SAVE THE PLANET
Place
Pouhala Marsh is part of the West Loch of Pearl Harbor. It is on the island of Oahu and sits near the town of Waipahu. Waipahu was actually developed over the marsh and even with so much industrial development around it, Pouhala Marsh is one of the largest remaining wetlands in Pearl Harbor. It is a seasonal marsh as it dries up during the summer and fills in the rainy season. The marsh is part of the ‘Ewa ahapua’a and the Waikele watershed. Fun fact: Waikele means muddy water. The Waikele and Kapakahi stream run through the marsh and provide its water indirectly. The Pouhala Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary has over 70 acres that is protected by the State of Hawaii. The marsh has gone through a period where it has been used as a dump and was even considered a potential building site. Over several years, development, water pollutions, mangrove and pickle weed have severely damaged the marsh. In recent light however, monthly restoration outings have been in place and it has significantly improved the marsh.
Population
Many endemic, endangered, and indigenous populations live on the marsh. One of the biggest known natives is the Hawaiian stilt. During the non-breeding season, up to 10% of the world's Hawaiian stilt population can be in the marsh. Other native water birds include the Hawaiian Duck, the Hawaiian Moorhen, and the Hawaiian Coot. However, the Hawaiian Duck in Pouhala Marsh now is not a full native because it has bred with introduced mallard ducks and become a mixed breed. Alongside the 4 native water birds are some native plants that grow around the marsh. There are the Koʻoloa ʻula, the Pu‘uka‘a, the ‘Ohai, and the Maui Chaff Flower.
There are also many invasive species calling Pouhala Marsh home. Mangrove plants affect stream water flow by aggressively taking over the banks of streams and making waterways smaller. Pickle weed and water lettuce is also present and they change the chemistry of the water which can affect the fish living in the water. California grass is also spreading over the surface of the water and restricting the sunlight filtering down. Rats, mongoose, and feral cats affect the native bird populations. They can easily get to the eggs of native birds as many of the water birds lay their eggs on the ground. This reduces the indigenous bird population. Cattle egrets are also seen around the marsh but populations are being monitored.
People
Pouhala Marsh was utilized by the native Hawaiians as they built fishponds and loi'i patches. They took care of the land as they believed they had to malama ‘aina. Their belief was that they are a part of nature and descended directly from the plants and animals. In the area, there are 2 places that used to be heiau (Hawaiian temples) where Hawaiians made offerings to gods and chiefs. These 2 temples were destroyed however to make room for modern neighborhoods. Also the fishponds and loi'i patches were cultivated into rice paddies as the times moved on.
Many native species of animals and plants make their home in the marsh. Volunteers now help remove trash and non-native plants. Wild animals there harm the chicks of native birds. Mangroves are being carefully removed. Native plants are being replanted around the marsh. The marsh provides food and shelter to natives. It is being managed by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW).