potential collaboration and partnership opportunities exist with the Maui Ocean Center,

the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute (MOCMI), Maui Nui Marine Resource Council,

Hawai‘i Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, UH Mānoa/Maui, PacIOOS, and

community groups.

• Climate vulnerability

Relative climate vulnerability of coral reefs near Olowalu varies when compared to all

sites assessed (using 2019 NOAA NCMRP survey data) in the Main Hawaiian Islands

and when compared only to sites in Maui. There are medium-low, medium-high, and

high vulnerability sites in the Olowalu area in both assessments. Coral diversity is high

in this area. This area is known to be a natal reef for all of Maui Nui. Numerous large,

massive poritid coral colonies were lost during recent bleaching events.

• Human Impacts:

The adjacent watershed has experienced ongoing development and pressures from

feral ungulates and wild hogs that have potentially exacerbated erosion in the area and

sedimentation on the reef. A 2021 USGS report found that sediment plumes in West

Maui’s nearshore waters were caused by streambank erosion of historic fill terraces,

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

deposited as a legacy of agriculture

. However, several complementary efforts to control

erosion and sedimentation are currently underway and being proposed

• Other Notes:

Coral restoration activities at this area may also be beneficial to the other restoration

goals of enhancing fisheries habitat and controlling coastal erosion.

The area is easily accessed by shoreline or boat.

The potential for sourcing corals of opportunity nearby is currently unknown.

4. Kaʻūpūlehu (North Kona, Hawaiʻi Island)

• Relevance to Restoration Goal:

Kaʻūpūlehu also experienced severe coral mortality and loss in cover during the 2015

bleaching event

. A subsequent bleaching event occurred in 2019 with less severe

bleaching reported

. Both localized coral recovery and structural loss due to bioerosion

have been reported in this area.

• Potential to Improve Condition:

Beginning in 2016, this area has been protected as a “no take” rest area as a result of

the Try Wait Initiative. Planning is currently underway to guide a sustainable reopening

in 2026. These protective regulations and current existing community and stakeholder

partnerships will likely enhance restoration activities. Currently, there’s a strong existing

network of partners and tentative community support for restoration in this area.

Baseline coral cover and fish abundance and biomass data exist for both fixed and

randomized sites in this area (TNC, DAR, NOAA CRED, community monitoring). These

existing data provide context for future restoration activities and can help gauge

improved conditions.

• Climate vulnerability

Climate vulnerability of coral reefs near Kaʻūpūlehu is low and medium-low relative to all

sites assessed (using 2019 NOAA NCMRP survey data) in the Main Hawaiian Islands.

Stock, J.D., and Cerovski-Darriau, Corina (2021) Sediment budget for watersheds of West Maui, Hawaii: U.S.

Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2020–5133, 61 p., 1 plate, scale 1:25,000,

https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20205133

Kramer KL, Cotton SP, Lamson MR, Walsh WJ (2016) Bleaching and catastrophic mortality of reef-building corals

along west Hawai‘i island: findings and future directions. Proceedings of the 13th International Coral Reef

Symposium, Honolulu: 219-230

Winston M, Couch C, Huntingon B, Vargas-Ángel B, Suka R, Oliver T, Halperin A, Gray A, McCoy K, Asbury M,

Barkley H, Gove J, Smith N, Kramer L, Rose J, Conklin E, Sukhraj N, Morioka J. (2020) Preliminary results of patterns

of 2019 thermal stress and coral bleaching across the Hawaiian Archipelago. NOAA Admin Rep. H-20-04, 13 p.

doi:10.25923/8pqg-tq06

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

When compared only to sites around HawaiʻiIsland, coral reefs near Kaʻūpūlehu all have

low relative climate vulnerability.

Current “no-take” protective restrictions have resulted in replenished target fish

assemblages, including herbivores. The presence of a robust herbivore assemblage

may help support existing coral assemblages and future coral restoration activities by

helping to mitigate surrounding algal growth.

• Human Impacts:

Human impacts are currently mitigated by regulations including ‘no-take’ restrictions for

a portion of the bay. Light to moderate tourism occurs at some shoreline areas of this

site.

• Other Notes:

Nearby coral sourcing potential is relatively low for this area. Corals of opportunity may

be generated by bioerosional processes and seasonal swell events.

Coral restoration activities at this area may also be beneficial to the tertiary goal of

enhancing fisheries habitat.

This area is only fairly accessible, with no immediately adjacent harbor for boating

access. The area is approximately 15 miles from Honokōhau Harbor or the Puakō boat

launch. Shoreline access may be coordinated with the adjacent resort and associated

facilities (Four Seasons).

5. Kealakekua Bay MLCD (South Kona, Hawaiʻi Island)

• Relevance to Restoration Goal:

Kealakekua Bay experienced severe coral mortality and cover loss during the 2015

bleaching event. A subsequent bleaching event occurred in 2019 with less severe

mortality reported. Continual bioerosional processes have affected the remaining dead

coral structure (live rock), resulting in a reduction in complexity of the reef framework in

many areas. This area still hosts surviving populations of relatively uncommon coral

species, including Pavona duerdeni and Porites monticulosa, and has shown signs of

gradual recovery for certain common species, including Porites lobata.

• Potential to Improve Condition:

Kealakekua Bay is one of the oldest Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCD) on

Hawai‘i Island and complementary management regulations are already in place,

including ‘no-take’ restrictions for a portion of the bay. Currently, there is an existing

draft Management Plan for Kealakekua Bay State Park, which surrounds and includes

the MLCD. This document is scheduled for revision with additional community input and

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

finalization in 2022-2023. Additional management components will likely be

incorporated into the plan, including usage rules and possible visitor facilities.

In addition, baseline coral cover and fish abundance and biomass data exist for both

fixed and randomized sites in this area (DAR, NOAA CRED). These existing data

provide context for future restoration activities and can help gauge improved conditions.

• Climate vulnerability

Climate vulnerability of coral reefs near Kealakekua is medium-high relative to all sites

assessed (using 2019 NOAA NCMRP survey data) in the Main Hawaiian Islands. Also,

when compared only to sites around HawaiʻiIsland, coral reefs near Kaʻūpūlehu are

assessed as having medium-high relative climate vulnerability.

Because of its ‘no-take’ status within a portion of the MLCD, the area hosts a robust

assemblage of both fish and invertebrate herbivores. Signs of intensive grazing are

apparent in this geographical focus area, and large macroalgal blooms have not been

documented since the severe loss in coral cover in 2015.

• Human Impacts:

Human impacts are currently mitigated by regulations including ‘no-take’ restrictions for

a portion of the bay and other regulations associated with MLCD designation. This area

is heavily utilized by numerous dive, snorkel and recreational tourism companies. Many

of these charters include educational programs on the significance of natural and

cultural resources at the site.

• Other Notes:

This area has strong potential for community collaboration and partnerships, despite

some ongoing controversy regarding site management. Several dive tourism companies

that frequent this area have expressed interest in coral restoration activities.

Nearby coral sourcing potential is relatively low for this area. Corals of opportunity may

be generated by bioerosional processes, diver/visitor damage and swell events.

Bleached and non-bleached colonies were tagged at Kealakekua during the 2019

bleaching event to start a "living library" with known coral histories to support future

coral resilience research.

Coral restoration activities at this area may also be beneficial to the tertiary goal of

enhancing fisheries habitat, as well as public education.

More information for this area is available at: https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/regulated-

areas/kealakekua-bay-mlcd/)

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Ongoing Management

All selected geographic focus areas are regulated by general statewide rules including

gear restrictions, regulated species rules, and lay net rules. More information about

DAR statewide rules is available at: https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-

regulations/regulated-areas/

The Waikīkī Geographic Focus Area is situated within the Waikīkī Marine Life

Conservation District. The adjacent Waikīkī-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries

Management Area is closed to fishing in the area every other year. In addition, this area

currently has several complementary efforts to control invasive macroalgae, including

DAR’s project to outplant urchins and enhance herbivory in the area. More information

about the Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District can be found at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/marine-managed-areas/hawaii-marine-life-conservation-

districts/oahu-waikiki/

The Hanauma Bay Geographic Focus Area falls within the Hanauma Bay Marine Life

Conservation District. This MLCD was the first to be designated in the State of Hawai‘i.

Regulations prohibit the take of any marine life or geological feature. Visitation to the

bay is managed with a reservation system and associated fees.

More information about the Hanauma Bay Marine Life Conservation District can be

found at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/marine-managed-areas/hawaii-marine-life-conservation-

districts/oahu-hanauma-bay/ and http://www.honolulu.gov/parks-hbay/home.html

The Olowalu Geographic Focus Area does not have its own specific spatial

management rules and is regulated by the general DAR statewide rules described

above. On-going projects are occurring and planned in the adjacent ahupuaʻa

(watershed) to help control erosion and sedimentation at this site. In addition, the entire

island of Maui is within a Lay Net Prohibited Area.

More information about the Maui Lay Net Prohibited Area can be found at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-regulations/gear-restrictions/

The Kaʻūpūlehu Geographic Focus area falls within the Ka‘ūpūlehu Marine Reserve,

and is currently protected as a temporary “no take” rest area as a result of the Try Wait

Initiative, which went into effect in July 2016. Planning is currently underway to help

guide a sustainable reopening in 2026. Detailed information about regulations at

Kaʻūpūlehu can be found at: https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/fishing/fishing-

regulations/regulated-areas/regulated-fishing-areas-on-hawaii/#west-hawaii-regional-

fishery-management-area

Kealakekua Bay is one of the oldest Marine Life Conservation Districts (MLCD) on

Hawai’i Island and rules include ‘no-take’ restrictions for a portion of the bay. Currently,

there is an existing draft Management Plan for Kealakekua Bay State Park, which

surrounds and includes the MLCD. This document is scheduled for revision with

additional community input and finalization in 2022-2023. In addition, a collaborative

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

planning process with relevant stakeholders began in late 2021 to develop a

Conservation Action Plan (CAP) for this area.

Detailed information about regulations within Kealakekua Bay MLCD can be found at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/marine-managed-areas/hawaii-marine-life-conservation-

districts/hawaii-kealakekua-bay/

Additionally, several statewide management initiatives are currently being developed by

DLNR/DAR. Please see Appendix 3 for more details.

Restoration Interventions

To identify restoration options, the team used the National Academy’s Review of Coral

Interventions and other available resources, including DAR’s permitting framework

process.

Six restoration intervention options were identified for potential implementation at the

priority geographic focus areas (Waikīkī, Hanauma Bay, Olowalu, Ka’upulehu,

Kealakekua Bay). The team did not assign specific interventions to each area, because

more detailed planning processes will be carried out at each geographic focus area

prior to pilot project implementation with local stakeholders. The six interventions

considered by the planning team were:

1. Opportunistic fragment, colony, and/or substrate stabilization (within site)

2. Direct transplantation of corals of opportunity to resilient sites (from adjacent

sites)

3. Coral gardening with corals of opportunity (in situ and ex situ)

4. Coral gardening through selective collection and propagation (4A Selecting

resilient corals for gardening, 4B Stress testing to inform selection)

5. Gamete and larval seeding and larval tenting

6. Substrate addition (artificial reefs, bio-rock, live rock/CCA)

In addition to the six active restoration interventions being considered, complementary

actions were identified to be conducted as part of the site preparation and site

maintenance. These could include coral predator management, herbivore introduction

and enhancement, and/or macroalgae removal.

The team developed a multi-criteria evaluation framework to rank and prioritize the

restoration intervention options while accounting for the priority restoration goal. The

evaluation framework consisted of seven criteria and associated weightings:

effectiveness potential, social/community involvement, feasibility, capacity development,

learning opportunity, risk, and external benefits. The evaluation framework was

distributed to the advisory committee and additional technical experts to complete.

15 experts completed the evaluation spreadsheets and additional input was gathered

during meetings. Average weights were used to determine the highest ranked

interventions.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Coral gardening was the highest ranked intervention, both with corals of opportunity and

selective collection (Options 3 and 4). These options are defined in more detail below.

Additional interventions that ranked high when considering individual areas were direct

transplantation for all areas and opportunistic stabilization for Olowalu, Hanauma Bay,

and Waikīkī.

Comments were summarized from evaluators and also taken into consideration and

coral gardening with selective collection received the most positive comments for an

intervention to achieve the defined restoration goal.

Coral gardening with corals of opportunity (in situ and ex situ)

Corals of opportunity within the restoration site or in close proximity to the restoration

site will be collected for propagation and a grow-out period. The dominant reef building

coral species for each site would be targeted by using modeling data (PACIOOS

website) and/or in-water survey data (DAR, NOAA CRED, TNC). Coral gardening would

involve either in situ or ex situ asexual propagation techniques (fragmenting,

microfragmenting and microskinning) or whole colony outplanting.

In situ nurseries would be established in protected sites or embayments or by using

structures able to withstand wave action. Ex situ nurseries require infrastructure, but

some institutions on O‘ahu and Maui already have available expertise and capacity

including: 1) the DAR Coral Nursery, 2) Maui Ocean Center, 3) Hawai’i Institute of

Marine Biology, 4) NOAA. Developing the infrastructure and capacity for an ex situ

nursery on Hawai‘i Island has been identified as a high priority.

Coral gardening through selective collection and propagation

• 4A Selecting resilient corals for gardening

• 4B Stress testing to inform selection

This intervention entails selective collection of resilient corals or thermal stress testing of

corals of opportunity. Take of corals for propagation will target resilient corals to

enhance survival of outplants during future bleaching events. These corals will be

propagated through fragmenting, microfragging and microskinning techniques either

through ex-situ or in-situ options (see above).

Live coral take should be limited to:

4A: Known corals that have been identified, tagged, and the phenotype monitored

through one or more bleaching events. Researchers have already been tracking

individual coral colonies in certain locations (Coral Resilience Lab in Kāneʻohe Bay,

Kealakekua Bay, and Hixon lab in Waikīkī and Hanauma Bay).

4B: Small samples from live corals or corals of opportunity taken for thermal stress

testing in the laboratory to determine level of resilience to bleaching (Coral Resilience

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Lab currently conducting R & D on this technique on O‘ahu). This information could be

used to preferentially take fragments for asexual propagation from more resilient corals.

Objectives and Performance Metrics

The specific objectives and performance metrics that will be used to assess project

progress are detailed here. A summary is provided in Appendix 2 with more detailed

timelines. A team of scientists and technical experts is working to develop standardized

monitoring metrics for restoration projects statewide.

Objective 1.1: Within 3 years, two new pilot restoration sites from the five geographic

focus areas are established where restoration interventions are developed, tested, and

evaluated with engagement by community and partners.

Performance Metrics:

• Number of site assessments conducted/baseline data collected at geographic

focus areas

• Number of restoration permits obtained

• Number of restoration sites/nurseries established

• Number of methods/interventions being tested

• Monitoring protocols developed

• Research gaps/needs documented

• Design parameters developed to determine efficacy (e.g., BACI), including

standardized methods across sites

• Survival rate of outplanted corals

• Community network knowledge exchange/sharing

• Economics of restoration (scalability)

Activities:

• Identify and engage community stakeholders and partners to incorporate place-

based knowledge in site-specific planning

• Develop site specific restoration plan(s) including experimental design, target

restoration outcomes, methods, and interventions for restoration and control sites

• Determine in-situ and/or ex-situ nursery capacity options for each pilot site

• Secure permits for restoration sites with technical/scientific advisor(s) identified

• Synthesize existing data, conduct baseline monitoring, and site assessment

• Establish 2 sites piloting active restoration interventions

• Develop monitoring protocols and implement monitoring to evaluate efficacy of

interventions

• Analyze data, write reports, synthesize project accomplishments, and share

lessons learned

• Scope out development of nursery infrastructure on neighbor islands

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Objective 1.2: Within 6 years, ex-situ and/or in-situ nursery infrastructure is established

on at least three islands and effective restoration interventions are implemented at five

restoration sites, including active engagement with community groups and partners.

Performance Metrics:

• Number of restoration sites established

• Number of methods/interventions tested and applied

• Number of ex-situ nurseries established

• Number of corals outplanted and percent of resilient corals outplanted

• Survival rate of outplanted corals

• Number of community stakeholders and partners identified and engaged in

restoration planning and implementation

• Collaborative network of restoration practitioners is established

Activities:

• Use lessons learned from pilot sites to inform implementation and replication of

effective restoration techniques at multiple sites

• Establish in-situ and/or ex-situ nursery infrastructure on at least three islands that

is actively supporting restoration activities

• Provide technical training in restoration and monitoring techniques to community

groups and partners and seek active participation when appropriate

• Implement restoration activities at multiple sites, ensuring site-based planning

and permitting is completed at each site

• Continue conducting monitoring to evaluate efficacy of restoration interventions

• Facilitate a collaborative network of restoration practitioners and science advisors

and provide regular specialized trainings to build network capacity

• Prepare for future climate impacts at restoration sites by analyzing data during

and after bleaching event(s) to determine efficacy of interventions and evaluate

potential mitigation efforts to ensure future restoration efforts are climate smart

• Analyze data, write reports, synthesize project accomplishments, and share

lessons learned

Objective 1.3: Within 10 years, successful restoration techniques are being

implemented at a scale that increases the resilience of coral reefs in Hawai‘i.

Performance Metrics:

• Number of methods/interventions applied

• Number of restoration sites/nurseries implemented and maintained

• Number of ex-situ nurseries established

• Number of corals outplanted and percent of resilient corals outplanted

• Size of corals outplanted

• Survival rate of outplanted corals

• Number of restoration practitioners using active interventions to restore Hawaiian

coral species

• Compare survivorship between restoration interventions.

• Compare survivorship through periods of bleaching conditions

• Community capacity is scaled up across the state

○ Site workshops/ trainings/community involvement at local restoration site

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

○ Expand to broader public/inter community sharing

Activities:

• Conduct evaluation of restoration efforts across multiple sites; synthesize data to

prioritize effective and climate-resilient restoration interventions at scale

• Continue to implement restoration activities at multiple sites, ensuring site-based

planning and permitting is completed at each site

• Maintain and expand in-situ and/or ex-situ nursery infrastructure that is actively

supporting restoration activities

• Expand the implementation of restoration interventions that enhance the

resilience of coral reefs across Hawai‘i, ensuring appropriate permitting is

secured

• Conduct monitoring to evaluate efficacy of interventions at scale

• Maintain and expand collaborative network of restoration practitioners, scientific

advisors, and community stakeholders

• Ensure coral restoration projects are integrated into place-based management

plans across the state

• Conduct a meta-analysis to determine ecosystem impacts, cost effectiveness of

restoration efforts

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach

Once the draft action plan is complete, the next step will be to reach out to partners and

stakeholders to share and gather input on the plan before it is finalized. These

engagement efforts will be focused on outreach about the planning process, draft action

plan, and selection of geographic focal areas. There will be a more detailed planning

process in the future at each geographic focus area prior to implementation where

restoration sites and interventions will be selected with involved discussions with local

stakeholders and community members.

The planning team identified the following key steps:

1. Outreach to critical stakeholders, community members, and decision makers in

the five priority geographic focal areas. These will be small, targeted

conversations to gather input and feedback and obtain their support. This will be

an opportunity to understand community priorities, other activities/projects

underway in the area, and other stakeholders to engage in the detailed planning

process.

2. Outreach to a broader audience of the coral restoration community. This will be

in webinar format targeted at stakeholders engaged in coral reef and watershed

restoration, research, and management. This may consist of multiple

presentations to communities here in Hawai‘i, the broader Pacific, and

nationwide.

3. Stakeholder engagement during site-specific planning process. This will entail

working directly with local stakeholder and community members prior to

implementation. Topics will include restoration site selection, restoration

interventions, restoration targets, species, etc.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Appendix 1. Summary of Climate Vulnerability Assessment for the Main Hawaiian

Islands.

A climate vulnerability assessment was completed to evaluate potential coral

restoration areas for likelihood of coral survivorship and probability of restoration

project success. This assessment integrated data on: 1) projected future exposure to

bleaching conditions under a business-as-usual emissions scenario; 2) reef resilience

(using available data for coral and macroalgal cover, reef builder ratio, herbivore

biomass, and temperature variability); and 3) human impacts (using a cumulative

impacts index; Lecky 2019). Relative vulnerability was assessed for ~600 sites that

were surveyed in 2019. Vulnerability for each site was assessed as relative to sites

only at that island (intra-island), as well as sites at all islands (inter-island). The

assessment rated sites as low, medium-low, medium-high, and high vulnerability.

Corals likely have a greater chance to survive at sites with lower relative vulnerability,

so vulnerability was an important consideration when evaluating the focus areas. The

results of the all-islands and inter-island vulnerability assessment are shown below as

Figures A1 and A2.

Figure A1. Relative climate vulnerability assessed as all sites relative to sites at all islands,

based on 2019 NOAA NCRMP survey data.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Figure A2. Relative climate vulnerability assessed with sites compared intra-island, based on

2019 NOAA NCRMP survey data.

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Appendix 2. Action Plan Summary Matrix

Goal: Build capacity to develop, test, and apply restoration methods that enhance the

resistance and recovery of coral reefs impacted by bleaching.

SMART Objective 1.1: Within 3 years, two new pilot restoration sites from the five

geographic focus areas are established where restoration interventions are developed,

tested, and evaluated with engagement by community and partners.

Performance metrics

Short-term (1-3 years)

• Number of site assessments conducted/baseline data collected at priority sites

• Number of restoration permits obtained

• Number of restoration sites/nurseries established

• Monitoring protocols developed

• Research gaps/needs documented

• Design parameters developed to determine efficacy (e.g. BACI)

Activities

Timeframe

A1.1

Identify and engage community stakeholders and partners to

incorporate place-based knowledge in site-specific planning

Year 1

A1.2

Develop site specific restoration plan(s) including experimental

design, methods, and interventions for restoration and control sites

Year 1

A1.3

Determine in-situ and/or ex-situ nursery capacity options for each

site

Year 1

A1.4

Secure permits for restoration sites with technical/scientific

advisor(s) identified

Year 1

A1.5

Synthesize existing data, conduct baseline monitoring, and site

assessment

Year 1

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

A1.6

Establish 2 sites piloting active restoration interventions Years 1-2

A1.7

Develop monitoring protocols and implement monitoring to evaluate

efficacy of interventions

Years 1-3

A1.8

Analyze data, write reports, synthesize project accomplishments,

and share lessons learned

Year 3

SMART Objective 1.2: Within 6 years, ex-situ and/or in-situ nursery infrastructure is

established on at least three islands and effective restoration interventions are

implemented at five restoration sites, including active engagement with community groups

and partners.

Performance metrics:

Mid-term (4-6 years)

• Number of restoration sites/nurseries established

• Number of methods/interventions tested and applied

• Number of ex-situ nurseries established

• Number of corals outplanted and percent of resistant corals outplanted

• Survival rate of outplanted corals

• Number of community stakeholders and partners identified and engaged in restoration

planning and implementation

• Collaborative network of restoration practitioners is established

Activities

Timeframe

A2.1

Use lessons learned from pilot sites to inform implementation and

replication of effective restoration techniques at multiple sites

Year 4

A2.2

Establish in-situ and/or ex-situ nursery infrastructure on at least

three islands that is actively supporting restoration activities

Years 4-6

A2.3

Provide technical training in restoration and monitoring techniques

to community groups and partners and seek active participation

when appropriate

Years 4-6

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

A2.4

Implement restoration activities at multiple sites, ensuring site-

based planning and permitting is completed at each site

Years 4-6

A2.5

Continue conducting monitoring to evaluate efficacy of restoration

interventions

Years 4-6

A2.6

Facilitate a collaborative network of restoration practitioners and

science advisors and provide regular specialized trainings to build

network capacity

Years 5-6

A2.7

Prepare for future climate impacts at restoration sites by analyzing

data during and after bleaching event(s) to determine efficacy of

interventions and evaluate potential mitigation efforts to ensure

future restoration efforts are climate smart

Years 4-6

A2.8

Analyze data, write reports, synthesize project accomplishments,

and share lessons learned

Year 6

SMART Objective 1.3: Within 10 years, successful restoration techniques are being

implemented at a scale that increases the resilience of coral reefs in Hawai‘i.

Performance metrics:

Long-term (7-10 years)

• Number of methods/interventions tested and applied

• Number of restoration sites/nurseries implemented

• Number of ex-situ nurseries established

• Number of corals outplanted and percent of resistant corals outplanted

• Survival rate of outplanted corals

• Number of restoration practitioners using active interventions to restore Hawaiian coral

species

• Community capacity is scaled up across the state

• Site workshops/trainings/community involvement at local restoration sites

• Expand to broader public/inter community sharing/larger community network knowledge

exchange/sharing

• Economics of restoration (Scalability)

Activities

Timeframe

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

A3.1

Conduct evaluation of restoration efforts across multiple sites;

synthesize data to prioritize effective and climate-resilient

restoration interventions at scale

Year 7

A3.2

Continue to implement restoration activities at multiple sites,

ensuring site-based planning and permitting is completed at each

site

Years 7-10

A3.3

Maintain and expand in-situ and/or ex-situ nursery infrastructure

that is actively supporting restoration activities

Years 7-10

A3.4

Expand the implementation of restoration interventions that

enhance the resilience of coral reefs across Hawaiʻi, ensuring

appropriate permitting is secured

Years 7-10

A3.5

Conduct monitoring to evaluate efficacy of interventions at scale Years 7-10

A3.6

Maintain and expand collaborative network of restoration

practitioners, scientific advisors, and community stakeholders

Years 7-10

A3.7

Integrate coral restoration as a key intervention in place-

based management plans across the state

Years 9-10

A3.8

Conduct a meta-analysis to determine ecosystem impacts,

cost effectiveness of restoration efforts

Year 10

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Appendix 3. Relevant Statewide Management Initiatives

On Sept. 1, 2016, Governor David Ige announced the Sustainable Hawai‘i Initiative,

including a commitment to effectively manage Hawai‘i’s nearshore waters by 2030. Now

known as, ‘Holomua: Marine 30x30,’ the goal is to effectively manage Hawai‘i’s

nearshore waters, with at least 30% established as marine management areas. This

initiative aims to focus on a broad range of marine management measures to sustain,

conserve, and enhance marine resources so that communities can continue to benefit

from abundant nearshore waters now and in the future. DLNR has since established

new strategic directions to better nearshore resources by addressing local and global

impacts. Currently, the Holomua team is working to develop management plans for

existing managed areas.

More about the DLNR/DAR Holomua (30x30) program can be viewed at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/files/2020/12/HolomuaMarine30x30_Roadmap_web.pdf

DLNR/DAR is currently conducting public scoping and development of herbivore-

specific statewide rules. These rules are intended to help enhance coral reef protection

and post- bleaching recovery. The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) held a

series of virtual scoping meetings in late 2020 to compile community input on options for

management of key herbivores. Bag limits, size limits, gear regulations and/or seasonal

protections are currently being evaluated.

More information about the scoping for statewide herbivore rules can be viewed at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/blog/2020/10/30/nr20-168/

DLNR/ DAR is in the process of developing a framework for evaluating special activity

permits (SAPs) for proposed coral restoration projects in the state. This initiative has

involved compiling existing and new SAP documents into a statewide database and

mapping coral collection data to help track on-going projects and inform future

permitting decisions. In addition, a draft permit evaluation tool was developed to

quantitatively assess proposed intervention methods for new restoration projects.

In 2020, the DLNR/DAR updated its Hawai‘i Coral Reef Strategy, which now includes a

pillar for Makai Restoration. The goal of this pillar is to increase the ecological function

and integrity of coral reefs, with key objectives including: 1) developing DAR’s role in

coral reef ecosystem management for restoration projects statewide, and 2) supporting

effective restoration projects, especially those that are led by public and private

partners. The Hawai‘i Coral Reef Strategy 2030 can be viewed at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/coralreefs/files/2020/08/Hawaii-Coral-Reef-Strategy-2030-

Final.pdf

During the 2021 legislative session DLNR/DAR submitted eight administrative bills,

seven of which passed, including the creation of an ocean stewardship special fund,

natural resource inspection authorization for DOCARE, updated laynet rules, and new

adaptive management rules. Effective Oct. 1, 2021, the Board of Land and Natural

Resource (BLNR) is able to temporarily adopt, amend, and repeal certain natural

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

resource rules by formal action at a public meeting if BLNR finds it necessary to

implement management measures in response to rapidly changing resource conditions.

The DLNR/DAR Aquatic Invasive Species team has several current projects, primarily

on O‘ahu to control invasive species and resulting damage to natural resources. AIS

team projects include invasive algae reporting and control, marine debris inspection and

removal, and ballast water/biofouling response. A key focus of the AIS team is to control

of Kappaphycus/ Eucheuma (smothering seaweed) along with a variety of other species

using physical clearing methods and herbivore reintroduction. More information about

the AIS team is available at: https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/ais/

The DLNR/DAR the Ānuenue Coral Restoration Nursery located on Sand Island, O‘ahu,

aims to use professional-level coral husbandry techniques to grow small coral

fragments, recombine them into large colonies, and then transplant them into the field in

a fraction of the time it would take these corals to grow naturally. The Hawai‘i nursery

primarily uses corals for transplantation from harbors as they, 1) have lower ecological

value compared to corals from natural areas, 2) may be more resilient to disturbances

and environmental changes, and 3) do not impact natural reefs, and 4) support upkeep

and maintenance of manmade structures. More information about the DAR Coral

Nursery is available at:

https://dlnr.Hawaiʻi.gov/dar/habitat/coral-reefs/coral-restoration-nursery/

Please note the contents of the Draft Action Plan for Hawaiʻi Coral Restoration is still draft and subject to change

Appendix 4. Current Permitted Coral Restoration Projects in the Main Hawaiian

Islands