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Unveiling the Truth with Aloha Activism: Hawaii DLNR's False Narratives on Endangered Endemic Species in Puna Geothermal Radius

In the heart of the beautiful Hawaii Island lies a hidden truth shrouded in false narratives and misinformation – the plight of the endangered endemic species residing on the lower east rift zone of Kīlauea Volcano, within the Puna Geothermal Radius. Despite its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, this region has become a battleground where the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is accused of concealing the vulnerable species to prioritize monetary gains over conservation efforts. They refuse to correct fallacies on websites regarding these endangered species and where they are found , seemingly as to pave the way for Geothermal development and it's royalties that fund this fake state (Hawaii is illegally occupied by the United states)


Image: The 12 endemic native Hawaiian endangered species and their "critical habitats" have been mapped out by the Fish and Wildlife Service in 2023. However, both the list and the map are incorrect. The eastern tip, known as Kumukahi in Hawaiian traditions as "where all life springs forth," is the location of the Puna Geothermal venture. The map conveniently includes a few small areas along the coast but excludes the entire PGV radius, rendering it entirely inaccurate. These species inhabit the entire triangle from Kapoho to Leilani to Kalapana, which parts of it used to be Wao Kele O Puna--> before they did a weird "land swap" so they could continue the desecration in one of Hawaiis most sacred wahi pana and keep collecting geothermal royalties . #aolepgv (https://sacredland.org/wao-kele-o-puna-united-states/ )



Let's delve deep into the unsettling reality behind the veils of the DLNR's misrepresentation of the critical habitats and endangered species within the Puna Geothermal Radius.


1. Endangered Species Concealed for Profit


The endemic endangered species in Puna Geothermal Radius are the unsung heroes of Hawaii's biodiversity, yet their presence is deliberately downplayed by the DLNR. Multiple occasions I have personally emailed and cooresponded with DLNR , which i speak aboit in the 'io posts in blog. These unique creatures, which are crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance, are being overshadowed by profit-driven motives. The silence surrounding their habitats and populations raises concerns about the integrity of conservation efforts in the region. The fact that the map shows just a couple slivers and spots on our lower Puna east coast triangle says all. Do the birds just fly in that tiny strip? I DONT think so. #aoledlnr





Images from google searching the endemic endangered species on hawaii island. KahuPuna (Aloha Activism) has a organization within it dedicated to this exact cause. It's always been my dream to help protect the animals of my homelands and the endemic species of all kind, since a keiki. I started Sugars Endangered Native Hawaiian Wildlife Conservation and animal foundation 3 years ago and plan to start mapping the endangered species all along the coast here kapoho to kalapana .


2. Geothermal Poisoning: A Looming Threat


As the DLNR remains tight-lipped about the endangered species in the Puna Geothermal Radius, another grave danger lurks in the shadows – geothermal poisoning. The unchecked development of geothermal energy poses a significant risk to the fragile ecosystems and species residing in the region. The correlation between geothermal activities and environmental degradation cannot be ignored, making the concealment of endangered species even more alarming.


3. Wrong Reporting and Misleading Information


Despite numerous attempts to address the inaccuracies and false narratives propagated by the DLNR, the wrong reporting on species locations and critical habitats persists. The lack of transparency and accountability perpetuates the misinformation, hindering genuine efforts to protect the endemic endangered species effectively. It is imperative to question the motives behind such misleading information and demand corrective action to safeguard Hawaii's unique biodiversity.


4. The Call for Accountability: #aolepgv


In the face of adversity, it is crucial to amplify our voices and demand accountability from those entrusted with preserving our natural heritage. The hashtag #aolepgv symbolizes the unified stance against the detrimental impacts of geothermal activities on Hawaii's endemic endangered species.


By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can challenge the false narratives perpetuated by DLNR as well as OHA , and pave the way for meaningful conservation efforts in the Puna Geothermal Radius.


Conclusion: Unmasking the Truth


The concealment of endangered endemic species within the Puna Geothermal Radius is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in balancing conservation and development interests. Through shedding light on the false narratives propagated by the DLNR, we aim to spark a dialogue on the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and genuine conservation efforts in Hawaii's unique ecosystems. Let us stand together to unmask the truth, protect our endangered species, and preserve the natural treasures of Hawaii Island for generations to come.


Remember, the true beauty of Hawaii lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes but also in the precious endemic species that call this paradise home.


Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we uncover the hidden truths behind Hawaii DLNR's false narratives on the endangered endemic species in the Puna Geothermal Radius.


Let's uncover the truth and protect Hawaii's unique biodiversity! #aolepgv


Stay tuned for more on each endangered endemic Hawaii island species . Will do a series on this as it's one of the most important things to me in life. Aloha always . Eye lava you.


Jazzy

Kahu

Puna

Aloha activism


 

Here's Aloha Activism's Post from Facebook pages today which includes the endangered species in question :


Doing massive research today for the Aloha Activism Puna Community website to explain the cober ups and how these are not fully accurate (they adjust the places the species are to accommodate the geothermal instead of protecting the endangered species habitats here in Puna. Almost All of these can be found down here yet they lie and only state a few on this side of island...stay tuned on the blog and make sure you share the article when I publish it.)


" Press Release

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Designates Critical Habitat for 12 Hawaiʻi Island Species

Mar 11, 2024

Media Contacts

Jordan Akiyama

HONOLULU — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is designating critical habitat for 12 species, all found only on Hawaiʻi island. All 12 species are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.


The final rule incorporates changes from the March 29, 2023, proposed rule (Docket# FWS-R1-ES-2023-0017) based on information received during the 60-day public comment period.


Approximately 119,326 acres of federal, state, private, and public lands are being designated as critical habitat for 12 species, meaning these areas have been identified as essential for the conservation of one or more of the species. The earlier proposed designation of critical habitat also included the loulu palm (Pritchardia lanigera) and ʻopāe pond shrimp (Vetericaris chaceorum); however, the Service has determined designation for these species is not be prudent due to concerns related to potential collection from the wild.


Of the 12 species addressed in the proposal, 11 are plants and one is a picture-wing fly. The critical habitat occurs across six ecosystems on the island of Hawaiʻi: mesic forest, mesic grasslands and shrublands, wet forest, wet grasslands and shrublands, coastal, and dry forest. Each species faces threats of habitat loss and degradation due tointroduced ungulates, fire, drought, habitat-modifying invasive plants, and predation from non-native insects.


“We grouped the 12 species in this designation based on their interconnectedness and reliance on ecosystems found only on the island of Hawaiʻi,” said Lasha-Lynn Salbosa, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office listing and classification manager.


The following is a short description of each species, alphabetized by scientific name.


Bidens hillebrandiana ssp. hillebrandiana (koʻokoʻolau) is a short-lived perennial herb that occurs in coastal and dry cliff ecosystems on rocky substrate near the shoreline. It is found on the windward eastern coast of Kohala near the northern tipof the island.


Cyanea marksii(hāhā) is a short-lived perennial, shrub or palm-like tree and is found on the west side of the island in the district of South Kona.


Cyanea tritomantha (‘akū) is a palm-like shrub distributed across the windward slopes of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kīlauea, and the Kohala Mountains.


Cyrtandra nanawaleensis (ha‘iwale) is a shrub or small tree found in wet forest ecosystems in the Puna district.


Cyrtandra wagneri (ha‘iwale, kanawao ke‘oke‘o) is a shrub or small tree found in wet forest ecosystems along the northeast side of the island.

Melicope remyi (no common name) is a long-lived perennial shrub found on the windward slopes of the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea.


Phyllostegia floribunda (no common name) is a perennial shrub found in mesic forest and wet forest ecosystems along the eastern side of the island.


Pittosporum hawaiiense (hōʻawa, hāʻawa) is a small tree found in mesic and wet ecosystems on the island.


Schiedea diffusa ssp. macraei (no common name) is a perennial climbing herb found in the wet forest ecosystem of the Kohala Mountains and the windward slopes of Mauna Loa.


Schiedea hawaiiensis (māʻoliʻoli) is a perennial herb, and at the time of listing, occurs only at a single site in dry forest habitat between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea mountains.


Stenogyne cranwelliae (no common name) is a vine found in the Kohala Mountains in wet forest habitat.


Drosophila digressa (Hawaiʻi picture-wing fly) has historically been found in five locations on the island in elevations from 2,000 to 4,500 feet in mesic forest and wet forest habitats.


Critical habitat is a tool of the ESA that supports the continued conservation of imperiled species by guiding cooperation within the federal government. Identifying critical habitat also informs landowners and the public which specific areas are important to a species’ conservation and recovery. The Service can also make the determination to not designate critical habitat when a designation would likely increase the threat of collection, vandalism, or incidental habitat degradation."


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