DLNR News Release-Hearings Scheduled for Expansion of Oahu Forest Reserves, Dec. 13, 2018

Posted on Dec 13, 2018 in Latest Department News

(HONOLULU) – Oahuʻs Forest Reserves are set for expansion. Nearly 2,900 acres are being proposed for addition to the State Forest Reserve System on Oʻahu. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is inviting community comments on two proposed additions:

ʻEwa Forest Reserve: In October 2018, DLNR acquired the Helemano Wilderness Area through federal, state, and private contributions, with the primary goal of protecting and managing the property in perpetuity as part of the State Forest Reserve System. This addition will add significant public access and acres for hunters, cultural practitioners, hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, and contains high priority watersheds and forest habitat for many native plants and animals. Other benefits include educational opportunities, timber production, agroforestry, and non-timber forest products.
Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve: In June 2015, the state acquired via condemnation, a parcel in Palolo Valley following a rockfall incident in 1997. DOFAW seeks to add this parcel to the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve to manage it as part of the Forest Reserve System.

People are invited to attend a hearing on Thursday, December 20, 2018, at 5:30pm at the Kalanimoku Building, State Land Board Room #32, 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, HI, 96813. People unable to attend or who want to provide additional comments can submit written testimony postmarked no later than January 4, 2019:

By mail to the Forestry Program manager, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl St., #325, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813;
By email to [email protected]

On January 4, 2019, DOFAW will present a summary of all comments received for further action by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. If approved, DOFAW will engage with interested stakeholders in developing a Forest Reserve Management Plan that offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, and guides forest restoration, water source protection, and native species habitat improvement.

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RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

HD video: Helemano Acquisition Aerial Tour:

https://vimeo.com/296571740

Photographs: (Courtesy: DLNR/Richard Drake)

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pt2qgrzgj66498z/AABdRnbC1PLqjKFAOJtkSkk5a?dl=0

More information on Helemano:

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2018/10/25/nr18-210/