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Kahoolawe is severely degraded. Hardpan comprises more than 40% of Kahoolawe’s 28,800 acres, virtually unable to sustain life following centuries of destruction.

What grows in the remaining 15,000 acres is mostly invasive. But it’s undergone two decades of restoration work after years of overgrazing, bombing and burning. That endeavor could help guide efforts to replant thousands of scorched acres on Maui.

“It’s a learning opportunity, obviously, but it’s a warning sign,” said Joseph Imhoff, program manager for the Skyline Conservation Initiative on Maui.

Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by a grant from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.