Updated Rules Proposed for Hawai‘i Forest Reserve System

In light of evolving natural resource concerns and the needs of managers and people, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is proposing updates to rules regulating activities within Hawai‘i’s Forest Reserve System. DOFAW is now inviting input and comments.

Information hearings will be held across the state in April 2018.

Meetings will be held on the Big Island in Kona on Tuesday, April 24, and in Hilo on Wednesday, April 25 (see “MEETING SCHEDULE” below.

Each begins with an informational session starting at 4:30 p.m. DOFAW staff will be available to answer questions at stations organized by topic of interest, followed by hearings to present the proposed rule change and accept testimony.

The Forest Reserve System consists of 55 reserves across the state covering approximately 678,000 acres. Regulations for the system were first established in 1943 and the last comprehensive update was in 1993. Proposed changes and updates will allow DLNR to streamline and clarify existing rules, improve enforceability, and update allowed uses and activities based on conditions currently facing the forests and their users.

DLNR is offering many ways to engage in the process, including statewide public hearings, a website, and a downloadable guide. Information about the proposed changes to Chapter 13-104, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules, and the rule change process is available online. People can review the official proposed rule change document, view affected areas, and submit comments or questions. A user-friendly guide that explains proposed changes and how to participate is also available for download.

Hawai‘i Island Forest Reserve System. Image: DLNR

MEETING SCHEDULE

O‘ahu: Wednesday, April 18
Informational Session: 4:30–8 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6–8p.m.
Place: Kalanimoku Building, Room 132
1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu

Maui: Thursday, April 19
Informational Session: 4:30–8 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6–8p.m.
Place: Pāʻia Community Center
252 Hāna Highway, Pāʻia

Kaua‘i: Monday, April 23
Informational Session: 4:30–8 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6–8 p.m.
Place: Kaua‘i Veterans Center
3215 Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Highway, Līhue

Island of Hawai‘i (Kona): Tuesday, April 24
Informational Session: 4:30–8 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6–8 p.m.
Place: West Hawai‘i Civic Center–Community Meeting Hale
74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway., Kailua-Kona

Island of Hawai‘i (Hilo): Wednesday, April 25
Informational Session: 4:30–8 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6–8 p.m.
Place: Division of Forestry and Wildlife Conference Room
19 E. Kawili St., Hilo

Moloka‘i: Thursday, April 26
Informational Session: 4:30–8 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6–8 p.m.
Place: Mitchell Pauole Community Center Hall
90 Ainoa St., Kaunakakai

You are invited to attend the hearings and to present relevant information and opinions for DLNR’s consideration, either orally or in writing. Anyone unable to attend or wanting to provide additional comments can submit written testimony postmarked no later than, Friday, May 11, 2018:

1) By email to forestry@hawaii.gov

2) Online

3) By mail to the Forestry Program Manager at 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813

Hard copies of the proposed forest reserve rule changes are also available at the following DOFAW Offices:

Hawai‘i Branch Office
19 E. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720

Maui Branch Office
1955 Main St., Room 301, Wailuku, HI 96793

O‘ahu Administrative Office
1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813

Kaua‘i Branch Office
3060 Eiwa St., Room 306, LĪhue, HI 96766

A copy of the proposed forest reserve rule changes will be mailed, by written request to the Forestry Program Manager, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813.

Anyone requesting an auxiliary aid or service (i.e. large print materials, sign language interpreters) is asked to submit their request to the Forestry Program Manager, 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813, or through the Telecommunication Relay Service at 711 by April 11, 2018.