SGER: The Influence of Hurricane Iniki on Metrosideros- Acacia Forest Ecosystems on Kauai

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On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki, the most powerful hurricane to hit the State of Hawaii this century, struck the Island of Kauai with steady wind speeds of over 230 km/hr and gust over 280 km/hr. Everything in the path of the hurricane was profoundly transformed; homes, public building, hotels, agricultural crops, and the natural features of the island were severely damages or destroyed. An aerial survey by the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife described the vegetation of the mountains as being "mowed by a giant weed-eater" This event presents a once-in-a-century opportunity to study the consequences of such a phenomenon for the natural environment of the Hawaiian Islands. Prior research on Kauai will, in some cases, provide a baseline from which to measure changes wrought by the hurricane and track subsequent responses as t he ecosystems adjust to its short, medium and long-term consequences. The research proposed her seeks to measure the immediate effects of the hurricane and to monitor the ongoing consequences of this natural phenomenon. Of particular interest are the genetic effects of a population flush of some organisms, e.g. some species in the insect family Drosophilidae, in response to a huge but temporary increase in decaying organic mater. The population explosion may followed by a long period of small population size as the decaying material diminish and since it may be months or even years before some of the vegetation is restored to pre-hurricane conditions. Understand the genetics consequences of the sudden increase in population size followed by an extended period of small population size is important for understanding the ability of populations to survive catastrophic environmental conditions. Dr. Kaneshiro will also monitor population levels of exotic drosophilid species which have been shown to be a good indicator for disturbed habitats. As exotic fruit plants invade the now open forest, an increase is expected in exotic drosophilid species which are associate with the exotic plants. As the native forest canopy recovers and is restored to pre-hurricane conditions, a decrease in populations size of endemic drosophilids should occur. The results of the research here would therefore further document the significance of the drosophilids as an important indicator species group for monitoring the relative health of Hawaii native ecosystem. //