Kīpuka restores streams as a public natural resource.
The following chapter explores kīpuka (ecological corridor) as a core component of land-use planning, development, and management in Hawaii. It is inspired by kīpuka—opening, island of life—which are vegetated areas enclosed by barren lava flows. Lava is to the developed footprint as kīpuka is to the ecological areas within the built-environment.
Key concepts include:
+ Reclamation Zone & Land Trust
+ Corridor Services
+ Educational Adjacency
CORRIDOR SERVICES
Restoring Habitats and Ecosystems Functions.
Channelized streams are reconstructed or retrofitted to improve water flow and the mobility of aquatic organisms to travel across the watershed. Reclaimed wetland and vegetative areas alongside the stream are restored to shade and regulate water temperatures, provide organic debris for wildlife, and filter excess sediment in stormwater runoff entering the stream.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESSReintroducing vegetation within and alongside streams increases water retention, thus reducing the intensity of flooding during heavy rains. Vegetation along the shoreline provides a natural buffer for high surf during storms and tsunami.
TRADITIONAL FARMINGNetworks of taro patches and fishponds (lo‘i and loko i‘a) provide a reliable food resource and perpetuate intergenerational cultural practices and values.
RECREATIONAL ACCESSPervious paths and open spaces are be constructed for people to hike, jog, cycle, and gather, providing pedestrian access between the mountain and ocean. The corridor as a recreational resource creates a large-scale open space for people to interact with the ecology of their ahupua‘a.
EDUCATIONAL ADJACENCY
The ecological corridor integrates the educational and ecological systems within the ahupua‘a to create a “living laboratory” for students and educators. In the outdoor setting of the corridor, educational activities could range from science to farming to extra-curricular sports. Additional educational components include an aquarium and arboretum to perpetuate the unique wildlife found in each ahupua‘a. Supplementary resources to these also include native plant nurseries, botanical gardens, museums, and community pavilions.