Kaho'olawe, a changing landscape

Kaho'olawe was once covered by dryland forests that included native plants such as wiliwili, 'akoko, and pili grass. In the mid-1800s, goats and sheep were brought to Kaho'olawe as a part of ranching activities on the island. Native forests were cleared, and the animals were allowed to destroy much of the existing vegetation. The bare ground was left exposed and erosion of the fertile topsoil resulted in dramatic changes to the landscape.

The good news is that determined efforts to replant and restore vegetation to Kaho'olawe are ongoing and now making a difference.

Much of the soil that once supported a dry land forest has disappeared since the arrival of the alien goat, leaving a cracked, hardpan crust.

"Captain Cook introduced the first goats in these islands, leaving on the island of Ni'ihau one ram and two ewes, and a pair of pigs of English breed" (T. Thrum, 1908)

This "pillared stone" stands alone after the soil around it eroded. With no vegetation to hold it in place, an estimated 8-12 feet of topsoil has been blown or washed away from this area since the arrival of the alien goat.

William Cummings, who leased Kaho'olawe in 1881, reported that the island contained "some 2,000 goats and 1,000 sheep."
Hawaiian Gazette, August 17, 1881

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