Final Environmental Assessments/ Findings of No Significant Impacts
(FONSI)

(3) Kahakapao Loop Trail

Authority: Same as above.
Status: FEA/FONSI issued, project may proceed.
Permits Required: N/A
The construction of the Kahakapao Loop Trail is
proposed for the Makawao Forest Reserve, Maui. The trail
will loop from the Fong Ridge Road to the Pa‘ahao Ridge
Road, crossing a medium sized gulch at the top and bottom of
the loop. As part of the trail construction, Kahakapao Road
will be re-routed to circumvent the existing water treatment
facility. The elevational range of the trail goes from 2800' to
3650'. The trail will travel through plantations of non-native
trees on the ridges and remnant native vegetation in the
gulch.
The addition of the Kahakapao Loop Trail to the Na
Ala Hele trails system will adds a much needed and requested
equestrian trail, along with a bicycle and foot trail. The trail
will also provide access opportunities for Forest Reserve
management practices, recipient alien species detection and
control, nature study, wildland research, fire control, and
hunters.
Construction will involve the removal of vegetation in
the direct trail corridor, with native plants being avoided
wherever possible. A fencing exclosure will be constructed
around existing populations of the candidate species Cyanea
htmllenifolia (Haha) found within the roadway corridor, to
protect the plant during and after construction. A trail bed
will be constructed according to Na Ala Hele trail construc-tion
specifications. Lastly, interpretive and educational
signage will be added.
The negative impacts associated with the project may
include a temporary increase in erosion during construction,
increased visitor numbers, which may result in increased
vandalism, and increased browsing by horse activity. These
impacts will be mitigated by proper construction techniques,
educational signage, and DLNR-DOFAW rule enforcement.