Excavating lot/lava in Hawaiian Beaches?

[Ridingthespine]

We found somebody with a D9 to come help us clear our 1/3 acre lot this summer. The lot is in Hawaiian Beaches and has yet to be degrubbed but seems like it is all lava and very little soil - mostly small trees about 2” in diameter. Planning to clear about half the property.
Anybody have insight/experience on what we can expect from the D9? I have read some threads discussing using dynamite and a web of tires to control the blast, jackhammers, drilling etc.
Would like to be able to excavate hole large enough for small septic system/leech field and also for a small pond with a section about 5’ deep and 15’ x 8’’ in size.

Can the D9 accomplish this kind of work or is there a better way ? If D9 can do this - something that would take a single day or many days?

[My 2 cents]

For what you want to accomplish on this relatively small lot I think you would be better off with an excavator with hammer, bucket and blade.

[Ridingthespine]

Thanks. That is good advice. Will look for somebody with a proper excavator.

[terracore]

You mentioned wanting to clear 1/2 of a 1/3 acre. I'm not sure a D9 could even turn around in an area that size. It would be kind of like trying to make toothpicks with a chainsaw.

[Ridingthespine]

yah. The conversation with the D9 operator now makes a lot more sense.

[bananahead]

learn what is native, and try to keep the native plants... they are easy to care for, the belong here, and dont invade...
ie akia, hala, ohia, lama, ala ala wai nui, neleau, naupaka, etc.

******************************************************************
save our indigenous and endemic Hawaiian Plants... learn about them, grow them, and plant them on your property, ....instead of all that invasive non-native garbage I see in most yards... aloha