LIHUE, Kauai — State officials in Hawaii are preparing to begin reforesting 1,000 acres of reserve land on Kauai that burned in 2012.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources will remove 15,000 tons of scorched eucalyptus and pine trees from the Kokee area and put in native and non-invasive plants.
The Garden Island newspaper reported that the restoration is designed to protect the land against flash flooding and erosion. Most of the wood will go to a nearby facility that turns plants into energy.
Officials also said the area will have better access for hunting and recreation once the project finishes. Still, area residents said they’re concerned about the effects the project will have on roads, the environment and public safety.
The department has until June 2016 to finish the project.