The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is seeking input on a draft management plan for the Honuaʻula Forest Reserve that will guide management priorities for the area over the next 10 years.
The draft plan contains a brief history of the area, a complete record of boundary changes over time, a description of natural and cultural resources, as well as an account of infrastructure and intended uses and management of the area. According to the state, the reserve located on the slopes of Hualalai above Kailua-Kona was established in 1906 and expanded in 2006. It now covers 8,000 acres critical to the well-being of the people, plants, and animals within and nearby.
In addition to producing the draft plan itself, DOFAW has developed an online platform to engage people in learning about the Honuaʻula Forest Reserve and contributing to the planning process. Using the state’s digital mapping system as a foundation, users can explore virtual information guides describing the Honuaʻula Forest Reserve’s history, plants and animals, natural resources, threats, stewardship, public uses, and proposed management priorities.
Users can also participate in an online community survey and submit comments that will be included as part of the planning process.
Written comments for the plan must be postmarked no later than March 31 and can be mailed to Forestry Program Manager, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813. They can also be submitted via email to forestry@hawaii.gov or online at the digital public engagement platform at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/comment/.