2025 proclaimed ‘Year of Our Community Forests’ in Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green proclaimed 2025 the “Year of Our Community Forests.”

“Community forests are the trees in our neighborhoods, yards, parks, schools and along our streets,” said Green during a signing ceremony last week for the proclamation. “These forests can include native species, but also non-invasive beneficial trees like ‘ulu, niu, mango and others.”

Developed by the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and its Kaulunani Urban and Community Forest Program with a multitude of partners, the designation recognizes trees and forests in the wao kanaka: where we live, learn and play.

“We all live in a community forest — they’re not just mauka, but all around us. Our trees are what makes Hawai‘i home,” said state Land Department First Deputy Ryan Kanaka‘ole during the signing ceremony. “They’re not only ornamental landscaping, but also provide food, shade, oxygen, habitat and many other benefits. Trees are also great for hanging ornaments and holiday lights.”

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife established a website where people can learn about all the benefits of community forests, volunteer opportunities associated with the “Year of Our Community Forests” and statistics and data for how forests help grow communities.

“We tend to view forests for the conservation values associated with them,” said Division of Forestry and Wildlife Administrator David Smith. “They also have great economic value, with urban forestry having a $64 billion footprint nationwide in 2017.”

The same report Smith quoted indicated urban forests support more than a half-million jobs. Another study found employees are more productive and less stressed when trees are nearby.

They also increase property values.

“Most importantly,” Green added, “is what trees provide for our environment. They make water cleaner by filtering pollutants and holding onto soil to reduce runoff into the ocean. Trees clean the air by filtering pollutants, and they capture carbon dioxide, which helps to mitigate climate change.”

Hawai‘i municipal trees store more than 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide, remove a net 3,340 tons of carbon dioxide each year and manage 35 million gallons of stormwater runoff each year.

The yearlong “Year of Our Community Forests” campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of community — and urban — forests while strengthening connections between people and these forests.