This project intended to preserve endangered wetland species; Hawaiian Coot, Hawaiian Stilt, and the nesting ground of the Hawaiian Hawksbill Turtle by enhancing the coastal ecosystem on which their survival depends.  The project location extended along the coastal sand dunes and boardwalk route of Kealia Beach, north of Kihei.  A 1.5 mile long drift fence was installed in May 1997, to rebuild and restore eroded beach dunes and to prevent endangered hawksbill sea turtles from getting killed on the adjacent highway when they come ashore to nest.

In 1996, a large female hawksbill carrying more than 200 eggs was struck and killed by a vehicle on North Kihei Road, after wandering past the eroded beach dunes.  In response, a volunteer group called Honu 'Ea Watch was formed to stop more hawksbill turtles from wandering onto the highway, and to protect their nests on the beach.

Robert Mullane, coastal process agent with Univ. of Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Service and Maui County consultant on beach erosion, oversaw the beach erosion program.   The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) donated $18,000 worth of fencing materials.  The fence was erected by inmate laborers from the Maui Community Correctional Center.  Rock boulders placed at openings in the drift fence blocked the turtles from entering the highway, while still allowing beach goers access to the beach.

On February 1, 2000, invasive weeds were removed and 100 plants were planted by 56 Seabury Hall sophomores.  Project director, Forest Starr and restoration ecologist Kim Martz of Kihei Canoe Club provided guidance for the planting of Beach Naupaka, Akulikuli, Akiaki, and Pau-o-hiiaka.  The project taught youth about environment, and was supported by a grant from the office of Hawaiian Affairs and Kihei Canoe Club.

An elevated boardwalk was part of future plans to view the Kealia marshes. Donors to this phase included the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the A&B Foundation, and Hawaii Electric Industries Charitable Foundation.  The Kealia Boardwalk Project has been coordinated by Glynnis Nakai with assistance from Larry Whitford and Mike Nishimoto of the USFWS.

The juvenile hawksbill turtle photo was provided by George H. Balazs, National Fisheries Services.
The Hawaiian Stilt photo was provide by Nagamine Photo Studio.
The Kealia Coastal Sand Dunes photo was provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.