The Kahikolu Project:
Safeguarding Maui’s Ecosystems & Watershed
Welcome to the Maui Food Technology Center (MFTC) and our pivotal initiative, The Kahikolu Project – a guiding force for Maui’s delicate ecosystems and vital watersheds.
For too long, the axis deer population has presented significant challenges across our island, impacting various sectors and ecosystems. From the struggles of our farmers to the habitat loss experienced by our hunters, from the forage competition confronting our ranchers to the concerns of conservationists regarding native plant diversity - the impacts are far-reaching and profound.
Yet, perhaps most concerning is the threat posed to our island's watershed. As axis deer graze, they strip vegetation crucial for soil stabilization, leading to erosion and degradation of water quality in our streams and rivers - a threat not only to livelihoods but also to the very fabric of our environment.
The Kahikolu Project, a County of Maui initiative, aims at safeguarding our island’s future by addressing the issue of invasive axis deer and mitigating their negative impact on our island’s fragile watershed. Led by the Maui Food Technology Center, the project brings together various stakeholders, including government agencies, ranchers, farmers, landowners, conservation organizations, and local communities, to develop and implement effective strategies for managing the deer population.
Through community engagement and cooperation, the Kahikolu Project strives to address the challenges posed by axis deer while ensuring the long-term health of Maui's ecosystems and watershed."
“Unchecked deer populations pose a grave threat to Maui's critical watersheds, stripping away crucial vegetation and endangering the very lifeblood of our island's ecosystems.”
Video producer: Daniel Emhof, VISUALRESONANCEMEDIA.com, (808) 283-7960
MFTC supported programs:
Maui Nui Venison is helping to balance Axis deer populations for the good of our environment, communities, and long term food systems.