2 Big Island state land advisory councils seek applicants to fill vacant seats

Do you want to offer guidance to the state and federal government on issues related to management, research, education and public access of state lands on the Big Island?

If so, there are two opportunities available right now that might pique your interest.

The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, is accepting applications to fill seats on the Laupāhoehoe and Puʻuwaʻawaʻa advisory councils.

The Laupāhoehoe Advisory Council focuses on state lands in the Hāmākua District, specifically the Laupāhoehoe Natural Area Reserve and Forest Reserve, while the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Advisory Council is focused on state lands in North Kona, including the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve, Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Bird Sanctuary and Kīholo State Park Reserve.

Both councils consist of 14 members who represent interests that include cultural resources, natural resource management, recreation, education, community-at-large and scientific research.

All applicants should have an appropriate background in the category area for which they are applying, as well as an interest in representing community stakeholders related to their respective categories.

Members of each council serve a 2- or 3-year term.

Those interested in serving on either council are encouraged to apply.

Hard copy applications are available at the Division of Forestry and Wildlife offices in Hilo, located at 19 E. Kāwili St., and in Waimea, located at 66-1220A Lālāmilo Road.

To request a Laupāhoehoe Advisory Council application electronically, email to SM.FS.hetf@usda.gov. To receive a Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Advisory Council application electronically, contact Puʻuwaʻawaʻa coordinator Kaleohone Roback via email at kaleohone.k.roback@hawaii.gov.

For more information about either advisory council or the application process, contact Division of Forestry and Wildlife Branch Manager Steve Bergfeld at 808-974-4221.