Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Task Force
MISSION: Develop strategies for the long-tenn managemen~ protection, and
utilization of the existing and potential forest resources of the Slate of Hawaii.
Jan
urum, Task Force Coordinator, 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 323
Honolulu, HI 96813
Ph: (808) 522-8233
Keith W. Ahue, Chai
FAX: (808) 522-8236
July 29, 1994
Dear Community Member:
The Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Task Force Is pleased to issue this Action Plan, wtth findings and
recommendations for rejuvenating Hawaii's forests. The 12 member Task Force represents a broad cross·
section of entities involved wtth Hawaii's forests, Including state and federal agencies, private landowners,
forestry experts, and conservation organizations.
The Action Plan reflects a year-long effort Involving community members, resource managers, researchers,
native Hawaiians, conservation organizations, and forest Industry representatives. The vision of this Action
Plan is displayed in nine guiding concepts and twenty-fiVe recommendations that call for:
• Informing and involving people regarding the planning and managing of Hawaii's forests;
• Working to establish a sustainable, balanced forestry program for Hawaii; and
• Intensifying research and stewardship activtties to support forest restoration, management, protection,
and use.
There Is no one lead agency or organization In Hawaii wrrh the au1hority or capability of implementing all
aspects of this comprehensive plan. Rather, affected agencies, organizations, and Individuals are
encouraged to fund and Implement the recommendations that fall within their responsibility. We are also
working wrrh Hawaii's congressional delegation to draft appropriate legislation to obtain federal funds to
Implement recommendations in the Action Plan.
The extensive public Involvement that was an integral part of this Task Force effort is expected to continue
wrrh the next step called for In the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act. In that step, the U.S. Secretary of
Agricunure will prepare a tropical forestry plan that includes establishment of a forestry center for study
of tropical forestry problems; acquisrrion or construction of facilrries for research, teaching, and housing;
study of biological control of nonnative species; and, upon the request of the.Governor,- establishment of
experimental forests In Hawaii.
·All members of the Task Force look forward to your continued Involvement in these Important efforts.
Sincerely,
Task Force Chairperson
Task Force Members:
Keith W. Ahue
J.W.A. Buyers
Ann E. Carey
Dr. Dennis Penn
Dr. Kenneth Y. Kaneshiro
Rick Scudder
Dr. Rob Shallenberger
Kelvin Take~
Charles Wakida
Michael T. Rains
Oswald Stender
Dr. Barbara Weber
Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery
Action Plan
July 1994
Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Task Force
Keith W. Ahue, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
J.W.A. Buyers, C.Brewer/Hawaii
Ann E. Carey, USDA Soil and Conservation Service
Dr. Dennis Fenn, USDJ National Park Service
Dr. Kenneth Kaneshiro, University of Hawaii
Michael Rains, USDA Forest Service
Rick Scudder, Conservation Council for Hawaii
Dr. Robert Shallenberger, USDI Fish and Wildlife Service
Oswald Stender, Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate
Kelvin Taketa, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii
Charles Wakida, Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Dr. Barbara Weber, USDA Forest Service
Jan Lerum, Task Force Coordinator
Task Force Mission:
Develop Strategies for the Long-term Management, Protection, and Utilization
of the Existing and Potential Forest Resources of the State of Hawaii.
CONTENTS
Foreword
iii
Acknowledgements
v
Introduction
vii
Executive Summary
ix
The Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act
The Task Force and Action Plan
Public Involvement
Hawaiian Values
State of the Forests
Proposed Action Plan Implementation Strategy and Budget
1
1
2
3
5
9
Summary of Guiding Concepts
11
Guiding Concept 1: Working Relationships
Recommendation 1: Working Relationships
Recommendation 2: Information Office
13
15
Guiding Concept 2: Traditional and Community Uses
Recommendation 3: Native Hawaiian
Recommendation 4: Local Community
17
19
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
Recommendation 5: Introduced Species
Recommendation 6: Native Forests and Threatened and Endangered Species
Recommendation 7: Game Management
Recommendation 8: Reforestation
Recommendation 9: Rural and Urban Forests
Recommendation 10: Fire Management
Recommendation 11: Hawaii's Endangered Species Act
39
41
Guiding Concept 4: Incentives
Recommendation 12: Right to Harvest
Recommendation 13: Tax Assessments
43
45
Guiding Concept 5: Training and Education
Recommendation 14: Training and Education
Recommendation 15: Center for Tropical Forests
47
49
21
25
29
31
35
CONTENTS
Guiding Concept 6:
Recommendation
Recommendation
Recommendation
Research and Demonstration
16: Research
17: Experimental Forests
18: Demonstration Forests
51
55
59
Guiding Concept 7: Planning, Inventories, and Monitoring
Recommendation 19: Forest Management Plans
Recommendation 20: Forest Inventories
Recommendation 21: Monftoring
65
67
Guiding Concept 8: Economic Development
Recommendation 22: Sustainable Commercial Forests
69
63
Guiding Concept 9: Innovative Funding
Recommendation 23: Watershed Management Programs
Recommendation 24: Carbon Sequestration
Recommendation 25: Grants Program
77
Appendix 1:
Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act
1-1
73
75
Appendixes 2a and 2b: Separate Volumes
Working Group Papers
ii
Appendix 3:
Hawaiian Words
3-1
Appendix 4:
Matrix of Current or Potentially Involved Agencies and Organizations
4-1
FOREWORD
We of Hawai'i, in the most fundamental of ways, call ourselves
'kama'aina; "children of the land: Ours is
a way fragile and vulnerable, even as are the forests, wet and dry, the water ways, on the surface and
beneath il, and the oceans, near shore and pelagic.
We are filled with wonder, when we learn a new lesson from a venerated kumu or a cherished kupuna.
We are filled with wonder when we go into the forest and Jearn something for ourselves that the elders
knew all along. We are filled with wonder by what we see of the natural order around us.
We are not always filled with wonder in the marvelous sense, however. There are those among us who
have become hurt and cynical when, directly or indirectly, we know that our government has strayed
from pono as managers of our natural and cultural resources. And we wonder, 'Why?• There are those
among us who have become hurt and cynical when, directly or indirectly, we visit a familiar place and the
ho'okipa no longer embraces us. And we wonder, 'Why?'
'Why?' when our land base has long been recognized as a precious and cherished thing. We divide it
most fundamentally into the wao akua, the dominion of the gods, and wao kanaka, the dominion of man.
For social, economic, and political purposes, the ahupua'a was devised and serves us still.
The ahupua'a offers us a marvelous interpretive and management tool. We can Jearn of the history of
cultures, natural resources, economies, and management through our study of ahupua'a. The classical
Jesson is that resources management is nothing new and that the interconnectedness of the clouds, the
forests, the fishponds, the seas, and kiinaka has long been recognized.
As the interconnectedness of the natural order was recognized, so was the interconnectedness of
the community of kiinaka. The chiefs and the farmers, the healers and the fisher-folk, na kupuna and
nii 'opio, lofty born--lowly born, men--women, every individual was a meaningful component of the whole.
Protocol governed divisions of labor and the well-being of the whole. Pono prevailed.
And so, the formation of the Task Force and the work of the working groups causes some of us to be
hopeful. We are full of the hope that the ahupua'a will take its rightful place as a model for integrated
planning and an interpretive tool lor sharing the cuttural and natural histories of the islands; that a protocol
may evolve which shall welcome tenant and landowner, environmentalist and hunter, bureaucrat and
citizen, equally to the table or the forest. We are full of hope that 'E mau ke ea o ka'aina i ka pono. •
-Hannah Kihalani Springer
Ka'iipUJehu, Hawai'i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Task Force thanks all participants in the working groups, public meetings, and field trips for contributing
their time, enthusiasm, and dedication to Hawaii's forests.
Special thanks to working group chairmen and assistants responsible for additional efforts in bringing the
working group papers to completion: Eugene Conrad and Duane Stevens, Working Group 1; Brooks Harper
and Nancy Glover, Working Group 2; David Boynton, Kealii Pang, and Annette Kaohelaulii, Working Group 3;
Mike Robinson, Working Group 4; Roben Merriam and Mark Smaa/ders, Working Group 5; and
Scott Hamilton, Working Group 6.
Support of the tremendous effort associated with the Task Force was due to the diligence of many staff
people. Jackie Ford of USDA Forest Service coordinated travel arrangements, meeting and field trip logistics,
and Lois Kimoto coordinated copy editing and printing. Marsha Johnson and Jolene Lau of USDA Soil
Conservation Service provided graphic design services.
Meetings and field trips were facilitated by staff of the Center lor Alternative Dispute Resolution, including
Dee Dee Letts, assistant director; Peter Adler; Dorothee Auldridge; John Bay; Kathy Bryant; Linda Colburn;
Alice Paet-AhSing; Cheryl Ramos; and Claud Sutcliffe. The Lyon Arboretum and C. Brewer/Hawaii made
meeting rooms available for the Task Force effort.
Field trips on Kauai were coordinated by Ed Petteys, Kauai District Division of Forestry and Wildlife and
staff, with participation by Kate Reinard, Kokee Museum, David Boynton, Department of Education, and
Garden Isle Resource, Conservation and Development members. Field trips on Oahu were led by Lorilei
Elkins, Hawaii Nature Center, and Lance Bookless and Ron Cannarel/a, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
Field trips on Molokai were coordinated by Wes Wong, Maul District Division of Forestry and Wildlife and
staff, Myrle Flores, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Ed Misaki, The Nature Conservancy. Field trips on Maui
were coordinated by Wes Wong and staff. Field trips on Hawaii were coordinated by Charles Wakida,
Hawaii District Division of Forestry and Wildlife and staff, and Peter Simmons, Kamehameha Schools/Bishop
Estate, with participation by Dan Taylor, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
A cadre of Task Force members or their representatives reviewed and synthesized information for the
Action Plan. The cadre members were: Michael Buck and Ron Cannarella, Division of Forestry and Wildlife;
Eugene Conrad, USDA Forest Service; Dr. John Dennis, USDI National Park Service; Brooks Harper, USDI
Fish and Wildlife Service; Dr. Kenneth Kaneshiro, University of Hawaii; Jan Lerum, Task Force; Len Newell,
USDA Forest Service; Audrey Newman, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii; Peter Simmons, Kamehameha
Schools/Bishop Estate; Charles Wakida, Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife; and Larry Yamamoto,
USDA Soil Conservation Service.
Two Task Force members retired during the duration of the process and are to be recognized for their
contributions: David Olsen, USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, and Dr. Eldon Ross, USDA Forest Service.
v
INTRODUCTION
"Hahai no ka ua i ka u/ufii 'au."
Rains always follow the forest.
--'Oielo No'eau
Ancient Hawaiian proverb
The Hawaiian islands--an isolated archipelago with high mountains, tropical climate, and abundant rainfall,
provided a remarkable opportunity for the first plant and animal visitors that arrived on its shores. Together
these plants and animals grew over thousands of years to form complex ecosystems of great beauty.
The native Hawaiian forests represent one of our planet's treasures, including lowland and montane rain
forests and some of the world's most unique examples of tropical biodiversity, much of it endangered.
These were the first stakeholders for Hawaii's forests.
The early Polynesian settlers brought plants and animals with them for food and medicinal use on their
long discovery voyage to Hawaii over a thousand years ago. They quickly learned about and used forest
resources for clothing, medicine, shelter, and as part of their culture. Although they impacted the lowland
forests, they understood the rains always follow the forests--without the rains, there is no water, and with
no water, there is no life. The second stakeholders for Hawaii's forests.
The advent of Europeans brought more impact and different stakeholders for Hawaii's forests. The fragrant
heartwood of the sandalwood tree resulted in the islands' first cash crop. Cattle were introduced to the
islands in 1794. The damage to the forest brought by the sandalwood trade was substantial but insignificant
in comparison to the damage wrought by the cattle and other animals who multiplied unchecked and
spread throughout the forest. Hawaii's forests were also used to fuel local households, sugar mills, and
even traveled as railroad ties to California. Rains still followed the forests, but the forests were disappearing.
In the late 1890s, the sugar industry and the growing population of Hawaii realized that their abundant
supply of high-quality water was being threatened by the destruction of the forested mountain watersheds.
They began to understand the proverb and became stakeholders for Hawaii's forests. Forest reserves
were established and fenced, damaging animals were removed, and millions of trees were planted-trees from all over the world. Rains always follow the forest.
vii
It seems appropriate that a hundred years later in the 1990s, as Hawaii's sugar industry is downsizing,
that we look again to our forests. Potential stakeholders are considering creating new forests on these
sugar lands where forests once existed hundreds of years ago. These forests can create jobs, provide
increased recreational opportunities for both our local community members and visitors, and include a
range of forest products that allow for a diversification of economic opportunities that are attractive and
viable for both small and large landowners.
The list of stakeholders continues to grow today--different ages, cultures, and expectations. They all have
opinions, passions, and hopes for what is best for Hawaii's forests. What will bring together the subsistence
hunter, the bowl turner, the lei maker, the logger, the bird watcher, the scientist, and the hiker. They all
understand that Hawaii's forests contain the vitality of the islands--its beauty, its culture, its magic.
This plan represents the largest public outreach ever undertaken to develop consensus actions needed
to recover, manage, and enhance Hawaii's tropical forests. It is hoped these recommendations reflect
the diverse hopes and collective knowledge of all the stakeholders for Hawaii's forests--past, present,
and future.
viii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The charge of the Task Force, as stated in the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act, is to issue findings
and recommendations for rejuvenating Hawaii's forests. Under terms of the act, the Task Force has twelve
members, representing a broad cross section of entities involved with Hawaii's forests, including state
and federal agencies, private landowners, forestry experts, and conservation organizations.
This Action Plan reflects a year-long effort involving community members, resource managers, researchers,
native Hawaiians, conservation organizations, and forest industry representatives. The vision of this Action
Plan is displayed in nine guiding concepts and twenty-five recommendations that call for:
•
Informing and involving people regarding the planning and managing of Hawaii's forests;
•
Working to establish a sustainable, balanced forestry program for Hawaii, including both native
forests and introduced forests, to provide the people of Hawaii with the tangible and intangible
forest values they need and desire; and
•
Intensifying forest stewardship by managing and protecting native forests, managing introduced
species, restoring threatened and endangered species, and learning new information about
the forests to continue their restoration, management, and protection.
In addition to the three points of the vision behind the Action Plan, the Task Force recognizes that periodic
monitoring of the effectiveness of natural resource management and conservation projects is crrtical to
the long-term recovery of Hawaii's forests.
The Task Force acknowledges the request to incorporate the Hawaiian perspective into the Action Plan
and let it permeate throughout its implementation. Many Hawaiian cultural ideals regarding appropriate
thinking and action are ideally suited to assist in the stewardship of Hawaiian forests. The reader should
be mindful of the Hawaiian concepts of ho'okaulike, balance; and aloha 'iiina, to understand and appreciate
the interdependence of humanity and the environment, when interpreting management actions. Recognizing
there will be competing and sometimes conflicting desires for Hawaii's forests, when other uses are
competing or incompatible with traditional native Hawaiian uses, every effort should be made to sensitively
address and incorporate cultural concerns and perspectives.
There is no one lead agency or organization in Hawaii with the authority or capability of implementing all
aspects of this comprehensive plan. Rather, affected agencies, organizations, and individuals are
encouraged to implement the recommendations that fall within their responsibility. The Task Force believes
the only feasible way to fully fund and implement the Action Plan is to continue to build upon the cooperative
nature and spirit of the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Task Force and all its participants.
ix
THE HAWAII TROPICAL FOREST RECOVERY ACT
The Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act was proposed by Senator Daniel Akaka and passed by Congress
in September 1992. It calls lor a joint effort between the Governor of Hawaii and the U.S. Secretaries of
Agriculture and Interior to address the problems and opportunities facing Hawaii's forests.
Hawaii's forests cover about two million acres or about half of the land area of the state. About one million
acres, or half the forested land, are in private ownership. The production of high-quality water is one of
the most important aspects of these forested lands; healthy forested watersheds are the primary recharge
area for the state's major streams and underground aquifers. Many other values are provided by Hawaii's
forests, including scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and job opportunities.
The Task Force and Action Plan
Congress created the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Task Force to study the current issues related
to Hawaii's forests and to submit findings and recommendations for rejuvenating those forests in the
form of an Action Plan, no later than one year from the first Task Force meeting. This document is that
Action Plan.
The Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Task Force has twelve members. Under terms of the act, the members
represent a broad cross section of entities involved with Hawaii's forests, including state and federal agencies,
private landowners, forestry experts, and conservation organizations.
Governor John Waihee appointed seven members to represent the State of Hawaii: Keith W. Ahue, Hawaii
Department of Land and Natural Resources; J. W.A. Buyers, C. Brewer/Hawaii; Dr. Kenneth Kaneshiro,
University of Hawaii at Manoa; Rick Scudder, Conservation Council for Hawaii; Oswald Stender, Kamehameha
Schools/Bishop Estate; Kelvin Taketa, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii; Charles Wakida, Hawaii Division
of Forestry and Wildlife.
The U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior named five Task Force members: Ann E. Carey, USDA
Soil Conservation Service; Dr. Dennis Fenn, USDI National Park Service; Dr. Robert Shallenberger, USDI
Fish and Wildlife Service; Michael Rains, USDA Forest Service; and Dr. Barbara Weber, USDA Forest
Service.
The Task Force met on July 30, 1993 in Honolulu to begin planning for the future of Hawaii's forests.
The internal organization of the Task Force, components of the Action Plan, and a project timeline were
determined at that first meeting. In addrtion, a Task Force mission statement was created:
'To develop strategies for the long-term management, protection, and utilization
of existing and potential forest resources of the State of Hawaii. •
1
Public Involvement
The Task Force saw its role as consutting with the broadest possible range of community members to
solicit ideas and recommendations about the current sttuation and future opportunities for Hawaii's forests
and the people that use and value the forests.
The Task Force turned to many of those who know about Hawaii's forest and wildlife and invited them to
participate in six working groups. Over a hundred people across Hawaii, including community members,
resource managers, researchers, native Hawaiians, conservation organizations, and forest industry
representatives actively participated in the working groups and contributed to position papers on the
following topics:
1. Training, Inventory and Research;
2.
Natural Resource Management and Applied Research;
3. Traditional/Public Uses and Participation;
4.
Economic Development;
5.
Institutions, Planning, Legal, and Legislative Support; and
6.
Hawaii's International Role.
Each working group met an average of four times between November 1993 and February 1994; a total of
over thirteen hundred hours were spent by working group members on the position papers. Those working
group papers were distributed to over two hundred people and made available to the public at libraries
throughout the state. The Task Force recognizes the working group papers as documents that stand on
their own and have included them in their entirety as an appendix to this Action Plan.
The Task Force continued in its efforts to solicit the broadest possible range of ideas and recommendations
about Hawaii's forests by conducting a series of evening open houses and day field trips on the islands
of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii in March 1994. Over 150 community members attended those
sessions to share their thoughts with the Task Force on the management, protection, and use of Hawaii's
forests.
Over eight hundred copies of the draft Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Action Plan were distributed in
May and June 1994 throughout the state for public review and comment. Public comment meetings on
the draft Action Plan were held in June on the islands of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. In addition to the comments
from the public meetings, approximately forty written comments were received on the draft Action Plan.
This Action Plan was developed by the Task Force after careful consideration and extensive discussion
of information from the working group papers, public meetings, and written comments on the draft. In
response to comments made on the draft, the plan was revised to include additional information and
new recommendations.
2
Hawaiian Values
The Task Force wishes to acknowledge the recommendations of Working Group 3 (Traditional/Public
Uses and Participation) which requested the Task Force to incorporate the Hawaiian perspective into the
Action Plan and let it permeate throughout its implementation. Many Hawaiian cultural ideals regarding
appropriate thinking and action are ideally suited to assist in the stewardship of Hawaiian forests.
An all-encompassing vision of the group is ho'olokahi, to bring about unity and harmony among humanity,
nature, and spiritual forces. The Task Force asks that the reader evaluate the Action Plan using Hawaiian
values such as laulima, to work cooperatively; lokomaika'i, to share; 'imi 'ike, to seek knowledge, and
na'au pono, to possess a deep sense of integrity which fosters positive relationships. The reader should
also be mindful of the Hawaiian concepts of ho'okaulike, balance; and aloha 'ii/na, to understand and
appreciate the interdependence of humanity and the environment when interpreting management actions.
Sections of the forest are designated as wao akua, dominion of the gods, and other sections are wao
kiinaka, dominion of man, each having different activities, function and growth. It is important that we are
sensitive and ha'aha'a, humble, for Hawaiians recognized and respected a divine spirit in all things.
Recognizing that there will be competing and sometimes conflicting desires for Hawaii's forests, the Task
Force believes that when other uses are competing or incompatible with traditional native Hawaiian uses,
every effort should be made to sensitively address and incorporate cultural concerns and perspectives.
Ceded Lands
When Hawaii was annexed in 1898, the Republic of Hawaii ceded approximately 1. 75 million acres of
Government and Crown Lands to the United States. In 1959, Hawaii became a state; upon admission,
the Government and Crown Lands were transferred to the State of Hawaii, and the state assumed the
role of trustee (Native Hawaiian Rights Handbook 1991). The issue of ceded lands in Hawaii is extremely
important and remains unresolved. It is especially relevant as the majority of state-owned forest reserves
and natural area reserves are within the ceded land trust. All proposals relating to the uses of Hawaii's
forests should recognize that there is a call from some in the Hawaiian community to place a moratorium
on disbursement, reclassification, and development of ceded lands. The Task Force recommends that
native Hawaiian cultural values and sensitivities be incorporated into all discussions and decision making
regarding ceded lands.
Hawaii Constitutional Amendment
In 1978, Hawaii's State Constitution was amended by Hawaii's voters. Among the sections approved was
Article XII, Section 7: "The State reaffirms and shall protect all rights customarily and traditionally exercised
for subsistence, cultural and religious purposes and possessed by ahupua'a tenants who are descendants
of native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, subject to the right of the State to
regulate such rights•.
3
Kaual
velhaU
Oahu
Molokal
Honolulu
~
Maul
Lana~
Forest Distribution in
Hawaii
•
Forested Lands
N
0
This map was prepared from the
State of Hawaii Geographic
Information System.
July 1994
4
Kahoolawe<:::::l
Hawaii
STATE OF THE FORESTS
An evaluation of the current state of Hawaii's forests is necessary to develop effective recommendations
for their future use, management, and protection. The Hawaiian forest today is vastly different from its
original state, and a historical perspective is needed to understand how these forests have changed
through human use and to determine what future stewardship activities are needed.
Today, Hawaii has the eleventh largest state-owned forest and natural area reserve system (700, 000
acres) in the United States. This is augmented by a similar acreage of forest land in private ownership,
and an additionai150,000 acres within federal jurisdiction (national parks, national wildlife refuges, military
training areas). The forest reserves and much of the watershed within the conservation districts are in
good hydrologic condition. Hawaii's long-standing policy of watershed protection has resulted in dramatic
improvements from the degraded conditions that prevailed at the turn of the century. Management activities,
such as protective zoning, fencing, removal or control of feral animals, reforestation, and fire protection
have reduced excessive erosion and loss of vegetative cover.
In spite of these achievements, much work is still needed. The increased demand for forest recreation,
conflicting user groups, and insensitivity to local community and native Hawaiian cultural concerns have
resulted in emotional, and at times divisive, debates over forest land use practices. In some mountain
areas outside of the forest reserves, watersheds are deteriorating as a result of the removal of forest
cover, encouraged by land speculation and property tax structure that encourages forest conversion to
pasture. The costs of managing watersheds are not considered in the sale or use of the water resource.
Population growth resulting in increased residential developments, and improved access to wildlands has
increased the potential for wildfire, placing public safety and resources at risk.
Native ecosystems are degraded by invasive noxious weeds and feral animals. Many native forest birds
continue to decline at an alarming rate. As many as a dozen endangered birds are close to the brink of
extinction, and numerous other species are declining in numbers and range. Hawaii will have over 180
plants listed on the federal endangered species list by 1995. A critically important element of native ecosystem
protection is the prevention and control of new introductions of invasive plants, animals, and insects that
also are causing major economic damage to Hawaii's agricultural industry. Existing weed control efforts
to limit new introductions and control existing infestations are not adequate. International traffic to Hawaii
from areas that harbor potential pests offer new threats such as the brown tree snake, which has decimated
bird populations on other Pacific islands.
Current opportunities for forest enhancement are restricted by erratic and insufficient funding for forest
management on public lands, regulatory disincentives for long-term investments and stewardship on
private forest lands, and lack of appreciation for the overall contribution of Hawaii's forests to its people.
5
State forest reserve lands include deteriorating forests that need to be rejuvenated. Former agricultural
lands that have been added to forest reserves need to be reforested. Significant areas of private lands
that are currently used for other purposes have the potential for reforestation and management as forests,
if property tax laws are changed and private landowner's concerns about potential loss of property rights
are addressed. Significant acreage of former mountain forests currently used for pasture offer the best
opportunity for restoration of native forest.
The downsizing of Hawaii's sugar and pineapple industry opens up thousands of acres of high-quality
former forest land with excellent potential for commercial production that could be created by private
investment. Additional benefits of forests including nature tourism, ability to recycle sewage effluent, and
capacity to mitigate global warming through carbon storage have not been realized to date.
Hawaii has had a historical commitment to manage its forest resources that extends back into the late
1800s. This commitment was buitt on a broad consensus among public and private entities that our forests
were valuable to the economic, social and environmental vitality of the islands. These forest values have
become more important over the past 100 years and it is time to renew that cooperative commitment to
ensure that future generations will enjoy the benefits of Hawaii's forests.
History of Hawaii's Forests
The extent and diversity of Hawaii's original forests must have amazed its first Polynesian visitors. Forests
were the dominant vegetation on all the main Hawaiian islands, especially on the mountain slopes receiving
moisture from the trade winds. Only in the high alpine zone, new lava flows, and the driest part of the
leeward lowlands were forests not absent. Forests hugged the oceans along the wet windward coasts
and climbed the mountain slopes through transitions of lowland and montane rain forests to open park-like
forests up to 8,000 feet on the highest islands. Sparser coastal forests on the leeward side graded into
diverse dryland and montane tropical forests as they ascended the mountain slopes.
By the time of Captain James Cook's arrival in the Hawaiian islands in 1778, the original forests, especially
in the lowlands, had been greatly altered by over 1,000 years of intensive agricutture and certain introduced
plants and animals brought by the Hawaiians. With European contact, these impacts and changes
accelerated dramatically and spread into the mountain forests with new agricultural and forest uses,
increased population pressures, and the introduction of more damaging plants and animals that multiplied
unchecked throughout the forests.
Water has long been recognized as the most important resource of Hawaii's forest lands as mountain
watersheds are the primary source of water for the islands' urban, industrial, and agricultural areas. In
1892, a Bureau of Agriculture and Forestry was established. The Legislature of Hawaii, with the support
of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association, passed a bill in 1903 calling for a Division of Forestry, which
had the authority to establish forest reserves for the protection of springs, streams, and other water
supply sources.
6
The first decade (1904-13) saw the establishment of thirty-seven forest reserves totalling nearly 800,000
acres of state and private land. A primary management goal was the exclusion of livestock from the native
forests. The program was expanded in 1907 by a hunting license program to enlist the help of the general
public. Along with the fencing and elimination of feral livestock came tree planting and fire control programs.
Reforestation began before 1900 in the valleys behind Honolulu and reached a peak during 1935-41 ,
when an average of nearly two million introduced trees were planted annually in the forest reserves.
Wildlife management programs grew as well. In 1917, bird, animal, and plant life were protected on several
islands off Oahu and Molokai, beginning the present system of wildlife sanctuaries and refuges. The early
1920s saw the introduction of pheasants and rainbow trout for sporting purposes. The first endangered
species project began in 1928, initiated to restore the Hawaiian nene goose.
By the advent of World War II, the forest reserve system included 25 percent (1.2 million acres) of the
land area of Hawaii. Most severely eroding areas had been reforested, and feral livestock numbers were
at manageable levels. Water was still the most important product of the forest reserves, but their potential
to provide other benefits became recognized. Mechanization of agriculture had led to labor surpluses on
the neighbor islands, the need for a more diversified industrial base, and increased rural employment
opportunities. The rapidly growing local demand tor lumber led to the possibilities of a small forest products
industry. In 1957, forestry legislation passed which authorized the Territory of Hawaii to establish a forest
survey and research program in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. The 1950s also saw the
introduction or establishment of several new species of game birds, deer, and mouflon sheep for recreational
hunting.
The 1960s saw a renewed tree planting program, with over seven million seedlings planted during the
decade. In 1961, a greenbelt law established two new land use categories; •urban• and •agricultural', and
included the forest reserves, along with other lands, in •conservation districts•. This act reflected a growing
awareness that the limited resources of Hawaii must be used in environmentally sound ways. The laws
did not change prior legislation but extended the powers of the state to influence the manner in which
both public and private lands within the conservation districts be used.
The concern about Hawaii's unique natural ecosystems led to the establishment of a statewide Natural
Area Reserve System (NARS) in 1970. A similar concern for Hawaii's endangered plants and animals led
to the passage of 'Conservation of Aquatic Life, Wildlife and Land Plants• legislation in 1985. There has
been increased funding and attention for native ecosystem and species protection programs at both the
state and federal levels over the last 1o years.
7
8
PROPOSED ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND BUDGET
It is the hope of the Task Force that with the continued energy and commitment of all people that care
about Hawaii's forests, this Action Plan will guide change, work for the people of the state, and help sustain
the biological, cultural, and economic resources of Hawaii's forests.
In response to questions about what is needed to implement the Action Plan, and the estimated cost,
this proposed five-year strategy and preliminary budget were developed. It is hoped that this proposal
would be used in drafting the upcoming Tropical Forest Plan to be prepared by the U.S. Secretary of
Agriculture. Development of the implementation strategy was based on the following premises:
1.
There is no single lead agency or organization in Hawaii with the authority or capability to implement
all aspects of this comprehensive plan. Rather, the affected agencies, organizations, and individuals
are encouraged to implement the recommendations that fall within their responsibility. The Task
Force believes the only feasible way to fully fund and implement the Action Plan is to further build
upon the cooperative nature and spirit of the Task Force and all its participants.
2.
Implementation actions should strive to enhance efforts already underway within Hawaii, through
cooperative partnerships between willing agencies and landowners, whenever possible.
3.
The recovery of Hawaiian forests is dependent, in part, on the establishment of one or more
experimental forests; such forests will meet their intended purposes only if they are accompanied
by appropriate research and training facilities. No costs for facitilities were included in this proposed
budget. It is expected those costs will be analyzed in the upcoming Tropical Forestry Plan.
4.
New forest investment monies dedicated to implement the Action Plan should be matched by means
of cost-sharing contracts and incentive grants. It is hoped that new federal funds will provide the
seed money for this to occur.
5.
This proposed implementation budget does not reflect the funding of all the recommendations in
the Action Plan. Individual agencies, organizations, and individuals should strive to achieve their
own base funding objectives, in part, by citing the appropriate Task Force recommendations.
Five implementation staff positions are recommended: project coordinator, forest planner, information
coordinator, contract manager, and support services. The project coordinator would supervise all positions
and report to an adVisory group from the cooperating and contributing entities involved with the Task
Force. Action Plan implementation would be organized around three major areas: Forest Resources;
Forest Partnerships; and Experimental/Demonstration Forests.
The Forest Resources Office would coordinate community and forest management planning activities,
run the forest information office, and help conduct and organize the forest inventories and monitoring
9
activities called for in the Plan (recommendations 1, 2, 15, 19, 20, 21, 23). The forest planner and information
coordinator would work in this area.
The Forest Partnership Office would handle the grants program and coordinate all cost-sharing and incentive
contracts for both the state and federal agencies within the scope of the Action Plan (recommendations
3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 22, 25). The contract manager would work in this area.
The Experimental/Demonstration Forests Office would help establish and coordinate efforts affiliated with
the forests (recommendations 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 21).
Under this proposal, the five-year budget is organized around these three functional areas and is based
on 50/50 matching grants (federal/state-private) for cost-share activities, and 75/25 (federal/state-private)
for incentive contracts. It is hoped that it will be in the mutual benefit of federal, state, and private entities
to willingly contribute either directly or with in-kind services to the program to optimize new federal funds
received for the program. A subtitle "Hawaii Forest Recovery Enhancement Act" has been drafted for
possible appropriations in the reauthorization of the 1995 Federal Farm Bill.
Table 1: Proposed Action Plan Implementation Budget by Funding Source (1 ,000 dollars)
Funding Source
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Total
Federal
2,191.3
3,140.0
3,177.5
3,127.5
2,465.0
14,101.0
State-Private
1,493.8
2,175.0
2,162.5
2,112.5
1,625.0
9,569.0
3,685.0
5,315.0
5,340.0
5,240.0
4,090.0
23,670.0
Total
Table 2: Proposed Action Plan Implementation Budget by Project Area (1 ,000 dollars)
Project Area
Year 1
Year 3
Year 4
Resources Office
950.0
1,350.0
1,350.0
1,350.0
1,350.0
5,850.0
Partnership Office
1,875.0
2,975.0
3,000.0
2,800.0
2,250.0
12,900.0
Exper/Demo Forest
500.0
700.0
700.0
800.0
700.0
3,400.0
Staff and Office
360.0
290.0
290.0
290.0
290.0
1,520.0
3,685.0
5,315.0
5,340.0
5,240.0
4,090.0
23,670.0
Total
Year 2
Year 5
Total
Note: Assumptions are 100% of staff and office expenses provided by federal funds. Federal/state cost~sharing calculated as 75%/25%
for incentive grants and 50%/50% for other program activities. Costs for experimental/demonstration forests do not include costs for
construction of facilities, which should be estimated during the development of the Tropical Forestry Plan, to follow this Action Plan.
10
SUMMARY OF GUIDING CONCEPTS
The guiding concepts of this Action Plan were developed by the Task Force based on the many similar
themes and ideas raised in the working group papers, field trips and meetings. These nine guiding concepts
serve as an umbrella to the twenty-five specific recommendations included in this Action Plan to meet the
intent of the Task Force's mission statement:
'To develop strategies for the long-term management, protection, and utilization
of existing and potential forest resources of the State of Hawaii.'
Guiding Concept 1: Working Relationships
Mechanisms that encourage greater cooperation and coordination to more fully manage, protect, and
use the forests of Hawaii are needed, This increased coilaboration is needed among all interests on all
ownerships for the forests. Addressing natural resource management issues on a larger, landscape level
will help meet forest health and sustainability goals islandwide.
Guiding Concept 2: Traditional and Community Uses
Traditional uses and cultural concerns of native Hawaiians and members of the local community should
be respected and appropriately accommodated. Establish a sensitivity towards the rights, responsibilities,
and practices of the indigenous culture of Hawaii and to the values and concerns of local community
members.
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
Emphasize stewardship of Hawaii's forest resources by expanding existing programs to control introduced
pest species and prevent the entry of new pests to Hawaii; restoring native forests and creating habitat
for threatened and endangered species; assisting private landowners of rural and urban forests; reforesting;
managing game; and managing fire.
Guiding Concept 4: Incentives
Develop an aggressive incentive system to help manage, protect, and use Hawaii's forests. If private
landowners cannot see a long-term, consistent policy, they are unlikely to invest any resources in forest
recovery. Review federal, state, and local statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements that affect Hawaii's
public and private forests and make recommendations that will increase incentives and remove disincentives
regarding forest management
11
Guiding Concept 5: Training and Education
Enhance, expand, and integrate capabilities of training and education programs focused on conservation
and natural resource management. There is a need to offer locally focused, locally available education so
the people of Hawaii can assume leadership roles in charting the future of Hawaii's forests. Support a
Center for Tropical Forests to serve as a focal point and catalyst for coordination of forest-related efforts;
be a tangible place for information sharing and education; and be multiagency in scope.
Guiding Concept 6: Research and Demonstration
Conduct research to improve understanding of the diverse environmental, cultural, and economic values
of Hawaii's forests. To support research and technology; transfer, develop and operate a network of
experimental and demonstration forests to develop and test methods for ensuring the recovery and
environmental and economic sustainability of Hawaii's forests. Before cooperative agreements are developed
to establish experimental forests, legal issues concerning administration of the experimental forests and
local, state, federal, and native Hawaiian rights should be addressed.
Guiding Concept 7: Planning, Inventories, and Monitoring
Develop, conduct, and maintain muttiresource inventories and monitoring programs of Hawaii's natural
and commercial forests. There is a particular need to gather data in a muttiresource format, and to design
inventory systems that will permit efficient updating. Also critical is the need to develop a centralized
system to coordinate and integrate resource information from the various agencies and organizations
that collect resource data.
Guiding Concept 8: Economic Development
Support and expand the forest products industry and create sustainable, commercial forests to promote
economic development and diversification within the state. Actions considered instrumental to this guiding
concept include management for sustainability of all forest resources and assurance of the right to use.
Guiding Concept 9: Innovative Funding
Encourage new funding for forest-related projects and programs. Innovative funding sources, such as
revenues from water yields and carbon sequestration, would permit forests to sustainably pay for their
upkeep. A multiagency grants program, whereby funds would be jointly raised, administered, and distributed,
would be in keeping with the cooperative spirit of those with overlapping interests in Hawaii's forests.
12
Guiding Concept 1: Working Relationships
RECOMMENDATION 1: Using a partnership-based, ecosystem management approach, develop
a comprehensive management, protection, and utilization strategy for the forest resources
of Hawaii.
FINDINGS:
Mechanisms that encourage greater cooperation and coordination to more fully manage, protect, and
use forests (forest stewardship) are needed. This increased collaboration is needed among all interests
on all ownerships for the forests. Addressing natural resource management issues on a larger, ecosystem
level will help meet forest health and sustainability goals islandwide.
Meeting specific forest stewardship objectives for private, state, and federal landowners, and the protection
of private property rights are fundamental to the planning and management process.
Local community members have expressed interest in participating in the planning and management of
Hawaii's forests. Partnerships involving local communities, government, private sector, and private
organizations should be established to contribute to the development of feasible and community-supported
forest management strategies.
Current resources at the federal and state levels are not adequate to meet Hawaii's forest stewardship
needs. Developing coalitions is essential. Effective long-term partnerships with communities and the private
sector, developed through communication, compromise, trust, and mutual aid, will help plan for and manage
healthy forest ecosystems necessary to meet public needs.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Long-term forest stewardship, based on specific local needs, results in healthy, productive forest ecosystems.
The overall management, protection, and utilization strategies of Hawaii's forests are developed through
a comprehensive, ecosystem management planning process. Stewardship goals meet forest biodiversity
and sustainability objectives and seek more effective opportunities for public use of the forest, including
recreation, hunting, harvesting, and the creation of markets for forest products.
Partnerships involving local communities, government, private sector, and private organizations help
contribute to the development of realistic, cost-effective forest resource management strategies.
Information about Hawaii's forest resource is compiled, analyzed, and evaluated to help focus stewardship
goals and objectives. This information is monitored and evaluated over time. A Geographic Information
System (GIS) is actively used as a valuable information management tool to help address land use conflicts
and develop innovative planning solutions. A corporate information management system of required
information, technology, and processes is critical to the state's resource stewardship needs.
13
State Forest Resource Planning assistance, a USDA Forest Service program, is instrumental in helping
Hawaii develop a comprehensive forest resource management strategy. This capability will also help
forge the partnerships required to ensure effective communication and coordination.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Where appropriate, develop regional or islandwide "forest partnership working groups" (or other
advisory groups as needed) to help develop forest stewardship strategies. A key focus of the groups
will be community understanding of and involvement in forest resource management issues, part
of an overall strategy of community-based planning.
2.
Convene a "Governor's Conference on Forest Stewardship" to identify high-priority forest resource
management issues facing the state within a year of the issuance of this Action Plan. This conference
will act to monitor accomplishments and update the Hawaii Tropical Forestry Recovery Action Plan.
3.
Recruit and fill a State Forest Resource Planning position in the Hawaii Division of Forestry and
Wildlife. This position should focus on:
4.
a)
Coordination of the Hawaii Tropical Forestry Recovery Action Plan;
b)
Development of partnerships and coalitions; and
c)
Update the existing State Forest Resource Plan (see action item 4).
Using the input from the 'Governor's Conference" and the "forest partnership working groups• as a
catalyst, update and revitalize the current State Forest Resource Plan, using ecosystem management
approaches and concepts.
4.
Develop legislative language in the Forestry Title of the 1995 Farm Bill to adequately authorize
federal assistance for the enhancement of Hawaii's tropical forests.
5.
Implement an integrated, statewide forest resource information management system and locate
it in the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife or some other mutually-agreed-to entity. A
Geographic Information System component will be important technology for this system (see
recommendation 20).
14
Guiding Concept 1: Working Relationships
RECOMMENDATION 2: Develop and conduct a balanced and objective Information program that
addresses all aspects of Hawaii's forests and incorporates Hawaiian concepts, such as
ahupua'a-based stewardship and information about native Hawaiian rights, through an
information office that provides support and guidance to existing and new environmental
education programs.
FINDINGS:
There is no existing, single source of forest -related information in the state. There is a need to provide
objective, factual information about programs necessary to protect, maintain, and use Hawaii's forests.
There is a need to inform legislators, agency administrators and staff, and other policymakers about the
importance of forests to Hawaii's communities, environment, and economy.
Information exchange is a two-way street. In addition to programs informing the public about Hawaii's
forests, programs should encourage resource managers and researchers to learn from community members
who know and use the forests.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
There is a recognized and well-known source of forest-related information in the state that serves as a
clearinghouse of information and issues in association with the Center tor Tropical Forests (see recommendation 15). Forest users, researchers, and managers are well informed in all aspects of forest use and access
concerns.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Establish an information office to be a clearinghouse and focal point for all forest-related information
in the state (as suggested in the 1990 Forestry 2000 conference). The office could provide information
about existing private, state, and federal programs related to Hawaii's forests, as well as emerging
issues, procedures, contacts, and available technologies.
2.
Informational materials produced in behalf of the information office should emphasize Hawaiian
concepts, such as ahupua'a, miilama i ka 'iiina, and native Hawaiian rights, and encourage the
incorporation of the "Hawaiian perspective• into forest planning and management activities.
15
3.
The information office should develop and promote environmental education programs that objectively
address natural resource management to meet environmental, social, and economic concerns in a
balanced manner. The office should encourage groups, organizations, and agencies to conduct
well-rounded educational programs and provide support for those efforts. Community members
should be directly involved in the development of such programs to ensure the programs reflect
community members' input, needs, and skills.
4.
The information office should coordinate and sponsor regular field trips on each island to encourage
and support interested community members' visits to forest sites to discuss problems and
opportunities for Hawaii's forests. When possible, these trips would tie into field trips and programs
currently offered by organizations or agencies.
5.
The information office should coordinate a speakers bureau and provide topic experts to be used
by the existing network of academic, youth, and community environmental education programs.
6.
Information developed for distribution should include all media. For example, a video could be
developed about Hawaii's forests, the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery Act, recommendations of
the Task Force, and future opportunities for Hawaii's forests and people.
16
Guiding Concept 2: Traditional and Community Uses
RECOMMENDATION 3: Establish a sensitivity towards the rights, responsibilities, and practices
of the indigenous culture of Hawaii.
FINDINGS:
Existing regulatory mandates and management directives are based almost entirely on external influences
and may ignore the values of the native Hawaiian population. Well-meaning experts may not be aware of
such values or of the needs and rights of native Hawaiians, and may have further aggravated the situation.
The people have become wary of the government that allows and sometimes may promote this trend.
Managers of natural resources and of public and private lands find it increasingly difficult, if not practically
impossible, to carry out their responsibilities.
There is a need to incorporate an appreciation of Hawaiian cultural values into discussions on forest
planning and decision making. It similarly becomes beneficial to address the needs of the Hawaiian
community from the perspective of how this community's overall needs are best served by governmental
acknowledgement and support of the people and organizations mandated to serve those needs. In doing
so, it is Important to recognize there is a diversity of opinion among Hawaiians, as there is within all ethnic
groups, and that there is no one generic or collective thought to represent all Hawaiian concerns.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Regulatory mandates and management directives within the state reflect those values and rights identified
as representative of Hawaiian cultural values and are inclusive of a balance of traditional rights and
responsibilities of forest users to contribute to the health and maintenance of Hawaii's forests.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Identify and promote understanding Hawaiian perspective to include the traditional values and
cultural concerns of native Hawaiians:
a)
Convene a task force to identify native Hawaiian traditional values and cultural concerns,
including gathering, recreation, and replenishment; and
b)
Develop and implement a public education program to promote understanding and
appreciation of native Hawaiian values, and the need for management programs that
adequately and appropriately address such values. Such programs could include broadcasting
programs on public television; public service announcements on commercial television and
radio; and educational classes using volunteer instructors and community resource speakers.
Ensure materials are objective, factual, and user·friendly.
17
2.
Establish a process for planning and implementing management programs and activities for public
lands, as well as working with private landowners and managers, to secure permission from private
landowners for access to gathering from private sector lands. Provide culturally appropriate means
by which discussions of traditional values and concerns may be facilitated in those processes.
Provide the mechanism to hear, review, and accommodate, where appropriate and reasonable,
special considerations and specific requests from native Hawaiians.
18
Guiding Concept 2: Traditional and Community Uses
RECOMMENDATION 4: Determine community forest practices, uses, and sites of local community
members and identify and implement forest management practices to meet their needs.
FINDINGS:
Existing regulatory mandates and management directives are based almost entirely on external influences,
and may ignore the values of the people of the local community. Community members are stressed and
resentful of the society and government that they perceive continues to ignore their values and needs.
Well-meaning experts may not be aware of such values and may have further aggravated the situation.
The local people have become wary of the government that allows and may promote this trend. Managers
of natural resources, and of public and private lands find it increasingly difficult, if not practically impossible,
to carry out their responsibilities.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Regulatory mandates and management directives are community-based and consider the values, needs
and desires of the local people. Traditional uses and cultural concerns of local community members are
respected and appropriately accommodated. Hunting opportunities on public lands are reasonably and
adequately provided for and assured. In turn, the local community recognizes and accepts the different
mandates of the respective land management agencies, including national parks and national wildlife
refuges that operate under federal statutes and regulations. There is mutual understanding and respect
between all interests concerning the management and uses of the lands and forest resources, and the
means for amicable and cooperative resolution of forest resources issues are in place. There is a healing
of wounds.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Identify and promote the understanding of local community members when planning or carrying
out forest management activities:
a)
Prepare informational/educational material to include written publications and videos that
are objective, factual, and user-friendly; and
b)
Develop and implement a public education program to promote the understanding,
appreciation of values, and need for management programs that adequately and appropriately
accommodate all people. This could include the broadcasting of programs on public television;
public service announcements on commercial television and radio; educational classes
using volunteer instructors/speakers from the community; and a public information office
to coordinate programs and disseminate information.
19
2.
Provide the means whereby the various values, needs, and concerns of local community members
are equally considered and appropriately prioritized. Establish community-based processes for
planning and implementing management programs and activities on public lands that will include
public information and community input gathering and working groups with equal representation
from various interest groups that will work to arrive at fair and appropriate resolutions/
recommendations.
3.
Provide the mechanism to hear, review, and accommodate, where appropriate and reasonable,
special considerations and specific requests. Those mechanisms could include direct communication
with agencies and direct communication through the working groups organized for the community-
based planning process (see recommendation 1).
20
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
RECOMMENDATION 5: Expand existing programs to prevent the entry of new invasive, introduced
species and increase active management to reduce forest damage by established introduced
pests in key forest areas, such as essential forest bird habitat and natural areas with high
native ecosystem values, while maintaining healthy game populations in other forest areas.
FINDINGS:
Hawaiian ecosystems are vulnerable to adverse impacts of invasive, introduced plant and animal pests
and uncontrolled populations of game animals. The main threat to Hawaii's surviving native species and
natural communities is considered the destructive effect of introduced species. For example, banana
poka, an introduced vine, has smothered thousands of acres of native forests on the islands of Hawaii
and Kauai. Ivy gourd, first discovered in 1985 as growing wild in the state, has smothered hundreds of
acres of lowland forests on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii.
Managers have had some success in controlling this damage by focusing on small areas. To date, promising
biological control agents against three widespread pest plants have been developed, and two more are
underway. However, more than seventy-five plants introduced to Hawaii have become serious pests in
native ecosystems; similar statistics are not known for insects and pathogens. Biocontrol and molecular
manipulation are the most promising techniques for long-term control of widespread, invasive weeds,
animal and plant pathogens, and insects. In the short term, the array of methods of control must include
chemical and mechanical methods.
There is an identified need for a coordinated state, federal, and private plan for expanding biocontrol to a
more fully operational scale, especially for forest pests. Current facilities, staffing levels, and funding levels
for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the USDA Forest Service Quarantine Facility may be the
biggest impediments to expanding biocontrol efforts for forest pests such as banana poka and gorse,
given the number of forest pests for which biological control are needed.
A sufficiently rigorous inspection system to prevent the entry of new pests and a substantive applied
research program on alien species and their control are critically missing elements in existing programs
for the long-term survival of Hawaii's forests.
Agencies and organizations are already working together in the state to prepare an Alien Species Action
Plan to identify muffiagency goals and responsibilities to fill the gaps in the current system, emphasizing
prevention as the most cost-effective form of control. However, much that is already known is not being
implemented to accomplish better protection of our forest resources right now.
21
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, through the Governor's Agriculture Coordinating Committee,
organized the planning effort to develop the Alien Species Action Plan. That action plan is scheduled to
be completed by September 1994 and is to provide a blueprint for statewide coordination and on-the-ground
action. The USDI National Biological Survey has recently been funded to conduct a three-year inventory
of alien species throughout the state that is to be compatible with the statewide Heritage database and
the Geographic Information System (GIS) maintained by The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. The USDA
Forest Service provides research on biocontrol of forest weeds.
The animal welfare community and others believe a// animals deserve the respect and consideration due
any forest resource. Concern should be given to animals not desired and their removal humanely carried
out They request that sterilization be considered for use as an animal population control method in Hawaii.
The Animal Control Research Consortium is currently evaluating alternatives to identify the most effective,
humane, and cutturally appropriate methods for use by Hawaii's land managers.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Visitors, residents, and trade partners are well informed about the destructive impact of introduced species
to Hawaii's forests, and the flow of new pests into the state is dramatically reduced. New potential pest
species are intercepted before entering Hawaii by efficient port-of-entry sampling and inspection. Any
new infestations are rapidly and effectively eliminated by well-trained and prepared response teams.
Statewide control programs have reduced or eliminated forest ecosystem damage by established pests
in key forest areas, while maintaining healthy game populations in other areas identified as appropriate.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
The greatest need for better forest management is increasing the dedication of financial and human
resources to on-the-ground management:
1.
Develop a prioritized inventory/list of established and potential pest species, plant and animal
pathogens, weeds, invertebrates, and vertebrates in Hawaii's forests to guide management actions
and funding. Convene a series of workshops with statewide representation. The Hawaii Division of
Forestry and Wildlife, in conjunction with the USDI National Biological Survey, and USDI Fish and
Wildlife Service, could lead an interagency effort. The objective of this effort and the development
of the list is to build consensus on how to focus available resources to most effectively target control
efforts for established alien pests.
2.
Implement the 1994 Alien Species Action Plan to establish and maintain an effective statewide
integrated pest management strategy, including preentry prevention; port-of-entry sampling and
inspection; rapid response to new infestations; and statewide control strategies for selected
established pests. Participating agencies and organizations would identify their resource
contributions.
22
3.
Increase human and financial resources committed by all federal, state, local agencies, and private
resource organizations to work with private landowners and local communities to expand management
of incipient and established pest populations in identified priority forest areas and to establish
secure, sustained yield hunting areas. Involved agencies include Hawaii Division of Forestry and
Wildlife, USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, USDI National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and
The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii.
4.
Increase research on the status, biology, interaction, and control of the most aggressive alien plant
and animal species as described in the Hawaii Conservation Biology Initiative's 1992 and 1993
reports and on management of desired alien game species and their habitats. Preliminary analysis
indicates new researchers are needed in the fields of biology and dispersal of weeds, pig management
research, feral animal biology, and predator control. The Secretariat for Conservation Biology
could lead the long-term effort to gather basic information to develop cost-effective control and
management strategies.
5.
Support the efforts of the Hawaii Animal Control Research Consortium to find the most effective,
humane, and culturally sensitive means of protecting native forests from problems associated with
pigs, goats, sheep, and axis deer, with particular concern for the most vulnerable, relatively intact,
and difficult areas. Those efforts should include:
a)
Improving currently used control methods to make them more effective and humane;
b)
Conducting a comprehensive survey for feral animal control methods that have promise for
application in Hawaii's special conditions;
c)
Implementing Hawaii field tests for control methods that are already available and conducting
new research to prepare promising but undeveloped methods for field testing; and
d)
Carrying out research and development under the guidance of a consortium of resource
managers, wildlife biologists, animal welfare interest groups, and the hunting community
with the intention that the methods developed from this work will be accepted for use
in Hawaii.
6.
Support increased research for development of control methods for introduced small predator
species, such as rats, cats, and mongooses, which can impede forest restoration efforts.
23
7.
Increase the capacity of the existing biological control program to identify effective agents for at
least ten priority weeds concurrently (include capacity for addressing priority pathogens and
invertebrates in the future). Add new capability to transfer biocontrol technology to managers for
statewide application and to monitor long-term effectiveness of the biocontrol agents. The USDA
Forest Service and Hawaii Department of Agricutture, with cooperators, including the USDI National
Biological Survey, could be lead agencies for this effort.
8.
Implement an expanded Alien Species Awareness Program to reach a// visitors, residents, and
trade partners to enlist their help in controlling the spread of alien pests. For example, informational
videos describing problems created by introduced pest species are not always shown on commercial
airline flights entering and departing the state. The expanded awareness program could determine
why the videos are not regularly shown and resolve any problems limiting their use.
24
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
RECOMMENDATION 6: Protect and restore native forest ecosystems through adequate support
of existing state, federal, and private organizations' natural resource programs In an effort to
contribute to healthy forest ecosystems and the recovery of plant and animal species listed as
threatened and endangered.
FINDINGS:
Overall, nearly two-thirds of Hawaii's original native forest cover has been lost, including almost 50 percent
of rainforest ecosystems and 90 percent of the lowland plains once forested by other unique dry forests
(Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, et al: Hawaii's Extinction Crisis 1991 ). Many threatened
or endangered species depend on native ecosystems for their survival. In some cases, the most cost-effective
means to save threatened and endangered species in Hawaii is to protect the remaining intact native
forest ecosystems that support not only the species themselves but the surrounding native flora and
fauna on which they depend.
Currently state, federal agencies, and private landowners manage lands within the state that include
native ecosystems ranging from essentially pristine to significantly degraded. There appears to be broad
acceptance throughout the state of the need to maintain the existing pristine native ecosystems. There is
also interest on the part of many public agencies, organizations, and landowners in pursuing opportunities
to restore native ecosystems.
The primary public agencies responsible for managing lands that include native forests include the USDI
National Park Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural
Resources. Adequate funding for agency programs that maintain and protect native ecosystems and
their associated threatened and endangered species is considered essential if Hawaii's native forests are
to be maintained and restored.
Private organizations, such as The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, and many private landowners throughout
the state are also managing their lands for the protection of native species and ecosystems.
The USDI National Biological Survey will be a focal point in Hawaii tor inventory, monitoring, and scientific
inquiry, including information relating to native forest ecosystems. The Hawaii Heritage Program, maintained
by The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, is a comprehensive database that includes information about
the location, condition, and status of endangered, threatened, and rare species and ecosystems across
the state.
25
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Species recovery plans have been completed and recovery efforts initiated for all federal- and state-listed
endangered species and when possible, recovery programs are coordinated at the ecosystem level.
Local communities are involved in the development and implementation of recovery plans.
Completed forest resource inventories provide the information needed to assess the current condition of
Hawaii's forests, and the ability of Hawaii's forest lands to support native species. Adequate funding exists
for the management or restoration of those forest ecosystems identified as suitable and feasible restoration
candidates.
Data analysis and policy development for forest stewardship is based heavily on GIS-generated maps
that show forest quality, distribution of endangered species, areas designated for preservation, and areas
suitable for rehabilitation. There is a broad understanding among forest managers, researchers, and the
public as to the existing condition of Hawaii's forests and their suitability and feasibility for restoration
efforts.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Programs necessary to preserve and protect native forests in Hawaii's national parks should be
'base funded' on a sustained basis as determined by the USDI National Park Service's western
region R-Map process.
2.
Increase funding for USDI Fish and Wildlife Service's Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and
other national wildlife refuges to expand existing reforestation efforts for degraded native ecosystems.
3.
Provide funding to support acquisition and management of additional national wildlife refuges in
Hawaiian forest lands.
4.
Increase additional funding for the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service to complete recovery plans and
management programs for federally listed threatened and endangered species; designate critical
habitat for threatened and endangered species where appropriate, and fully implement recovery
plans.
5.
Increase permanent funding of the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife both for the ongoing
protection and management of native forests and to complete the Natural Area Reserve System
(NARS) to include currently unrepresented native forest ecosystems.
26
6.
Ensure data collected by the USDI National Biological Survey is able to be incorporated in the
Hawaii Herttage Program to facilitate statewide access to current information regarding threatened,
endangered, and rare native forest species.
7.
Support programs that encourage private landowners to manage their land for the protection of
native ecosystems and threatened and endangered species.
27
28
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
RECOMMENDATION 7: Expand research and support for comprehensive game management efforts
to enhance hunting opportunities.
FINDINGS:
For many of Hawaii's people, hunting is an important activity and use of the forest. Game animals, all of
which have been introduced to Hawaii, are valuable resources for recreational and subsistence hunting.
Game animals and hunting are part of Hawaii's cultural heritage and the local lifestyle of many community
members, and should be managed in appropriate areas to perpetuate them for future generations. Many
believe game animals deserve the respect and consideration due any forest resource.
State of Hawaii wildlife program emphasis is on improvements to new hunting areas including game surveys,
habitat improvements, hunter access, and provision of facilities. The Wildlife Revolving Fund can be an
important mechanism used by the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife to support game managemem
and hunting programs, as well as other wildlife work. such as endangered species restoration. The Wildlife
Revolving Fund is authorized to be financed through hunting license fees, training programs, huming
and wildlife violation fines, sale of articles required for hunting, and works of art. If revenues to the revolving
fund were increased, those programs could be expanded.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Community invoivemem in the development of hunting regulations and game managemem objectives is
extensive and meaningful. There is understanding and support among community members for game
management objectives. The public recognizes that the different land management objectives of respective
areas may mean that game populations cannot be encouraged in all areas.
Adequate access is provided to identified hunting areas. Game management activities, including
enforcement, are carried out in the field by adequate numbers of trained staff capable of dealing with the
demands of the field. Illegal hunting is reduced by increased enforcement activities and increased information
and education outreach efforts. Active partnerships exist between community members, hunting groups,
resource managers, and researchers to collect data that contributes to the better understanding of
relationships between game population densities and vegetation conditions.
29
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Establish new hunting areas on private and state-leased lands by increasing funding to the Wildlife
Revolving Fund by implementing the proposal to initiate and manage a Hawaii Wildlife Conservation
Stamp and Artworks Program. More state lands presently under lease could be opened up to
hunting when leases expire and are renegotiated.
2.
Develop new cooperative agreements with private landowners for public hunting areas.
3.
Improve (hunting) access to land-locked state forest reserves and natural area reserves through
legislative action for funding condemnation, easements, or cooperative agreements wtth landowners.
4.
Where feasible, use public hunting as first and primary technique of game control in state natural
area reserves and state forest reserves.
5.
Increase permanent funding for law enforcement of hunting laws.
6.
Expand existing Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Hunter Education program
that directly involves communtty members in the development of the training.
7.
Develop and carry out game research to support comprehensive game management programs to
enhance hunting opportuntties. Pursue potential partnerships with local community members to
participate in collecting game management information; for example, collecting information through
established photo stations to document vegetation trends.
30
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
RECOMMENDATION 8: Establish koa and other hardwood reforestation projects on formerly
forested lands to restore a full range of values and purposes, from commercial forests to
natural ecosystems.
FINDINGS:
There are excellent examples of establishing plantation forests and several ongoing programs to reestablish
native species to their former habttat. Many landowners and agencies wtthin the state are planting native
and introduced trees (Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate and Umikoa Ranch, BioEnergy Corporation,
USDI National Park Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, and Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife).
Most of the working groups that discussed plantation and natural forest recovery did not consider the
current level of efforts to be adequate, however. Several reasons tor concern were expressed. They included
a high degree of uncertainty about future constraints including the inability to harvest, concern about
cost of operations, and property tax disincentives.
There are few, if any, examples of reforestation of forests being done for the benefit of, or in response to,
the desires of local communtties. The decisions are generally made for, not by, the local community.
Opportunities for reforestation, rehabilitation, and management exist on state-managed forest land. These
opportunities can be undertaken based on available information.
For rnost species other than koa and a few introduced trees like eucalyptus, basic biological understanding
is needed to begin a vigorous multiple species program. There is very little information on native species
genetics, other than koa and ohia, and even that information is fragmented. Seed supplies of important
native species for planting in specific sites are seriously lacking. Most plantation work is also limited by
the availability of appropriate tree seedlings. The principal source for seedlings is the State of Hawaii tree
nursery at Waimea, Hawaii.
The April 1991 workshop on Improvement of Acacia koa compiled information on koa and includes
recommendations for a genetic improvement program for the species. The University of Hawaii, Hawaiian
Agricultural Research Corporation, and the USDA Forest Service are beginning research on genetic quality
and seed source/site compatibility.
31
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Forest restoration and other actions on state lands are initiated only after the local community has been
involved in the planning process. Native Hawaiians and all members of the community accept the action
and species selection as appropriate. Under most site conditions, there is enough knowledge about species
requirements to predict growth and yield of koa at any age up to 75 years wrth reasonable accuracy.
There is a statewide Geographic Information System (GIS) database that allows access by most available
comprehensive GIS software. Based on existing GIS data, seed can be matched to any site, and those
sites that are incapable of producing acceptable growth and yield can be identrried. Landowners who
want to know what they can plant, and what the likely yield and quality will be, have such information
available at the local extension office. The information will be correct for the conditions on their land. If
landowners or managers commit to growing trees, they can be confident of a reasonable return on the
investment when the trees are ready for harvest.
The land manager is also confident that appropriate stand improvement activrties and harvest will be
allowed as the stand matures. The tax structure makes growing timber trees financially competrtive with
other crops. When landowners commit to long-term natural forest development, taxes are reduced while
there is no economic return on the growing crop. In certain situations, taxation of natural forest land may
be reduced further if the management plan meets specified requirements and management practices
follow the plan.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Develop and implement a balanced management program for state-managed public lands based
on a statewide, public process conducted on an island-by-island basis to obtain accurate data on
the human concerns, desires, and expectations for natural resources (see recommendation 1).
2.
Develop a process for the cultural desires of native Hawaiians and local communrties to be integrated
into the plantation planning and management process (see recommendations 3 and 4).
3.
Integrate local community groups into both the plantation planning process and into actual
participation in plantation establishment and management on state and federal forest plantations.
4.
Establish a financial assistance program that will encourage landowners to establish plantations,
manage for natural forest values, and select the most preferred species based on site and qualities
most desired. Incentive programs could be tax based, low interest loans, or subsidies.
32
s.
Provide expanded capacity for seedling production of both common and less common species
that have potential for use in plantations. Expand the capability of the state tree nursery to investigate
propagation technology of at least the top twenty likely plantation species, with the long-term objective
of expanding to fifty species. Based on the best available information, recommend planting seedlings
that originate from seed collected on-site. Establish seed zones for the principal native species
used in plantations and begin establishing koa seed orchards.
6.
Develop and implement models of koa growth and yield that will make it possible to predict yield
estimates for a variety of sites. Encourage research that will enable prediction of koa productivity
based on site descriptors. The data on site quality should be included in the statewide Geographic
Information System database.
33
34
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
RECOMMENDATION 9: Emphasize stewardship of non-federal rural and urban forests through
direct technical and financial assistance and management measures designed to keep Hawaii's
forests In a healthy, sustainable condition.
FINDINGS:
Approximately half of the two million acres of forested land in Hawaii are in private ownership. The ability
to protect important watersheds, native ecosystems, and produce renewable forest resources is significantly
dependent on these private lands.
Four programs underway in the state that are administered by the USDA Forest Service through the Hawaii
Division of Forestry and Wildlrre address urban and rural forestry issues:
Urban and Community Forestry
Kaulunani, Hawaii's Urban Forest Advisory Council, represents government agencies, tree groups, private
industry and community members. The council provides cost-sharing grants, information, technical
assistance, and training to municipal governments and volunteer groups in tree planting, inventorying,
selecting species, planting techniques, pruning, and other maintenance activities. The Kaulunani
Advisory Council has identified maintenance and education as emphasis areas to be addressed in the
November 21-22, 1994 Hawaii's Urban Forestry Conference to be held in Honolulu.
Forest Stewardship Program
The Forest Stewardship Program is a voluntary program of technical assistance to non-industrial, rural
private landowners for the protection, management, and enhancement of all forest resources, consistent
with the landowners' objectives for their property.
Stewardship Incentive Program
The Stewardship Incentive Program provides cost-share financial assistance to eligible landowners who
have agreed to follow a Fores! Stewardship management plan developed by a natural resource specialist
in accordance with landowner objectives. The objective of this program is, through incentives, to foster a
more long-term approach to the stewardship and management of private, nonindustrial forest lands. One
factor that has limited the Stewardship Incentive Program's application in Hawaii is the limited number of
consulting resource specialists available to develop management plans that meet the requirements of
the program.
Congress authorized a total Stewardship Incentive Program of up to $100 million per year through 1995; ·
however, nationally the program has been funded at less than $20 million per year since 1991. That level
of funding is inadequate for broad application of the program.
35
Forest Legacy Program
The goal of this program is to manage and protect environmentally important private forest areas that are
threatened by conversion to nonforest through the purchase of conservation easements. Participation by
private landowners in the program is strictly voluntary. Currently the state is developing an assessment of
need which will be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval.
Two State of Hawaii programs support stewardship of private forests established and administered by
the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and receive dedicated funding through the conveyance tax:
Forest Stewardship Program
This program allows cost-sharing for implementation of approved forest management practices. The state
program follows the same eligibility requirements of the federal program except it does not have an acre
or annual reimbursement limitation.
Natural Area Partnership Program
This program provides matching funds for the management of private lands of •natural area• quality (including
native Hawaiian ecosystems or essential habitat for endangered species) that are permanently dedicated
to conservation. This partnership funding can support a full range of management activities to protect,
restore, or enhance significant native resources or geological features.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Interested community members of all ages are aware of, and participate in, urban forest activities on all
islands. They are familiar with the many benefits provided by properly maintained urban forests. Many
local youth, civic, and community groups are active in urban forestry programs and partnerships. Throughout
the state, urban forests are inventoried and properly maintained. Funding is in place to start and maintain
urban forest programs. Tree planting and maintenance programs are active on all islands.
Interested landowners throughout the state have easy access to well-trained professional resource
specialists to assist them in developing stewardship management plans for their land. By taking advantage
of state and federal stewardship programs, landowners receive short- and long-term financial support for
activities to manage, protect, and use forests on their land.
36
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
The State of Hawaii should provide a legal mechanism to allow the Urban and Community Forestry
program to continue, supported by state, federal, and private funding.
2.
Through cooperative partnerships, develop and implement a program for forest landowners and
resource specialists to train them to be forestry paraprofessionals with skills to write forest stewardship
plans. The training program should include: inventory methods; identifying property goals and
priorities; analyzing resource trade-offs; understanding environmental consequences of stewardship
decisions; meeting landowners' needs to ensure the management plan is used; developing a budget
and plan of work; and familiarity with terms of the cost-share programs.
3.
Nationally, Congress should fund the Stewardship Incentive Program at the fully authorized level to
encourage forest management by more landowners.
37
38
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
RECOMMENDATION 1 0: Utilize existing fire management expertise In a coordinated effort to
share knowledge and resources for prevention, presuppression and suppression, and vegetation
management activities. Enhance existing fire suppression capabilities, including private
sector resources.
FINDINGS:
Population growth resulting in increased residential developments and improved access to wildlands has
increased the potential for wildfire, placing public safety and natural resources at risk.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has the authority to prevent, control, and extinguish
wildland fires within forest reserves, public hunting areas, wildlife and plant sanctuaries, and natural area
reserves. The Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife and its partners maintain a wildland fire program
that oversees the protection of 3.3 million acres statewide. The Division cooperates with other fife-fighting
agencies to achieve similar objectives on other forest and grass lands. Joint training and equipment sharing
contribute to the •one team" concept for fire protection.
Fire statistics indicate an increase in the number and intensity of wildland fires. The abandonment of
agricultural fields, development of rural-urban interface areas, and increased access to wildlands have
exacerbated the threat to public safety and wildland resources.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Forest and wildland resources are protected at a level whereby fire does not interfere with the desired
sustained yield of products and services from these resources. Fire management activities are enhanced
by interagency cooperation and by private sector cooperation in prevention, presuppression, suppression,
and activities.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Increase and regularly revise existing fire prevention and management programs through information
and education, joint personnel training, and other agency cooperative efforts.
2.
Provide personnel with training and certification in areas such as basic fire-fighting mobilization
and preattack planning, personal preparedness, command and control functions, and technical
fire-fighting skills.
39
3.
Organize and develop staffing requirements to meet suppression objectives which are consistent
with resource enhancement goals, utilization of mutual aid assistance, implementation of mobilization
procedures, and development of reasonable control objectives, with due consideration for public
safety, structural protection, and threatened resource values.
4.
Equip fire-fighting force{s) with sufficient resources to effectively protect wildland resources in a
safe and efficient manner including state-of-the-art equipment, tools and supplies, and use of
technological advances in presuppression and suppression, such as foam applications, new wildland
engines, and water tenders.
5.
Preplan fire facilities and structures such as fuel breaks and/or firebreaks in management areas to
serve a dual purpose of habitat protection and defensible space for fire-fighting activity.
6.
Integrate fire protection measures in all natural and cultural resource planning and management
activities.
7.
Improve existing suppression/presuppression/management lire plans to include private sector
resources.
8.
Increase community awareness through education focused on known user groups, such as hunters,
hikers, campers, bird watchers, and forest interest groups.
9.
40
Improve the capability to use prescribed fire as a management tool.
Guiding Concept 3: Stewardship of the Forest
RECOMMENDATION 11: Make necessary amendments to the Hawaii's endangered species act
to allow responsible reforestation and long-term stewardship of native forests on public and
private lands, increase compatibility with the existing federal endangered species act, and
encourage regional habitat conservation planning.
FINDINGS:
A landowner committing to long-term reforestation of native forests will also provide habitat for native
birds that will probably include endangered species, especially on mountain pasture lands on the island
of Hawaii. Many private landowners will not invest resources to plant or commit to long-term stewardship
of native forests if they cannot recoup any of their investment by harvesting trees at maturity, because of
potential impacts to endangered plants or animals. A process is needed to deal with this situation or
native reforestation projects will be limited on private lands. Forest enhancement activities on public lands
that could be funded by limited salvage harvesting of dead or dying trees have also been limited within
the current interpretation of the state's endangered species act.
One of the differences between the state and federal endangered species acts is the absence of an 'incidental
take' provision in the state act. In the federal act, incidental take is defined as a taking that is incidental
to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity. 'Incidental take' licenses are
only issued in situations where the taking does not appreciably reduce the survival and recovery of the
species in the wild, and where the applicant will, to the maximum extent practicable, minimize and mitigate
the impact of the taking. The federal 'incidental take' permitting process has been in place since 1982.
With the addition of an incidental take provision in the state act, a habitat conservation plan can be
implemented that would allow the management of degraded habitat through reforestation in exchange for
a license to selectively harvest a portion of that habitat over time. The result would be a net gain in habitat
for endangered species, and therefore benefit the species as a whole.
In other states and at the federal level, the habitat conservation planning process has provided the framework
for cooperative partnerships among the private sector, and local, state, and federal agencies. Particularly
in California, the process has evolved into larger regional planning efforts that involve all affected parties
and result in mutually agreed upon plans that provide for long-term habitat conservation needs, identify
where mitigation measures will be needed, and streamline the permitting process.
There are other major differences between the federal and state endangered species acts that need to
be reviewed to optimize species recovery efforts in Hawaii, such as designation of critical habitat, formulation
and implementation of recovery plans, and citizens' rights to enforce provisions of the acts.
41
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Federal and state endangered species acts are compatible and advance the interests of threatened and
endangered species and habttat conservation by encouraging reforestation and long-term stewardship of
native forests on private lands. The implementation of the federal and state endangered species acts,
that is based on sound science, minimizes social and economic impacts whenever possible, provides
greater predictabiltty for the public concerning effects of species listing on proposed or ongoing activities,
and avoids crisis management through cooperative approaches of federal, state, county, and private
entities that focus on groups of species' dependence of the same ecosystem.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEM:
1.
Convene a workshop of all interested and affected entities to develop a consensus for legislative
amendments to the state's endangered species act to encourage reforestation and long-term
stewardship of native forest on public and private lands, increase compatibiliTy with the existing
federal endangered species act, and encourage regional habitat conservation planning.
42
Guiding Concept 4: Incentives
RECOMMENDATION 12: Amend Hawaii's tree farm law to acknowledge the right to harvest a
forest resource created by private investment and landowners who have agreed to practice
responsible forestry, based on an approved management plan.
FINDINGS:
The best way to encourage responsible forest management fueled by private investment is to remove
disincentives, recognize valid economic values, and minimize mandatory regulations. If private landowners
cannot see a long-term consistent policy, they are unlikely to want to invest any resources into forest
recovery. Portions of chapter 186 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes were repealed by the Fifteenth Legislative
Session in 1989 as a result of the transfer of real property taxing authority to the counties. Since section
186-1 0 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes was repealed, a landowner's right to harvest trees grown specifically
for a commercial purpose is unclear. Responsibly created tree farms can develop a sustainable rural
economy that is compatible with Hawaii's tourist industry, protects watersheds, enhances wildlife habitat,
and provides forest recreation opportunities.
The development of commercial forest industry in the wake of the reduction of Hawaii's sugar industry is
not only feasible but economically attractive enough to bring in private investment, and attractive enough
so that the state should not have to invest any public capital in commercial forestry. The key is to create
and leverage a large enough base of public and private lands available for commercial forestry combined
with an appropriate regulatory climate at both the county and state levels. Regulatory disincentives to
private investment for creating a commercial forest resource, be they perceived or real, should be replaced
with appropriate incentives wherever possible.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
The State of Hawaii conducts a clear process for private forest investors and landowners to participate in
commercial forestry by granting a right to harvest trees that are responsibly planted, managed, and harvested
according to approved plans as part of the state's tree farm program.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Develop guidelines to implement the provisions of the tree farm law amendment (Senate Bill 2956)
passed April 29, 1994. That amendment acknowledges the right to harvest a forest resource created
by private investment and landowners who have agreed to practice responsible forestry based on
an approved management plan.
2.
Establish and implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) guidelines to reflect current professional,
environmental, and management objectives, and use these guidelines where appropriate under
the state's amended tree farm law.
43
44
Guiding Concept 4: Incentives
RECOMMENDATION 13: County governments should develop a fair and equitable property tax
assessment for forest lands that recognizes the economic potential and other public benefits
from expansion and enhanced management of Hawaii's forests.
FINDINGS:
At one time, a major portion of the private forest land was under the •surrender agreement," whereby
private landowners assigned their lands into the state forest reserve system in exchange for reduced
property taxes. Upon expiration of these agreements, the majority of landowners have opted not to keep
their lands in forest reserve status.
No tax classification for private forest landowners currently exists in Hawaii's real property tax system,
which is established by individual counties. Because of this, many private landowners cannot afford to
keep trees on their property. This has resulted in many private landowners raising cattle on forest land to
have their land classified as pasture, which has a relatively low tax rate, or totally clearing land for other
higher-value agricultural uses, such as macadamia nuts. This has resulted in deforested watersheds at a
time when development is requirirlg even more water, and it also discourages the direct economic and
natural resource benefits that can be derived from well-managed forests.
The irony is that such land produces poor quality forage and often is barely producing any economic
benefits. Thus the benefit to the landowner is in the tax savings. By leaving taxation at the same or lower
rate than under pasture use, and supplying a reasonable productivity tax at harvest, the landowner and
the public would benefit.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
A tax assessment structure throughout the state that at a minimum, does not discourage landowners
from keeping their lands forested, and ultimately, encourages the restoration of forests. Forested land is
not taxed at a higher rate than pasture land, which encourages private landowners to plant and manage
forests for both commercial and public interest benefits.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEM:
1.
Work with individual counties to develop a fair and equitable property tax assessment for forest
lands that recognizes their potential economic and other public benefits.
45
46
Guiding Concept 5: Training and Education
RECOMMENDATION 14: Establish a program to develop and train qualified professionals,
technicians, and vocational specialists capable of leading Hawaii's agencies and communities
in a partnership to manage, protect, and use Hawaii's forests.
FINDINGS:
A lack of trained specialists currently inhibits efforts to survey, identify, and classify the plant, animal, and
microbe species present in Hawaiian forests. Restoration of Hawaii's forests requires extensive capability
for training, inventory, and research and major increases in private, state, and federal programs.
The University of Hawaii's Center for Conservation Research and Training and its Graduate Specialization
in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology has taken the lead in the development of a graduate
research and training program in conservation biology. However, formal undergraduate curricula in
conservation biology or natural resource management are still not offered in any Hawaii university at this
time. Nor is adequate undergraduate curriculum in forestry offered at the University of Hawaii or any other
institution within the state. The University of Hawaii at Hila will offer a beginning forestry course in the fall
of 1994 through the College of Agriculture. University level training is still in its infancy in locally focused,
locally available education for the people of Hawaii to assume significant roles of participation and leadership
in charting the future of Hawaii's forests, but with additional resources, the infrastructure is in place at the
University of Hawaii to develop a strong program in this field.
There is a need to train field staff to manage public forests and provide them with the technology, information,
sensitivity, and training to accomplish their jobs. Currently there are no institutions in Hawaii teaching
forestry programs at the technical and vocational level. Training in the form of internships is provided on
a limited scale by some conservation organizations with the state.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
The University of Hawaii has developed a cadre of local professionals (researchers and managers),
knowledgeable about the local biological, economic, sociological, and cuttural issues with the capability
of implementing effective natural resource management principles, and in focusing educational programs
in this area. The University of Hawaii is nationally and internationally recognized for its leadership in
evolutionary research and the Center for Conservation Research and Training combines the theoretical
aspects of ecology and evolutionary biology with the applied aspects of conservation biology to provide
a broader vision of conservation issues and encourage innovative solutions to management problems.
47
The training of the 'modern conservation biologist• with a strong background in the concepts of ecology,
evolutionary biology, ethnography, and sustainable development produces a cadre of professional field
managers armed with the necessary tools for developing effective management programs. Hawaii is viewed
as a natural center for supplying the growing demands for information and skills for the environmentally
sound management of tropical island resources.
Hawaii has a reliable supply of locally trained, qualified technicians and professionals able to sustain
healthy, well-managed, self-renewing forest systems, free from incompatible uses.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Increase funding for the University of Hawaii to support the development of an undergraduate
program in conservation biology, natural resource management, tropical forestry, forest socioeconomics, and ethnography to provide an opportunity for local people, through training received
in locally focused, locally available programs, to assume roles of participation and leadership in
charting the future of Hawaii's forests.
2.
In cooperation with the Bishop Museum, provide the necessary resources to establish a program
for systematics research and education at the University of Hawaii to produce a cadre of locally
trained systematists to provide the expertise necessary to conduct a complete inventory of Hawaii's
unique biota.
3.
Investigate potential niche roles or cooperative arrangements wtthin the Pacific islands region for
the training of forestry technicians in traditional forestry skills.
4.
Establish or expand vocational training opportunities in wood-working and other forest products
related programs wtthin the state through existing community college and adult education programs.
5.
Establish extension forester positions within the state to assist in training and technology transfer
of research results to public land management agencies and private landowners.
6.
Support the expansion of the existing Cooperative Fisheries Unit at the University of Hawaii to
include wildlife research and training, which could include participation by the USDI Fish and Wildlife
Service, USDI National Biological Survey, University of Hawaii, and Hawaii Division of Forestry
and Wildlife.
48
Guiding Concept 5: Training and Education
RECOMMENDATION 15: Establish and operate a Center for Tropical Forests that will respond
to information, research, demonstration, education, training, and outreach needs associated
with the restoration and perpetuation of forests in Hawaii.
FINDINGS:
The many organizations and individuals working on and interested in Hawaii's forests have no visible
network of information and assistance available to them to support their efforts. No single organization is
systematically working on behalf of all the organizations and individuals to gather information from within
Hawaii, the nation, or the world that is relevant to Hawaii's forest management and research problems
and opportunities. Instead, each existing organization and individual maintains fragmentary and understaffed
libraries, disconnected information systems, and inadequately coordinated research activities.
There is no central source that the public may use to obtain forest information. Nor do adequate mechanisms
exist for providing outreach activities to the public on a continuing basis in local, state, national, or
international arenas. As a result, people in all walks of life are inadequately informed about local forest
issues and opportunities, and are unable to benefit from forest information being developed elsewhere
around the state, nation, and world.
There is an inadequate supply of laboratory and field research support capability for research and
demonstration projects. Similarly, there is an inadequate supply of classrooms and field teaching sites for
students and members of the public to use in learning about Hawaii's forests. Space needed for management
and communication personnel also is lacking. As Hawaii moves to a new era of both natural and plantation
forest management, foreseeable and emerging needs for field, laboratory, and office space, and the
capability for information management and transfer cannot be provided from any currently available source.
Potential cooperators exist who could contribute existing or planned new building space, computer and
other technical capabilities, and planted and natural forest to a network of information acquisition and
dissemination efforts. In one or more cases, offers of cooperation and joint funding already exist. What is
lacking is long-range vision and a plan to connect existing and future opportunities in ways that enhance
information development and transfer.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Hawaii's forest-oriented people have ready access to the latest information and field demonstrations on
all relevant forest recovery, perpetuation, and use issues, through a combination of library documents,
electronic media, and demonstration sites. Space in buildings and the field is available through cooperative
networks for carrying out the many tasks needed to perform responsible research, inform people, and
apply information to forest management and resource harvesting and utilization. Communication mechanisms are in place to ensure interesting, responsible, and professional exchange of technical, traditional,
49
and value-oriented information so that people in all walks of life and in all corners of the state can make
informed decisions and can participate knowledgeably in developing and supporting sound management
policies and decisions.
Hawaii is able to reap the benefits of local application of knowledge developed elsewhere around the
world. Hawaii also is able to provide information and productive on-site experiences to visitors who come
from throughout the world to learn about Hawaii's experience with recovering and perpetuating tropical
forests.
Hawaii has established a Center for Tropical Forests that provides the framework and structure for achieving
these various information acquisition and application tasks. Each component of this Center, whether a
teaching classroom, research lab, field demonstration site, or public information repository, is connected
to all the other components with appropriate hardware, software, and interpersonal interactions so that
both individual components and Center as a whole bring focus to forest-related issues, develop the
information needed by the great diversity of participants, ensure coordination of many governmental and
non-governmental interests, provide tangible places and communication channels, and serve as a catalyst
for cooperative action.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Establish and operate a cooperative forest resources information network, staffed so that: (1) personal
and electronic access are available and materials are catalogued and made available to those
requesting information; (2) the latest relevant information from island, state, national, and worldwide
sources is continuously gathered, catalogued, and titles distribU1ed; and (3) literature searches are
provided upon request (see recommendation 2).
2.
Develop a state-wide network of laboratories, field research and demonstration sites, classrooms,
information sites, conference rooms, and office space for forest research, demonstration, education,
and public outreach. Manage this network to encourage synergies among individual and organizational forest researchers, managers, users, and members of the public.
3.
Encourage and capitalize on the willingness of potential partners on every island to adapt their
existing and planned activities to becoming components of a Center for Tropical Forests that will
manage the cooperative forest resources information network, coordinate the state-wide network of
sites, and facilitate appropriate application of technical, traditional, and value choice information to
the forest management programs of both public and private forest managers.
4.
Develop a cooperative program for funding, managing, and siting a headquarters for the Center
and for guiding the identification and participation of its many partners.
50
Guiding Concept 6: Research and Demonstration
RECOMMENDATION 16: Enhance, expand, and integrate capabilities of all research programs
focused on conservation and resource management. More integrated, multidisciplinary research
programs must be implemented to be effective with the limited resources available.
FINDINGS:
Hawaii is in the midst of an extinction crisis. As of October 1993, 257 species of plants, birds, mammals,
reptiles and invertebrates have been federally and state-listed as threatened or endangered. An additional
133 species are either proposed for listing or have candidate one status for listing. The managers of
Hawaii's protected natural areas are trying to reverse Hawaii's extinction trends, but are hard pressed to
prevent the currently endangered species from going extinct. These protected areas lace threats from
habitat-modifying alien plants, competitive and disease-bearing alien animals, as well as habitat-destroying
fire. Little is known about the basic ecology of alien weeds--weeds that can cause fundamental changes
to ecosystem processes and adversely affect native ecosystems. Basic ecology concerning much of the
native fauna and flora is also unknown. Unfortunately, until such fundamental ecological information is
available, the effectiveness of management programs will be hampered.
Current research is addressing only a few aspects of conservation biology and natural resource management
needed for tropical forest recovery to be successful. Current research efforts by the various federal/state
agencies and nongovernment organizations (University of Hawaii, USDI National Biological Survey, USDA
Forest Service, Bishop Museum, Center for Plant Conservation, Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association,
Stanford University, and a few others) are fragmented.
Research on tropical forest recovery and management is highly complex and involves all aspects of
preserving and restoring biological diversity. Virtually all of the biological sciences concerned with plants
and animals need to make significant contributions to knowledge about management and restoration of
damaged ecosystems. Some of the more critical biological sciences include: systematics; regeneration
biology; molecular biotechniques for assaying genetic variability; the dynamics of small populations (i.e.,
the biology of rarity); ecosystem structure, function, and sustainability; limits of ecosystem restoration;
invasive plant and animal biology; and forestry science.
The physical sciences that relate to ecosystem function are as important as the biological sciences. Examples
of these sciences include: hydrology of surface and ground water quality and yield; meteorology of
mesoscale weather systems; geomorphology; climatology; and soil science of stable and degraded
ecosystems. Clearly, no single organization or agency has the capability to address all aspects of tropical
forest recovery and management. There are even some science gaps in Hawaii if all organizations are
considered. The most serious are in the forestry sciences. Otherwise, the expertise needed to address
key issues of conservation biology and natural resource management are already in the state. The state
51
already has the capacity and expertise to develop a more comprehensive and integrated approach toward
Hawaii's environmental problems.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
All of the scientific expertise doing research on forest and associated ecosystems in Hawaii is functioning
through partnerships aimed at developing an integrated approach to the management and restoration of
island ecosystems. The research partnerships result in synergistic interactions among the conservation
researchers in Hawaii. Interactions between researchers and managers are intensified, resuking in better
integration of research and management, and more effective management application of new knowledge.
Discussions among researchers and between researchers and managers is continual and spontaneous.
Field exercises are frequent and easily arranged. All manner of communications are effectively used.
Manager's and landowner's questions are resolved by a visit or telephone call to a local forestry extension
office that either has the information or can quickly get it. There is continual improvement of the theories
of forest management and restoration through long-term research on the experimental forest. Advances
in theory and application are being applied in demonstration forests through partnerships between research
and management The main consequence of research and demonstration is better management of Hawaiian
forests, and ultimately, the successful increase and preservation of biological diversity in Hawaii.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Provide stable support to encourage partnerships among state, federal, and private organization to
bring the best available expertise together to conduct long-term, integrated research on problems
associated with forestry management and conservation biology.
2.
Provide the necessary resources for the managers of the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife,
USDI National Park Service and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service to expand monitoring capabilities
so their on-the-ground resource programs can complement and support the expanded research
capabilities.
3.
Support research on alien plants and animals that have been identified as top priority for addressing
Hawaii's conservation problems, including the expansion of current research efforts to include
priority insect and plant pathogens.
4.
Support the establishment of a network of experimental forests, demonstration forests, and natural
area reserves to ensure continuous and focused programs on research, application, teaching, and
training.
5.
Expand the mandate, membership, and support of the Secretariat for Conservation Biology to
include priority natural resource, socioeconomic, and ethnographic issues and needs occurring
outside of native ecosystems (such as agroforestry and production forestry). The mandate should
also include other U.S. flag islands and newly independent island nations in the Pacific.
52
6.
Provide the necessary resources to expand the university's current programs to include a Terrestrial
Ecosystem Research Unit and a Sustainable Biosphere Program. Enhance hands-on research by
students in an expanded graduate program in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, and resource
management to provide a solid foundation for professional careers as managers, policymakers, or
academicians in conservation programs.
7.
Provide financial support for graduate assistantships and in-service training. Support coordination
through the Secretariat for Conservation Biology to ensure collaboration among students, researchers,
and resource managers.
8.
Expand exchange programs among national and international institutions to complement Hawaii's
strengths with expertise in areas that are either lacking or minimally addressed in Hawaii. For example
conservation, forestry, and agroforestry could be greatly enhanced at the University of Hawaii through
exchange programs involving other U.S. universities where there are complementary programs.
Manager/research exchange programs with other nations such as with New Zealand, and the Center
for International Forestry (CIFOR) in Bogar, Indonesia should also be encouraged where appropriate.
53
54
Guiding Concept 6: Research and Demonstration
RECOMMENDATION 17: Create a network of experimental forests with associated facilities
to meet scientific and management objectives to restore deficient or degraded forests.
FINDINGS:
Currently in Hawaii, there is no native or degraded forest land available for permanent, science-driven
research and training on ecosystem structure and function, forest condition and restoration, and global
climate change. Such permanent or long-term applications typically require dedicated experimental forests.
There are no officially designated experimental forests in Hawaii today. Under the terms of the Hawaii
Tropical Forest Recovery Act, the joint authority for establishing experimental forests in Hawaii is with the
Governor of Hawaii and the U.S. Secretary of
Agricu~ure.
There are many good special use areas presently available for limited kinds of research. Lyon Arboretum,
the Natural Area Reserve System, Heritage sites, The Nature Conservancy Preserves, University of Hawaii
Experiment Stations, National Parks, and National Wildlife Refuges all have opportunities for specialized
investigations. A common problem is the limitation on manipulating plant communities on a prescribed
schedule. In some situations, with the agreement of the landowners, it is possible to establish a plantation
that will clearly meet a limited objective. It is usually not possible, however, to conduct activities that will
intentionally disturb the system to meet the research need to learn about ecological processes.
Agricuiture Experiment Stations are exceptions to the inability to manipulate plant communities. Unfortunately, Agricuitural Experiment Stations within the state are small parcels and few are located in forested
areas. Most would need to be restored to forest before significant ecological manipulations could be
done. However, the Hamakua and Kona stations have significant potential for forest ecology research,
but in both cases, the elevation span limits application to a few ecological conditions.
Supporting facilities needed for a functioning experimental forest are also lacking in Hawaii. Such facilities
include the capacity to carry out normal day-to-day scientific and educational activities. These activities
are field and laboratory functions required by resident and visiting staff, scientists, and students.
Selection of an experimental forest(s) is critical to the success of the science intended for forest recovery
in Hawaii. To meet the needs of forest recovery research in Hawaii, experimental forest(s) must represent
a broad range of forest communities, climates, and soils, and should include some natural forest, and
also low- and high-elevation severely degraded former forest land.
55
Definitions:
An experimental forest is a slice of landscape that provides an example of a major forest ecosystem. It is
specifically established and set aside for carrying out scientific experiments that may call for manipulating
the forest cover. An experimental forest is designated to meet the needs of science, and remains as a
designated site until the originating authority declares otherwise. Under the terms of the Hawaii Tropical
Forest Recovery Act, the joint authority for establishing experimental forests in Hawaii is with the Governor
of Hawaii and the U.S. Secretary of Agricufiure.
The experimental program may not always include research designed to meet the immediate needs of
resource managers. Normally any approved research includes hypothesis testing and nearly always will
produce reportable, objective data. Observations are usually made part of a continuing database that
becomes public information when the experiment has met the needs of the designed study. Data collected
from permanent plots normally is entered in a public database after the originating research is completed.
Research supported by an experimental forest(s) is for application and fundamental science.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Adequate experimental forests and associated facilities exist to provide for the necessary science needed
to restore and maintain Hawaii's forests. Facilities have been developed to meet the needs of vistting
scientists who operate within the guidelines established for the experimental forests. The facilities associated
wtth the experimental forest headquarters provide teaching and science laboratories appropriate to a
field site.
The experimental forest(s) contributes vital information to the managers of Hawaii's lowland and upland
forests. The experimental forest(s) also contribute vital information to the natural resource science community
within the state, nationally and internationally. Access to standard worldwide ltterature is available through
normal communication channels. The experimental forest(s) is part of an international network of
experimental forests wtth continuous demand from scientists for space to carry out research on ecosystem
structure and function and on forest recovery. Costs of maintenance and managing the experimental
forest(s) are partially covered by fees paid by visiting scientists.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Appoint a panel consisting of five or six people to include at least one scientist, a resource manager,
an educator, and a community member to look into the establishment of the Hawaii Experimental
Tropical Forest(s) and report on the results of their findings. This group's challenges should include
the following:
56
a)
Identify potential locations for experimental forest(s) plus associated facilities;
b)
Decide on the scientific mertts and problems associated wtth each afiernative location;
c)
Ensure that at least one alternative location includes degraded former forest land, including
upland pasture land and lowland sugarcane land; and
d)
2.
Prepare a preferred priority list of alternative locations, including appropriate facilities.
The panel should prepare a report of findings and recommendations to be submitted to the Governor
of Hawaii and U.S. Secretary of
Agricu~ure.
The Governor and Secretary would receive the
recommendations and authorize completion of selected actions related to the location and extent
of the Hawaii experimental forest(s). This analysis would include at least the following:
a)
Several alternative locations and sizes recommended by the panel in the first analysis;
b)
An alternative to establish no experimental forests or facilities;
c)
Estimated relative costs and benefits involved with each
a~ernate
location, including initial
and subsequent operating costs; and
d)
Evaluation of the access to the facilities and surrounding experimental units for the alternative
locations.
3.
Before final cooperative agreements are developed to establish experimental forest(s) in the state,
legal issues concerning the administration of the experimental forest(s) and local, state, federal,
and native Hawaiian rights must be addressed. It is important that the land owners and others
who have interests in a proposed site are voluntary participants in establishing the experimental
forest(s).
4.
Provided the experimental forest(s) is established, a policy forum should be organized from the
appropriate groups that have a stake in the experimental forest(s) to provide a continuing critique
of the forest management. This forum should include the following people and be given the indicated
charges:
a)
Scientists, managers, citizens from the general population, and local community members;
b)
The forum should review the policy of experimental the forest management and make
appropriate suggestions. The experimental forest management should review the suggestions
and justify action to accept or reject; and
57
c)
It should be the policy of the forest management to allow public entry by approval for typical
forest activities, such as gathering and hunting. Areas of the forest may be excluded when
those activities would have a serious adverse effect on research in progress. Special sensitivity
of treatments, equipment, or research objectives may justify reserving part of the forest from
particular public activities. The policy forum would participate in making those decisions.
5.
Establish a network of forest managers and researchers to advise and provide a sounding board
for research proposals. The network would be a primary resource for establishing demonstration
forests to meet site specific research needs. Specific forest reserve areas should become part of
an expanded system of sites for comparison with experimental forest units that are subject to
manipulation.
58
Guiding Concept 6: Research and Demonstration
RECOMMENDATION 18: Create a network of demonstration forests on all Islands with a diversity
of willing landowners to provide an opportunity to use existing and new knowledge on the
ground and assist private forest landowners with currently available technical knowledge and
applied research.
FINDINGS:
Mutual understanding and cooperation between researchers and public and private natural resource
managers are sometimes lacking or at least inadequate. Efforts to enhance and ensure coordination of
management and research is urgently needed. Public acceptance and support of natural resource manager's
and researcher's efforts can be best realized only when those parties work in unity.
Although most attention has been focused on the technical aspects of management and research pertinent
to the recovery of Hawaii's forests and natural resource issues in general, the all-important •people factor"
also needs to be addressed in a comprehensive, inclusive manner. Without public support, even the best
knowledge and technology will be of little use.
Demonstration forests are needed to provide opportunities for short-term research or testing of new forest
management techniques that involve direct exchange between researchers and managers. Demonstration
forests could also provide the breadth of ecosystem coverage that is not possible with one or a few costly
experimental forests.
Opportunities for demonstration forest sites abound in Hawaii. Usually, the opportunities are near state
Natural Area Reserves or •conservation Reserve" forests that could provide control sites when research
manipulation requires comparison to unmanipulated sites. The greatest benefit from demonstration forests
is the opportunity to test new technology in an operational project To capitalize on the opportunities,
managers and researchers must establish and maintain communication.
Much information is currently available that could be implemented to accomplish a great deal of good on
the ground, especially to enhance degraded native forests and establish commercial forests using knowledge
and techniques developed over the past 30 years.
59
Definition:
A demonstration forest is a unit of a forest ecosystem set aside for the application of research findings to
show the relevance of the findings, and serve as a further test of the efficacy of the resuks. Demonstration
forests are established by forest managers in cooperation with researchers and are operated for the
benefit of the community at large, and especially for the forest management community. Demonstration
forests can be the focal points lor developing and demonstrating •environmentally friendlier" land use
technical applications. They can also provide more forest communities than represented by a single
experimental forest.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
A network of demonstration forests is established on all islands with a diversity of cooperating and willing
landowners, demonstrating land uses that meet landowner objectives. The demonstration forests, which
vary in size, ownership, and land use, provide an opportunity for people to see and experience forests
that can accommodate certain compatible and complementary uses, while not degrading the experience
of the users or the forest resource. They also allow an increased opportunity for communities to participate
in the stewardship of public resources and become focal points for developing and demonstrating
'environmentally friendlier" land use technical applications.
Some potential examples of demonstration forests include, but are not limited to: native ecosystem
protection; natural forest management; mixed species forest plantations: agrolorestry; traditional gathering;
subsistence hunting; ahupua'a-based stewardship--the traditional Hawaiian land division usually extending
from the uplands to the sea; and 'teaching forests' to serve as outdoor laboratories lor elementary and
high school students.
These demonstration forests are also used lor the application of research finding to show the relevance
of the findings, and serve as a further test of the efficacy of the results. They provide an opportunity to
test new technology in an operational project and assist private forest landowners with using currently
available technical knowledge and research. The information network that results from demonstration
forests provides an integrated and evolving database of current and appropriate forest management
techniques.
60
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Establish a network of willing landowners and managers, through incentive grants, who are interested
in participating in or cooperating with, general or specific demonstration forest projects.
2.
Establish a mechanism for maintaining communication between landowners, managers, and
researchers that will provide information on current activities and potential useful applications ongoing
within the demonstration forest network. This process could be supported by the local information
office and by the Center for Tropical Forests (see recommendations 2 and 15).
3.
Develop a database that describes existing and new demonstration forest(s) as they become part
of the network. It should include forest types, soils, and climate, short- and long-term objectives of
the landowner, and the type of research needed and considered appropriate for that specific
demonstration forest.
61
62
Guiding Concept 7: Planning, Inventories, and Monitoring
RECOMMENDATION 19: Update or complete and implement management plans for all publicly owned
and managed forests.
FINDINGS:
Publicly owned and managed forest throughout the state were established to meet a variety of specific
management mandates and objectives. Examples of such mandates and objectives include the recovery
of threatened and endangered plants and forest birds in the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge,
watershed management and public recreation for Hawaii Forest Reserves, and protection of native forest
ecosystems in Hawaii Natural Area Reserves. In general, management plans display agency objectives
and intentions for the areas covered by the plan. Management plans can help provide a method of tracking
an agency's progress in accomplishing their stated management objectives. Management plans can
provide a focal point for resource information about an area.
The status of management plans for Hawaii's publicly owned forest varies among agencies. Some
management plans have not been updated from the early 1970s, while other management plans are
updated annually. For many agencies, current levels of funding and staffing are inadequate for the effective
development and implementation of management plans.
Local community members have expressed interest in participating in the planning and management of
Hawaii's forests. Partnerships involving local communrties, government, private sector, and private
organizations should be established to contribute to the development of feasible and community-supported
forest management plans.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Management plans for publicly owned forest lands are completed and updated regularly. The plans are
based on information that is accurate, timely, and relevant. All forest resources values, needs, and concerns
are accepted as legitimate and important components of any overall forest management scheme.
Community involvement in the development of management plans is extensive and meaningful. There is
a wide degree of understanding and support among community members for management objectives as
stated in management plans. The public recognizes and accepts the different mandates and objectives
of the respective agencies. Management, research, monitoring, education, and professional development
are all considered essential and complementary components of the communrty-based approach.
Management objectives are measurable whenever possible and management activities are generally
based on plans; activities that deviate from plans are justffied. Management activities, including inventories
and monitoring, are carried out in the field by trained staff capable of dealing with the demands of field
application.
63
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Increase funding for agencies to conduct inventories and surveys to provide relevant information
for development of management plans. Local communities and organizations should be involved
in identification of the type of data to be collected and used in the plans, and in the development
of management options.
2.
Complete management plans. When possible, planning for all publicly owned forests in a region
should be coordinated to address the need to look at resource planning at a regional or landscape
leveL One possible method of developing management plans is contracting the effort out to private
sector planners who would work with all interested parties. Plans should be comprehensive and
specific, and contain measurable management objectives.
Community understanding and involvement in the development of management plans can be
encouraged through the use of forest partnership working groups, as described in recommendation 1.
Hold public meetings at convenient locations and times to allow for public input and review of
forest management plans.
3.
Review and update, when necessary, management plans and resource databases at least every
6 years.
64
Guiding Concept 7: Planning, Inventories, and Monttoring
RECOMMENDATION 20: Strengthen the capacity of Hawaii's public land management agencies
to conduct resource inventories, surveys, and monitoring, and to manage the resulting data.
FINDINGS:
Statewide, knowledge of the condition and extent of Hawaii's forest resources is not always current enough
to facilitate effective planning and management There is a particular need to design inventory systems
that will permit efficient updating.
The status of resource inventories for Hawaii's publicly owned forests varies. Some inventories have not
been updated from the early 1970s and 1980s, while other inventories are updated annually. For many
agencies, current levels of funding and staffing are inadequate for effective collection and maintenance of
inventory data.
Many private landowners are reluctant to allow forest inventories to be conducted on their land, because
they do not perceive any benefit to themselves, and they perceive a potential detriment to themselves if
threatened and endangered species are discovered on their land.
There is no single repository within the state for survey and inventory data. Many agencies and organizations
such as the State of Hawaii, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, USDA Soil Conservation Service, USDI
National Park Service, USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDI National Biological Survey have Geographic
Information System (GIS) capability; however, there is no acknowledged GIS standard. Efforts to utilize
GIS are hampered by the lack of policies for exchanging data between agencies.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Forest management plans and natural resource inventories have been completed for all publicly owned
forests and for significant private forests. Surveys, inventories, and monttoring programs are in place that
fulfill information requirements of resource managers and planners. Resource information is contained in
computer databases integrated with the state's Geographic Information System database. Mechanisms
exist for adding new or additional data into existing databases. There is an ongoing dialogue between
resource managers and information providers regarding information requirements, data quality, and data
exchange. Access to information is easy and efficient
Available data layers on the State of Hawaii's Geographic Information System (GIS) include: forest canopy,
forest understory, hunting, land ownership, management objectives, recreation, aquatic resources, soils,
biological inventory, threatened and endangered species, fire history, hazards (erosion, fuel loading,
weed species, pests), wetlands, survey transects, archaeological and sacred sites, plantations, cultural
resources, and commercial species.
65
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1,
Adequately fund and complete forest resource inventories. These inventories should be conducted
cooperatively between agencies and organizations and updated on a regular basis,
2.
Coordinate statewide inventory and monitoring activities through the Hawaii Conservation Biology
Initiative's Secretariat
3,
Establish Geographic Information System data sharing policies between state, federal and private
entities.
4,
Establish a clearinghouse for forest inventory, survey, and monitoring information that would be a
focal point for disseminating results of inventories to interested agencies and organizations.
5,
Address the issue of gaining access to private lands for field verification of inventory plots to ensure
that private landowners' concerns are satisfactorily resolved,
66
Guiding Concept 7: Planning, Inventories, and Monitoring
RECOMMENDATION 21: Require regular monitoring in all programs and activities to evaluate
the effectiveness of management practices, outreach efforts, research projects, economic
investments, and other forest-related activities.
FINDINGS:
Short-term and long-term monttoring programs have been initiated in a few protected forest areas in
Hawaii to determine the effectiveness of locally applied management techniques and to assess the current
status and long-term trends of key threats and special resources. However, there is no statistically sound
statewide system of monitoring stations or plots to provide forest managers and users with the reliable,
objective information they need to plan for and manage Hawaii's forest resources wisely.
Similarly, there is no statewide or local mechanism or questionnaire soliciting the public's viewpoints on
forest issues to guide and provide regular feedback on outreach efforts. A strong commitment to regularly
gather and use objective feedback information is critical to the continued health of Hawaii's forests, and
the satisfaction of Hawaii's forest users. Without appropriate quantrtative measurements, we cannot build
on our successes or detect and Jearn from our failures, leaving the future of Hawaii's forest management
to anecdotal evidence and chance.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Managers and the public are armed with regularly updated information to guide their efforts, including
statewide monitoring of key threats to guide management activities to priorrty areas and to identify effective
management techniques and periodic feedback from the community on priorities and concerns for forest
areas to guide public use and involvement programs.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Extend proposed natural area biological resource and threat monttoring system statewide. Modify
protocols as necessary, including increased use of remote sensing.
2.
Conduct periodic comprehensive, statewide polls by islands and districts to obtain accurate data
on forest-related perceptions, uses, and needs from a representative cross-section of Hawaii's
people.
3.
Develop and periodically apply a benefit/cost analysis to resource allocation within at least one of
Hawaii's demonstration forests, using a long-term horizon and fully recognizing both quantitative
and qualitative outputs provided by a healthy forest (scenery, air quality, etc.).
4.
Require periodic monitoring to evaluate effectiveness in all publicly funded natural resource
management and conservation projects.
67
68
Guiding Concept 8: Economic Development
RECOMMENDATION 22: To promote economic diversification within the state, create sustainable
commercial forests by supporting the existing forest products Industry, and taking advantage
of new opportunities in the state as a result of land becoming available following economic
declines In sugar, pineapple and, to a Jesser extent, cattle ranching.
FINDINGS:
The existing forest products industry contributes $29,000,000 to the state's economy through the wholesale
level, employs over seven hundred people, and pays salaries in excess of $12 per hour (Hawaii's Forest:
An Inventory of Economic Potential 1993). In the past, public policy in the state has given lower value to
forestry. In addition, a general commitment is needed from policy makers to recognize that forest management
includes harvesting.
Current regulations that are considered to hinder forest-related economic development in the state include
conservation district zoning. The possibility of down-zoning can result in discomfort to a potential private
lender in that the collateral value of the property wiil likely erode and the cash flow will be impacted due
to complete or partial restrictions that accompany such actions.
The State of Hawaii has some of the best land in the world for growing trees due to its strategic location
to Pacific markets, stable government, developed infrastructure, sophisticated research facilities, and a
trained, sophisticated agricultural work force. A recent analysis of one potential scenario indicates Hawaii
has a window of opportunity for developing a sustainable forest industry. Prime forest land is available or
becoming available on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, and Kauai to form the basis of a permanent wood
supply to processing units. The best land--former sugarcane land--will be available in ready-to-plant
condition, and an agricultural work force is located on each island. That potential land resource is to a
large extent held by private land holders, some of which have interest in developing forest resources.
Hawaii's forests contain a wide variety of commercial forest products, such as tree ferns and maile. More
information is needed to improve management of these resources and to market the products, while
maintaining sustainability of the resources.
For the speciality forest products segment of the industry such as crafts, market opportunities exist to
expand the industry, ff Hawaii-grown wood is available. A major concern of those currently involved in
that industry is the Jack of a sustainable supply of raw forest materials to meet demand. An inventory of
existing forest resources is needed, as well as an economic analysis of opportunities.
Many contributions of Hawaii's forest are Jess tangible than others, but those forest values contribute to
the economic well-being of communities and the state. For instance, clean, healthy air to breathe, unpolluted
water to drink, and topsoil in which to grow food are essential to sustain life, and yet only in recent years
69
have economists ventured to quantify those economic values. In the evaluation of forest issues in Hawaii,
environmental and societal cost and benefits derived from forests are not being thoroughly considered.
Cost-benefit analysis techniques are being applied to resource allocation and development decisions in
other parts of the world; however, no cost-benefit analyses specific to conditions in Hawaii are currently
being used to assist in making more informed management decisions for Hawaii's forests. Land managers
and the public need to know the costs and benefits of the many activities involved in managing Hawaii's
forests. Sound management requires selection of practices and activities that return acceptable benefits
lor the investments involved.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
A healthy, thriving forest products industry exists that maximizes local processing of forest products within
the state, producing both market and nonmarket forest products. The contribution to the state's economy
is $100,000,000, employing three thousand people at competitive wages.
Forest management actively contributes to Hawaii's economic stability while enhancing and protecting
the state's unique environment. All residents of the state benefit from those management activities.
Careful planning, visionary thinking, and appropriate implementation in the 1990s has provided the state
with forest resources that provide Hawaii with revenues, wildlife habitat, recreation, employment, and
clean water.
Over seventy thousand acres of degraded forest lands are reforested or rehabilitated in the state, using
koa, sandalwood, milo, and other species. Over sixty thousand acres of former sugarcane land are reforested
and support sustainable forest plantations. The health of the state's forest resources are vastly improved
because of actions of the forest products industry.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Create sustainable commercial forests on appropriate private and public lands. Cooperation between
government agencies, private landowners, and potential investors will be needed to achieve an
integrated forest products industry. Small landowner participation and forest cooperatives should be
encouraged.
2.
Provide lair and just compensation lor public use of private resources. If economic development
and forest management are to take place, landowners need the right to use their forest resources.
If the right to use forest resources such as timber is denied, landowners need to be compensated
for immediate and future losses (see recommendation 12).
3.
Conduct a comprehensive review of the regulatory environment for forest management activities,
and work to improve the regulatory environment to allow forest management to be economically
feasible. Identified improvements include:
70
a)
Developing and implementing tax reforms regarding disincentives tor landowners to develop or
maintain forest land (see recommendation 13);
b)
Developing and implementing insurance reform, both tort and workmen's compensation, to
encourage the expansion of forest-related employment opportunities; and
c)
Modify existing procedures that inhibit beneficial land management practices in state
conservation districts.
4.
Conduct a comprehensive market analysis to identify the major opportunities for the development
and expansion of Hawaii's forest products industry, and the costs and benefits of each. Some
already identified opportunities include the expansion of wood processing, product manufacturing
opportunities as value-added activities, and the creation of new forest resource industries, ranging
from biopharmaceuticals to ecotourism.
5.
Support and expand the inventory and assessment of the use of existing koa resources, including
replanting koa for a sustainable resource, and the resolution of issues preventing selective harvest
(see recommendations 8 and 11).
6.
Encourage the privatization of public land management activities to encourage forest-related
economic development, such as contracting noxious weed control, tree planting, and inventories.
7.
Conduct research to enhance the economic development of Hawaii's forest resource industry,
including research on: koa genetics; alien species control; methodologies for quantitative and
qualitative analysis of costs and benefits associated with forest resources; restoration of threatened
and endangered species; economic analysis of production of forest resources, such as maile,
bees and honey, and valuable hardwoods.
8.
Develop incentives for private landowners for watershed improvement and management (see
recommendation 23).
9.
Develop islandwide or regional land use planning processes that include identifying possible forest
resource management conflicts with other land uses and land users (see recommendation 1).
71
72
Guiding Concept 9: Innovative Funding
RECOMMENDATION 23: Develop a program that allows a percent of the sale of water to fund
essential regional forest watershed management activities.
FINDINGS:
Water has long been recognized as the most important resource of Hawaii's forest lands. Mountain
watersheds are the primary source of water for the islands' urban, industrial, and agricultural areas. The
intimate relationship of these forested watersheds with a dependable supply of clean water was recognized
as early as 1880. Forested watersheds reduce rain's erosive effects, prevent soil from washing into the
ocean, increase infiltration rates into the soil, strip moisture from the clouds, and deliver a consistent and
dependable source of surface and artesian water. Existing native forests are excellent watersheds, and
they have been augmented by planted forests on disturbed and eroded sites.
In some mountain areas outside of the forest reserves, watersheds are deteriorating due to a loss of
forest cover. This has been encouraged by land speculation and county property tax structure. Current
operational budgets to manage state forest reserves are not adequate and declining. To ensure Hawaii a
clean source of water, the state's forested watersheds must be adequately managed, and incentives
should be provided to private landowners to protect their essential watersheds. Regional cooperation
and management is needed to optimize watershed management activities. The Task Force finds that the
costs of ensuring sustainable forest watersheds are not considered in the sale or use of the water resource.
It is crucial to make the economic connection between the use of the water resource and the management
of the watershed to ensure that the water resource will be available in the future.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Regional watershed management programs are funded from a fixed fee, to be paid by all public and
private users who consume water.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Enter into regional memoranda of understanding to develop management plans with various
landowners to protect and enhance essential watershed areas.
2.
Develop a program by which a fixed fee, to be paid by all public and private users who consume
water, be used to implement regional watershed plans. The fee would be collected at the county
level, and allocated via a formula established jointly by the county water agency and the Commission
on Water Resource Management. Preliminary estimates indicate that the average private user's
costs would increase a few cents per day under this proposal.
73
74
Guiding Concept 9: Innovative Funding
RECOMMENDATION 24: Use carbon sequestration as a funding mechanism for Hawaii's forest
management programs.
FINDINGS:
Evidence now points to the validity of the global warming hypothesis, and political bodies around the
world (U.S. Department of Energy, World Bank, and United Nations) are taking steps to substantively
address it. Among the more attractive options is to encourage reforestation and better forestry practices.
Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, the most deleterious greenhouse gas.
Carbon offset investments have been made by utilities, government agencies, and other significant emitters
of greenhouse gases. The purpose of offset investments is to achieve global emission reductions in the
most economically efficient way possible, in lieu of restrictive government intervention or emission taxes.
Forests, because they absorb or sequester carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, provide an excellent
vehicle for companies interested in this type of emission reductions.
Hawaii is in an excellent position to take advantage of the economic opportunities being created by this
newly recognized importance of forests. The reduction of Hawaii's sugar and pineapple industries has
created exciting potential opportunities for commercial forestry throughout the state. Many forest areas
are already protected and represent important carbon sinks. Although the level of funds available from
carbon offsets may not represent the total cost of any one specific forestry project, they could encourage
better forestry practices or higher value products needing longer rotation ages.
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Public and private landowners in Hawaii obtain funding for their reforestation and forest management
activities through an innovative form of financing known as "carbon offsetting.'
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Develop demonstration project areas with different types of forest management systems (e.g.,
forest plantations, natural forest management, native forest protection) for carbon offset opportunities.
2.
Conduct discussions with utility companies to develop their interest in funding carbon offset forestry
projects in Hawaii.
3.
Secure funding for Hawaii to participate in baseline monitoring of verification, and the audit of carbon
offset forestry projects.
75
76
Guiding Concept 9: Innovative Funding
RECOMMENDATION 25: Establish a grants program to support partnerships that link research,
management, and extension efforts for traditional cultural, social, economic, biological, or
other resource information and technology transfer needs.
FINDINGS:
Managers of Hawaii's forested and formerly forested lands today tend to make their management decisions
on the basis of their individual management goals and purposes, as mediated by the host of often conflicting
statutes, regulations, and other governmental policies expressed by a wide diversity of county, state, and
federal organizations. This decision-making process frequently overlooks the goals, values, and concerns
of adjacent land management units, and can cause a disconnection of the ecological, life history, and
cultural relationships that originally connected the resources on adjacent areas. This disconnection leads
to loss of native biological resources and ecological processes, not only from lands converted for
non-conservation purposes, but also from lands managed to sustain those resources with the long-term
result that the more sensitive elements of the native resources disappear completely.
Hawaii has the current mix of knowledge, trained personnel, and economic potential to begin action to
develop an ecosystem-based approach for restoring its native forests and developing a diversified forest
products economy. Because of the many diverse interests, value systems, and land ownerships involved
in forest restoration, management, and use, achieving an ecosystem-based approach will require intensive
and long-term cooperation in planning, inventory, monitoring, research, education, training, land management, and economic development.
While some cooperation traditionally has occurred, and the creation and operation of the Hawaii Tropical
Forest Recovery Task Force has stimulated a great increase in the diversity and intensity of cooperation
being focused on forest concerns, there needs to be established a long-term, cooperative, and institutionalized mechanism for encouraging and supporting the creative partnerships that will be needed for the
recovery program to be effective.
The development of a cooperative grants program would link research, management, and extension
efforts; foster interdisciplinary collaboration; broaden participation in research activities; and provide funding
for applied research and extension efforts.
77
DESIRED FUTURE CONDITION:
Cooperative, voluntary partnerships form the basis for ecosystem management and are the deciding
factor in the success of the Hawaii Tropical Forest Recovery program. These cooperative partnerships
occur within and across research, development, inventory, monttoring, education, training, and management
activities. Their formation is catalyzed by a cooperative, jointly funded and managed competitive grants
program that emphasizes the breaking down of human barriers and the stimulation of interdisciplinary
programs that bring together appropriately talented people from all the different types of human endeavor
that can occur on forested and formerly forested land.
Within 2 years after initiation of the proposed activity, groups interested in forests and their resources will
be much more aware of each others' concern, needs, and potentials, and a few cooperative partnerships
will be underway. Within 5 years, changes in the resource characteristics of both natural and commercial
forests will be apparent, with most changes being of neutral to positive value to managers of adjacent
lands. Within 15 years, cooperative programs supportive of the values of all participants will be common,
and both native and commercial forests will be meeting the qualitative needs of their managing organizations.
SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS:
1.
Convene an interdisciplinary, multiorganizational working group to develop and propose a grants
program, taking approximately 6 months to come up with a proposal. The effect would be to affirm
the need for and value of interorganizational partnerships, identify a competitive, peer-reviewed
mechanism for stimulating the formation of such partnerships, and obtain an organization that will
commit to securing the partners needed to initiate a cooperatively funded and managed grants
program.
2.
Circulate the proposed agreement widely to all potential interest groups for comment, endorsement,
and initial commitment of funds and personnel assignments. The effect would be to produce a
cooperatively funded and managed competitive grants program, establish available funding, establish
program guidelines and peer review requirements, issue a first call for proposals, and fund first
grants.
3.
Operate the program, increase as possible, and review effectiveness every 5 years. The effect
would be to create cooperative partnerships, fund start-up projects, stimulate new funding sources,
stimulate formation of interdisciplinary work units that no individual organization could initiate or
fund by itself, stimulate innovation, and encourage public-private partnerships, and researchmanagement partnerships.
78
Appendix 1
HAWAII TROPICAL FOREST RECOVERY ACT
Congressional Bill S. 2679
To promote the recovery of Hawaii tropical forests,
and other purposes.
£NCLOSUR.E l
102!> CONGRESS
2D SESSION
S.2679
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OCfOIU 11 1982
Rttern<! to the Commit~ o.n A&rleultllrt
AN ACT
To promote tht reco\'ecy of Hawaii tropical torests, and
tor other purpose1,
1
Be if tn<Jde4 ~ 1M Se'/\Ole and H(N.Jt of &pruenta-
1 liva of eM Un(te4 Statu ofAmtrlc4 In Ccngru1 assembltd.
1-1
2
1
2
SECTION I. SHORr TITLE.
This Act may be cited a.s the "Hawaii Tropical Forest
3 Recovery Aet".
4 SEC,!. RAWAil TROPICAL FOREST RECOVERY.
S
{a)
~
GEl\'"ER.A.L.-The International Forestry Co-
6 operation . .Act oC 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4501 et ·seq.) is
1 amended(1) by r-OOesignating sections 605, 006, 1tnd 607
8
9
as sedions 609, 610, and 611, respectively; and
10
11
(2) by inserting after section 604 the Col!owing
ne\v aeet.ionc:
12 "SEC. S.OS. INSTI'lVl'E OF PACIFIC ISLANDS FORESTRY,
13
"(a) ExrANSION.-The Secretary shall expand the
14 capabilities ot and construct additional facilitiu, u tunde
15 are appropriated tor the expansion and construction, at"(1) tho Institute ot Paeit5c hlandt Forestry;
16
17
18
19
20
1 -2
and
"(2) tropic& toresu In the State of Hawaii.
"(b) TRoPICAl. FORESTRY
Pw.N.-
"(1) IN GEl\"ERAL.-~ot later than 1 year after
ot the aetion
21
the date oC receipt by the Secref..\cy
22
plan required by section 5(b) or the Hawaii Tropic.al
23
Forest
24
a.nd submit U> the Committee on Agriculture and the
2S
Commit~
26
Hou~
~covery
on
.Act, the Secretacy shall prepare
Jn~rlor
and Insular AttaiN ot the
ot Representatives, the Committee on
Agri.
3
1
culturt, Nutrition, and Forestry
2
to the Committees on Appropriations o! the House
3
of Representatives and Senate, a tropical forestry
4
plan to expand the capabilities of and construct ad·
'
d.itional facilities under subsection (a).
6
7
"(2)
ELE~fENTS.-The
o{
t.he Senate, and
plan shan provide tor-
"(.!) the establishment of a model center
~ucation,
8
tor research, demonstration,
9
ing, and outrucll activitie' suitable tor trans-
10
terrlng sclentJt5e, technical, managerial, and ad·
11
mlnistrative
12
non·eovenunent.al organiu.tions seeJdne to ad·
13
dress problema a&soeiated with tropical forests
14
within and outside the United State..;
usi~t.anee
train-
to iQvtrnmental a.nd
IS
"(B) the acquisition or constnletion of fA·
16
eilitiu for ~earch, o!auroom instruction, And
11
housini near an experimental tropical forest in
18
the State ot Hawaii;
19
14
(C) the acquisition or constnletion
ot la·
20
cilities for the study and recovery of endana-ered
21
tropiCAl wildlife, t'lsh, a.nd plant species and tl1e
22
restoration
ot thelr habitats;
23
"(D) the study of biolo~cal control of non·
24
oauve species that degrade or destroy native
25
forest eco~tems;
1-3
4
1
11
2
global climate change and the significance of
3
achieving a reduction
4
through research associated with the unique at.
5
mosphenc conditions found in Hawaii and the
6
Paclllo Oc.ean;
7
II
(F) a review
ot greenhouse
gasec
or the extent to wluch exist-
s
ing Federal Corest.ry programs can be utilized to
9
acllleve the purposes of the plani and
10
"(G) the establishment
ot experlmental
11
tropical torut.a ln the St4t4 ot Hawa.il u au-
ll
thorlzed by section 606.
13
"(3) CAPABILlTY.-In preparing elemenu
14
the plan that address paragraph (2)(F), tlle
lS
retary shall identity the capability of the plan-
ot
~-
16
"(A) to promote a &realer undmt4ndlng
17
ot tropical forest ecosystem processu, cona.erva-
18
Uon biology, and biodiversity management;
"(B) to demonstrate the various benefits of
19
20
maintaining a tropical tore$t reserve system;
"(C) to promote sound watushed and for·
2.1
22
23
24
1-4
(E) achieving a better HnderJ<f..tnding ot
est
man~ement;
"(D) to develop compatible land uses adja.-
cent to protected natural are.ls; and
5
u(E) to develop new methods o( reclaiming
1
2
and restoring degTaded land!.
3 "SEC. 600. HAWAll EXPERIMENTAL TROPICAL FOREST.
-i
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
"(a) DtFDilTlONS.-.!.s used in this section:
11
(1) FoR~ST.-The t&rm 'Forc!t' means the
HawaU Experimental Tropical Forest.
''(2) G<>V&RNOR.-The term 'Go\·ernor' mee.ns
the Governor ot Hawaii.
"(S) LA.NDs.-The term 1ands' means Ianda,
watert, and interest& in lands and wa.tera.
"(4) STATE.-The term 'State' muns the St.at.e
ll
oC H&wail.
13
"(b) EST.A:BL!Sffi!EN'l' M'D MANAGE)!ENT.-At the
14 request o! the ~vernor, the. ~retary shall establish and
JS adroinist.ar within the St.a te a. Hawaii Experimental 'I'ropi·
16 CAl Forest. The Forest shall be mana.eed u17
"(1) a model
ot quality tropiCAl forest man~-
18
ment whert harvestinr on a. sustainable yield basla
19
e&n be demonstraW:i in balance with natural re·
20
coum ccnservaUon;
21
11
(2) a site for research on tropi.:al forestry,
22
oonservation biology, and natural resource
23
roent; and
24
2S
man~·
"(3) a center (or demonstration, education,
tl-oinlr-c, and outreach on
tropl~l
forestry, eonsen·a·
1•5
6
1
tion biology, and natural raources research and
2
man~ement.
3
''(c) DELIN"E.!TIO~ OF THE LocATION OF THE F0&-
4 EST."(1) IDENTIFICATION OF w.NDS.-The
S
1-6
Gov-
6
emor and tho Secretary shall ldentJfy one or more
1
suitable sites for the Forest in Iande withln tho
8
State. The identification ot each site shall be based
9
on scientific,
ecolog1~,
administrative, and such
10
other factors a.s the Governor and Secretacy consider
11
to
12
of this tectlon. Et.eh site ldentit5ed pumJnnt to tho
l3
pmeding sentence shall be ot S"Uttlclent siu and lo-
14
cated so that the site can be etrectively man~ tor
U
Forest purposea.
~
necessary or de:;irable to achieve the purposea
(2)
BOID.'D.A.RIES.-The e>."Urior
16
11
17
boundariea
18
of all sites ldentitled for Forest purposea, shall
19
delineated on an oMcial map. The map shaD be
20
available for public inspection in the office
21
Adlnin!strator ot the Division o( Forestry and Wtld·
22
life ot the Departn1ent ot Land and Natural R.e·
23
sources ot the State. The Governor and the &lc·
24
retary may from time to time, by mutual
EXTERJOR
ot the Forect. lnoludlnr the
boundari~
~
ot the
~ement,
7
1
amend the of1"5clal map to lllOdil'y the boundaries o!
2
the Foresl
3
"{d) AUTHORITIES OF THE SECRETA.RY.-
4
s
1'(1) IN GEl-<'"ER.AL.-To earl')' out the purposes
ot tM ~tion, the Secretary is authoriz.ed-
6
"(.A) to administer the Forest In eoopera·
7
tion v;\th the G<Jvernor nnd 6f£ected Stale! agen·
8
•
tletj
9
"(B) to make grants and enter into con·
10
tracts and cooperative agreements with the
11
Federal
tl
Stata, 10041 eovemments, corporations, non·
13
profit organitations and indiv1dnal•;
14
Govemn~ent,
"(C)
the eovernment
ot the
to exercise e.xistine authority with te·
lS
spect to cooperative forest:)' and remrcll tor
16
Forest purposes; and
l7
11
(D) to !.\sue necessat)' rules and
exi~ttng
18
Uons or apply
19
pficable t.o areas
20
Ser.~u
21
minister the Fore$t-
22
23
24
2j
re~la·
rulea and regulations ap·
a.drnWs~red
by the Forest
that are necessary or desirable t.o e.d·
"(l) tor the purposes described in rob-
section (b);
"(ii) to protect persons within the
Forest; and
1•7
8
1
"{iii) to preserve and protect th& re·
2
sources in the Forest.
3
"(2) LAND ACQUISl1ION.-The authority in see·
4
tlon 4 ot the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Re·
S
sources Research .Aet of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1643)
6
6haU be IIYI!ilable
7
seetion.
8
11
t¢
the Secretary to carry out thla
(3) STATUTORY CO~STRUCTION.-~othing in
9
this section is intended to afrect tlle jurisdiction of
10
the St!te, both civil and criminal, over any person
11
within tha Forest by reason
12
the Forest unde.r thia 'eotion, exc.cpt in the eue of
13
a penalty for an offense against the
or the establishment of
Unit~d
States.
14 "SEC. MT. ANNUAL REPORT ON INS1ITUTES OF TROPICAL
IS
16
FORESTRY.
"The
~retary.
shaU make annual reports to Con·
17 aren on the prog;C$s1 needs. and long·ranre plaM of the
18 Institute$ of 'l'rop!eal Forestzy In meetine the require·
19 ments of section 24:07 of the Global Climate Chan~· Pre·
20 \-entlon Aet of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 6706), Such reports sha.U
21 be submitted by the Secretary pursuant to section S(e)
ll of the Fomt and &nge!a.nd Renewable Resources Plan•
23 ningActo£1974(16U.S.C.l606(a}).
1.8
9
1
2
"SEC. 008. DEmmiONS.
"!! used in this title (unless the context otherwise
3 ~):
4
"(1.) !NSTIT'OTES OF TROk'ICAL FORESTRY.-
5
The term 'Institutes of Tro{lkal Foresuy mean• the
6
Institute
7
the Institute ot Pa.cl~c Islands Forestry established
8
under section 2407 of the Food,
9
&en'&tlon, and Trade .Act ot 1990 (7 U.S.(). 6706).
10
11
12
11
ot Tropical Forest.ty In Puerto Rico and
(2) SECRE'tARY.-The tum
~culture,
'~retu)"
Con-
mcana
the Secretary ot Agriculture.
"(3) STATE.-The term 'State' meanJ each
Sta~.
ot
Guam, .Americ.an Samoa, tJJe ~public
13
the 50
14
of Palau (until the Compad of Fru .US¢ciat.ion en·
1S
ttrt into efr$()t), Puerto Rieo, tlle VU"Jin Jslanda,
16
and tJJe Commonwealth
17
Janda!'
18
(b) CoNFOBlO!\G !l!EJ\"D)fENl'S.-
.19
(1) Section 602(b)
ot Ule Northern Mariana Ia·
ot the Intunatlonal Forestry
20
Coop(rnUon Act ot 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4501(b)) fa
21
amended by strikin~ "(hereinafter referred to in tJus
22
tiUe a.s the Secretary)"
23
24
(2) The heading of section 604 ot sneh Act (lG
U.S.C. 4503)
i~
amended to l'eaA u rollow&:
1.9
10
I
"SEC. 60-4, INSTTIVrE OF TROPICAL fORESTRY rN PVIRTO
ruco.-.
2
3 SEC. 3. TROPICAL FORESTRY RESEARCH AND ASSISTANCE.
4
(a) .AssiSTANCE.-To promote sound mana.gem~:ot
5 and c.on.sewatlon ot tropical forests of tile United States
6 and to promote the development and U'ans(er or technical,
7 man&.€erial, educational, and administrath·e skills to man·
8 age11 of tropical forest. within or ouuide the United
~
pro·
eli~llle
enti·
9 States, the Secretary of A8riculture ill authorized
10 vide assistance throu£h the Forest
Sel"'.i~-e
to
11 ties !n States with Wpical forests to12
ot nath·e woods and other forest
l3
able harvesting
14
prvducts on a rusulnable yield basla In ba.lanca with
15
natural re.<:onrce eoucervat.ion;
16
17
(2) pron1ote habitat preservation and species
protection or recover)';
18
(3) protect !ndieenoua plant and animal species
19
and essential watersheds from non·native a.n.imalt,
20
plantt, a.nd patho~nCJ
21
22
~
1 . 10
(1) develop, promote, and demonstrate sustain·
(4) establish biological control agents tor non·
nati\'e species tiJat threaten natural ec.osystemsi
establish a monitoring system in tropical
to identify baseline conditions and determine
(5)
24
ro~ts
25
dt.t.rimental changes or improvcmcnf.s over time;
11
1
(6) detect and appraise stresses afrecting tropi·
2
cal forests caused by insect infestations, diseases,
3
pollution, t5re, and non-native anlma.l and plant spe·
4
cies, and by the influence ot people;
S
(7) determine tJ.e causes of changes that are
6
de~ted throu~h experimenfJ~tion,
7
ing, and data collection at affected tropical forest
8
sites; and
9
(8) engage in
tr~ntng,
~search,
intensive monitor-
demonstration, edu·
and outreach that turthert the ob·
10
utton,
11
jectlves ot th!s smb$wtion.
12
(b) FORM OF .A.ssiSTA.NCE.-A.ssistanca provided to
13
eli~ible
entitles under this section
l'll4)'
be in the tonn
ot
14 g-rants, contracts, or cooperative a~emenu.
15
(e) DETil'tlTIONS.-As used In this se¢tion:
16
(1) Euomu S:NT11'Y.-'l'he tum "elicible en·
17
18
tit/' means a State rorester or equivalent State om.
clal, State, politleaJ subdivision ot a State, Federal
19
atenc)', private org-anization, corporation, or other
20
private person.
21
(2) STATZ.-The Uflll "St.lste" means each of
22
the 50 States, Guam, American Samoa, the Republic
23
ot Palau (until the Compact o( Free Association en·
24
tel"$ into
effed), Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
1 . 11
12
1
and the Commonll'ealth
2
lands.
3
or thP. }\orlhern ~fariana r,.
SEC, 4. EAWAll TROPICAL FOREST RECOVERY TASK
4
'
FORe&
{a) ESTABLISID!ENT.-There is established the Ha·
6 waii Tropic.al FoN~t ~covery Task Foroe (herco.ftcr in
7 thls section
~remd
to as the 11TAsk Force") to advise
8 the Smetary of Agriculture with respect to tropical for·
9 ests and related ecosystems in the State of Hawaii.
ACTION PLAN.-Not later Ulan 1 year at\er the
10
(b)
11 date
ot tho tirst mcctinr ot the TMk Foru, tho TASk
12 Force thall submit to the Committees, ~cretaries, and
13 Governor referred to in subsection (k) an act.!on plan that
14 contalns findings and
r~ommendations
for rejuvenating
1' Hawaii'a tropical forest., includinr tindinp and ree16 ornn1endations oo-
17
18
19
1 - 12
(1) methods ot restorine the hMlth o( declining
or devaded tropical forest land;
(2) compatible usea within tropica.l fortst4, par·
ot sc.arce or
20
tieularly agroforestry and the eult.!v6tion
Zl
v!luable hardwoods and other forest products in Ha·
22
wail's tropic.a! Co rests;
23
(3) actions to encourage and accelerate the
24
identification and classification of unidentified plant,
25
animal, and microbe species;
13
1
(4) actions to-
(A) promote public awareness ot tropic.a.l
2
3
forest preservation;
(B) protect thrutened and
"s
endangered
•
~le.lj
(C) improve forest management and pl&.n·
6
n.ing; and
7
8
(D)
promote public awareness ot the harm
caused by introduced species;
9
(5) the benefHs
10
ot fencing or other mt~nt~gement
11
Mt.ivities for the pro~tion ot Hawaii's native plants
Jl
and animals from non·na live spec!u, lncludjnr t.he
J3
fdentit'ieation and priorit.iu tor the treat where
14
these activities are appropriate;
IS
16
(6) traditionol praefJus, uus, and needs ot n&•
tive Hawaiians In tropical forest.;
17
ot !mprovinr the health ot tropical
and related ecoS)"6t.e.ml in the Sta~ ct Ha·
(7) mean•
18
forests
19
waii through programs admlnJst.ercd by the See·
20
re~l)'
21
•
nor;
ot .A(riculture and the
~cretacy
ot the Int.e·
22
(8) tbe capabiiity ot existing Federal, State,
23
24
and private forestry programs tor rejuvenating Ha·
'~aii'a
tropical forests; and
1 - 13
14
1
(9) such other issues relating to tropical forests
2
ln HawaU as the Task Force considers appropriate.
3
(a) Co},Q>OSITION.-The Task Force shnll be CO!ll·
4 posed ot 12 members, of whom-
S
(1) three members shall be appointed by the
6
Secretaxy ot ~culture, two ot whom shall be rep-
7
resentatives ot the Fomt Service and the Soil
8
~rvation
Servioe, respc.ctiveln
~-
9
(2) two members shal! be appointed by the
10
retary ot the Interior u representativea o( the Unit-
11
ed States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National
12
Park
13
14
~ce,
16
ernor ot Hawaif, ot whom(A) two membera shall be private ownera
ot tropic.al forest lands;
(B) two membm shall be experts In the
17
18
rtSptctively;
(3) a!x tnemben ahaU be appointed by the Gov.
15
6e1d ottroplcal toresby. and
(C) two membert shall be
19
rtpresen~tlY$1
21
ot Hawaii conservation organizationc that have
demonstrated e>.-perl.ise In the arw ot tropical
22
forest management, habitat prestl"\'lltion, and
23
allen
24
(ecth·e advoc.ae;y in the areac; and
20
1 . 14
~n·
sp~!es
control or 'have demonstrated ef·
1~
1
(4) one memht>r shall be the Adminhb-a!Clr ot
2
tho Department ot Land and Natural Resources,
3
State
4
the .Administra~r.
$
(d) lNJTIAL APPOlNTM:ENTS.-Appo!ntments under
ot Hawaii, or the designated representative ot
6 thls $ect.ion to the Task Force
shall~
made not later than
7 90 days a~r the date o( enactment o£ thls Act.
~
(e) CHAffiPERSOX.-The Task
Fo~
shall &elect a
9 Chall'pmon from Among its members.
10
(f) VACANCI:tS.-A
vacancy on the Tatk ll'oree shall
11 not affect ita powers and shall be tilled In tho
s~mc
man·
J2 ner a.s the orlginal appointmenl
13
(g) CO){}'ENSATI0:0:.-
14
(1) IN OE}.'EIU.L.-A member of the Tuk
1S
Force ab&ll not meive compensation as a result of
16
the perl'orm&.nu ot senieu tor the TAJk Force.
17
(2) TRAVEL :r.x:PENSES.-The members of t.be
18
Tuk Force shall be allowed travel expeMes, inctud·
19
inr per diem in lieu or &ubslatence, at rate.s author·
20
Ize.d tor employees of ~encles under subchapter I ot
21
cllapter S7 ot title 51 UniUd Statts Code, while
22
away from their homes or rP.gular plactc ot budnecs
23
in the performance ot services tor the Task Foree.
1 • 15
16
1
(h) MEETINGS.-The Task Force shall meet not later
2 than 180 days after the date or enadment o{ this Act and
3 shall meet at the call ol the Chairperson.
4
(i)
VOTING.-The Task Force ahall a.ct and
~vise
.S b;y majorlt;y vote.
6
(j) AsSlST.ANCZ.-The Secretary
ot Agriculture and
7 the Swetary or the Interior shan provide such assistance
8 and support as are necessary ~ meet the objectiv~ of the
9 Task Foree. The assislanC$ shall inelude malOne Federal
10
fa.ciJiU~ 1
equipment, tools, and f.echnica)
&.ssi~Un<:e iiVaJl•
11 able on such f.lnns ~tnc\ condioons u thA apl\ropriAt.e See.
12 ret.1ty considers necessaey.
13
(k) REPORT.-The action plan rtqulred under cub-
14 section (b) shall be submitted to1.5
16
17
(1)
t.~e
Committee-s on A(r!eulture ancS Interior
ot the Houce ot Rep~'entatlvu;
(2) the Committees on !irieulture, Nutrition,
18
and Foresby- and Energy and Natural Resoums
19
the Sen,ate;
20
(3) the Secretary ot A(r!culture;
21
(4) the Secn:!.Ary ot t.ho Intuior; and
22
(5) the Governor ot HawaiJ.
23
(I) N'Ol\'APPLICABD.JT\' OF CERTA.!N i>ROVISIOl'IS OF
24 LAw.-Sections 7(d), 10((), and 14
1 • 16
ot
o(
the Federal .Advi·
17
1 sory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2) shall not apply to
2 the Task Fo~.
3
(m)
TER)~A1'ION.-The
4 to carry out this section shall
S
~;ubm.itting
Task Force and authority
urmlna~
180 days at't.er
the rep¢rl rtqul.re<l by ~btect.ion (b).
6 SEC. 5, A\JTHOR.IZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
7
8
There
a!
are authorized to be appropri&ted tuch sums
Are necessary to carry out s~tions 3 and 4.
Passed the Senate September 30, 1992.
Attest:
WALTER J. STEWART,
Secretary.
1 . 17
Appendix 3
HAWAII TROPICAL FOREST RECOVERY ACT
Hawaiian Words
HAWAIIAN WORDS
PRONUNCIATION
(from the 'Hawaiian Dictionary• by Mary Pukui and Samuel Elbert, i 986)
Consonants:
p,k
about as in English but with less aspiration
h,l,m,n
about as in English
w
after i and e, usually a lax v; after u and o, usually like w; after a or initially, like w or v
a glottal stop, similar to the sound between the oh's in English and oh-oh
Vowels:
Unstressed:
a
like a in above
e
like e in bet
I
like y in city
0
like o in sole
u
like oo in moon
Stressed:
like a in far
a
like ay in pay
e
like ee in see
I
0
like o in sole
like oo in moon
u
GLOSSARY
ahupua'a
'iilna
ea
ho'oklpa
kama'aina
kiinaka
kaona
kapu
kumu
kupuna
mahele
makal
malama
mauka
moku
noa
'oplo
pono
wao akua
wao kanaka
A land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea.
Land, earth.
Sovereignty, rule, independence.
To invite, a welcoming.
Native-born, one born in a place.
Hawaiian; human being, man, person, individual.
Hidden meaning.
Taboo, prohibttion, sacredness, consecrated.
Teacher; foundation.
Ancestor, grand parent.
The division of land in 1849 to Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians, and the beginning of
private land titles.
Oceanside.
To take care of, tend, care for, preserve, protect, save, maintain.
Mountainside.
A land division, island, district.
Freed of taboo, released from restrictions, profane.
Youth, juvenile.
Goodness, correct, proper, righteous.
A distant mountain region, believed inhabited only by spirits (akua); wilderness.
An inland region, below the wao akua, where people may live or occasionally frequent.
'E mau ke ea o ka'aina I ka pono. •
Hawaii's state motto, officially translated: 'The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
3-1
Appendix 4
HAWAII TROPICAL FOREST RECOVERY ACT
Matrix of Current or Potentially Involved Agencies and Organizations
Currently or Potentially Involved Agencies and Organizations
working
Relations
Tradition
Local Uae
Stewardship
Incentive
Education
Training
Research
Plan/lnven
Monitoring
Economic
Develop
Funding
CB,IO
TU
IS,U,F,RF.ESA
H,T
ET
RED.TC
MP,IM
CF
w.cs.G
RF,ESA
H,T,
ET
RED.TC
MP,IM
CF
cs.G
IS,ESA
H.
ET
RED,TC
MP,IM
U,F
T
Private
Landowners
Industry
Assoc.
Conservation
Groups
WR,IO
Counties
WR,IO
State
DBEDT
DLNR
DOA
DOE
DOH
DOT
HHL
OHA
UofH
10
WR,IO
10
10
WR
WR
WR,IO
WR,IO
10
Federal
USDA
USDI
DOD
CB,IO
10
WR,IO
TU
TU
IS,U,F,RF,ESA
IS
T
H,T
ET
RED,TC
!
-
W,G
MP.IM
CF
w
MP,IM
CF
CF
CF
CS,G
W,CS
W,CS
G
ET
TU
TU
TU
TU
IM
IM
IS,RF
IS,U
ET
RED,TC
IM
CF
IS,U,F,RF
IS,F,RF
IS,RF
ET
ET
RED.TC
RED,TC
MP,IM
MP,IM
MP,IM
CF
G
--~
Acronyms: OBEDT•Depart of Buolno... Econ Develop, & Tourlom; OLNR=Depart of Lend & Natural Roooureoo: OOA=Dept of Agrie; OOE=Dept of Edue; OOH=Dept of HeaHh; OOT=Dept
of Transportation; HHL=Oept of Hawaiian Home Lande; OHA=Office of Hawaiian Affairs; U of H=Univ of Hawaii; USDA=US Dept of Agric; USDI•US Dept of Interior; OOD=US Dept of Defense
Recommendations: WR=Working Relationships; IQ,..Info Office; TU=Trad and Local Usee; H=RighHo-Harvest; ESA=End. Spec, Act T=Taxes; ET=Educ and Training; RED• Research,
Exper and Demo Forests; TC.,..Center for Tropical Foreate; MP•Mgmt Plana; IM•Inventorin & Monitoring; IS•Intro Species; U•Urban and Rural Foreets; F=Fire Mgmt; RF..,Reforestation;
CF=Susta!nable Commercial Foresta; W=Wate,..hed Mgmt Program; CS•Carbon Sequestration; G=Granta Program.
f'
~