Potential forest and watershed management practices in upcountry Maui were evaluated as part of a study to increase water availability. The primary method of obtaining more water for upcountry Maui is through increased storage of high flows in the East Maui watersheds. Additional diversion of water may further affect aquatic life downstream and location of storage facilities is a major environmental problem if located in fragile native forests. Better control and monitoring of use of herbicides is needed to ensure they are not applied directly into drinking water. A major recommendation is to control pigs in the East Maui watersheds to reduce damage to the fragile understory and to the peat and cryptogram layers of the rainforest floor. The result may be an improvement in water quality. Pig control will require expensive fence construction and less restrictive hunting regulations. Control of exotic plants is also needed to protect the native ecosystem. Planting of koa (Acacia koa) and other native plants, rather than exotics, is recommended at elevations between 1,830 and 1,980 m (6,000-6,500 ft). Future benefits of such tree planting include wood for speciality uses and fiber, expansion of habitat for endangered forest birds, watershed enhancement through possible benefits of fog drip and reduced sedimentation from disturbed areas, and aesthetic values associated with trees. Forestry incentives programs should be used to promote reforestation of private lands and help landowners defray its costs. Public education and participation in land-use planning will be needed.
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