Bellows AFS - Restoration Projects

History of Beach Erosion
The fine white sandy beaches at Bellows Air Force Station (BAFS) are receding. Northern beach sections are already gone and a U.S. Geological Survey reports losses of up to a foot (30 cm) per year for other parts of the BAFS shoreline. The observed primary causes of beach erosion are hardened shoreline (rock jetty and revetments), human foot traffic, sea level rise, and invasive species like the shallow-rooted ironwood tree (Casuarina equisetifolia). Ironwood trees produce a phenolic compound that is often toxic to other plants. The loss of sand dunes and native ecology leaves the coast vulnerable to natural and human disturbances, from 500,000 annual beachgoers to hurricanes and tsunamis.
Dune Restoration Supports BAFS Mission
The mission at BAFS is to provide exceptional recreation, training and leisure programs to enhance combat effectiveness. To preserve the beach, BAFS established a sustainable beach management program that out-plants native dune flora to capture wind blown sands and rebuild healthy dunes. The first step is to cut down ironwood trees and remove other invasive plants. Once the site is cleared, site managers design a planting layout and temporary drip irrigation system. Community volunteers assemble the irrigation system prior to out- planting. The out-planting day attracts many volunteers who spread mulch and plant thousands of native plants. A new out-planted dune is born!
History of Pu‘ewai Wetland
Wetland habitat is important to many bird species across the globe. Pu‘ewai wetland on Bellows Air Force Station (BAFS) is an estuarine, intertidal, emergent, and regularly inundated wetland. The thriving wetland was used by waterbirds until the early 1940’s when the wetland was drained to control water flow. Native Hawaiian waterbird populations suffered from the loss of wetland habitat. BAFS is working to restore Pu‘ewai wetland to support four endangered native Hawaiian waterbirds.
Compatible Air and Waterbird Missions
USAF air operations on Oahu may pose a risk to endangered waterbirds. To offset the risk, the U.S. Air Force partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to restore the 8 acre Pu‘ewai wetlands on BAFS to its former vitality. The restored wetland will create breeding, foraging and roosting habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbird populations.
Restoring Pu‘ewai Wetland
Pu‘ewai wetland restoration began in 2011 with the removal of invasive plant species. Four acres of invasive red mangrove trees (Rhizophora mangle) have been removed along with many other invasive plants. The cleared areas are then out- planted with native Hawaiian wetland flora that support waterbirds. In addition, predators such as feral cats, mongoose, rats and pigs are trapped to protect the waterbirds and encourage nesting.
Wastewater Management
Improperly managed wastewater can seep into the groundwater and increase nutrient loads in surrounding ocean waters. In an ongoing effort to protect the beaches and ocean waters enjoyed by approximately 500,000 annual recreational users at Bellows Air Force Station’s (BAFS) , the U. S. Air Force has upgraded its wastewater treatment systems to meet new standards of environmental and cultural stewardship.

[@scottclark1156]

We were there today for a command picnic. Going back tomorrow to camp in a tent for the night with the family. Bellows is one of my favorite places on the island that Ive been so lucky to enjoy for 12 years!! Thank you for everything you do to preserve the beauty, wildlife, and ecosystem here! We truly appreciate it!

[@MrClark-df9qn]

I was stationed at Bellows from '89 to 93. I lived on base in one of the view houses that were available. It is an absolutely beautiful place.

[@napili5470]

I grew up in Waimanalo and this was My backyard. This whole beautiful Beach. Now flash forward to 2020, the mayor of Honolulu wants to destroy this whole area. He wants to put a sports complex here Kirk Caldwell and His Aina Destroyers can't be satisfied with Honolulu and Waikiki He has to come over to Waimanalo "Sherwoods Beach Park" and cut down trees and put a big parking lot and ball fields. It will destroy the whole windward side of the Island. Kirk Caldwell and Your Aina destroyers keep out of OUR side of the Island. He can go across the street or down the street or anywhere on this Island but he chooses to destroy this whole beach. What's next? Hotels? Caldwell is getting paid by the Chinese Investors to build this side of the Island up.

[@EagleArrow]

Locals bring awareness. Contact people like Tom Selleck and those with influence.