Protect Oahu's Coral Reefs

The beaches of Oahu are heavily trafficked by both tourists and locals alike. In 2012, more than 8 million people visited Oahu, according to the State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

Without our help, fragile marine ecosystems, such as the coral reefs on Oahu, may further suffer because of anthropogenic causes. By establishing Kahe Point, Oahu, as a marine conservation area we allow the ecosystem to rebalance it’s natural populations.

Land-based fishing has wreaked havoc on the coral reefs. Fishing line, weights, and hooks are easily found along the rocky shores and reefs. Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are often seen tangled in fishing line at Kahe Point. Meanwhile, spear-fishers have nearly rid the Waianae Coastline of octopus, he’e, and parrotfish, uhu. Spear-fishers can be seen daily at Kahe Point with strings of dead fish — including small, boney reef-fish, like filefish and trumpet fish.

More than 20 percent of all reef fish in Hawaii are endemic. Kahe Point is home to many of them: Hawaiian Lionfish, Hawaiian Turkeyfish, Hawaiian Dascyllus, Hawiian Bigeye, Milletseed Butterflyfish, Fantail Filefish, and three types of parrotfish: Regal, Spectacled, and Yellowbar. Hawaiian Monk Seals and Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins also frequent Kahe Point, to name a few.

There are several popular boat-tour companies based out of Waianae Boat Harbor. These companies target tourists with whale and dolphin watching or snorkel tours. The boats can be seen chasing dolphins along the coast – many end up at Kahe Point. The involvement of these tours on the degradation of the coral reefs includes unaware snorkelers collecting seashells and corals off the reefs.

Establishing a marine conservation area would increase local awareness of the marine ecosystem and regulate the activities that may harm the coral reefs. This precious, fragile ecosystem is something we can share with future generations to come.

Save Kahe Point coral reefs before it's too late.