Poamoho Experiment Station
As mentioned in an earlier blog post, CTAHR's Poamoho Experiment Station on Kaukonahua Road, between Haleiwa and Waialua, was heavily damaged by a brush fire that started Sunday, August 12, 2007. Reports having it starting in one or two of the gulches above Waialua town and spreading quickly in the heavy trade winds that preceded Flossie. The was finally put under control on Friday, August 17, 2007 after burning over 7000 acres. Although preliminary damage assessments are still being made, it has been estimated that the fire burned or scorched over 50% of the experiment station. Papaya, mango, avocado and other trees were damaged. The irrigation system that supplies water to the entire experiment station was destroyed. Many of the test plots were destroyed or damaged and without water, plots not damaged in the fire may be lost due to lack of water. Oahu County Administrator Ray Uchida and Director of Planning and Management Systems for CTAHR are evaluating the losses.
