James C. Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Copyright: US Fish and Wildlife Service James C. Campbell National Wildlife Refuge

Both units are in a coastal area that was an extensive freshwater wetland. This wetland was drained by a series of ditches to create areas for growing sugar cane. The Ki'i pond area was used as a settling basin for water used to wash the sugar cane at the Kahuku Sugar Mill. Before the refuge was established, closure of the Kahuku Sugar Mill resulted in drying of Ki'i settling ponds, which had been used extensively by waterbirds.

The refuge was established in an attempt to enhance this wetland area and provide maximum production and survival of endangered Hawaiian waterbird populations. The refuge is managed under a 55-year lease from the James Campbell Estate.

The
James Campbell Estate is presently leasing the
land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with
discussions underway for ultimate purchase.

Endangered Hawaiian Duck, Koloa

This refuge consists of approximately 164 acres
in two units (Kii Unit at 126 acres and
Punamano Unit with 38 acres) comprising a
mix of naturally occurring, spring-fed marsh
and man-made ponds and impoundments.
Refuge management goals include enhancement
of the wetland area to provide maximum
production and survival of endangered Hawaiian
waterbird populations.

Interpretive kiosk located in the Kii area.

Public use is welcome from August 1 to
February 15 and closed during the rest of the
year for the stilt breeding season. Volunteers
and potential docents are welcome to contact the
office for opportunities to help at the refuge:
(808) 637-6330.

Recreation - James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, the largest of the O`ahu refuges, is a bird watcher's delight complete with a visitor kiosk, interpretive signs, and both guided and self-interpretive tours.

Climate - Hawai'i enjoys moderate temperatures year-round. Rain increases in winter; some summer days are hot and humid. Trade winds are fairly constant and usually keep the hot temperatures at bay. Temperatures range from the 70s in winter to the 90s in the summer. A rain jacket is recommended, as is a brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Location - The refuge consists of over 160 acres of wetland habitat in two separate wetland units near the community of Kahuku on the northeastern shore of O'ahu, Hawaii.